“It's a tartan wonderland and a cozy, cheeky, home-like backdrop for my new furniture and accessories,” said interior designer Celerie Kemble who, along with her longtime friend, event designer Bronson van Wyck, have festooned the ground floor of an Upper East Side townhouse as a one-of-a-kind retail space featuring holiday gift and home items.
Celerie Kemble and Bronson van Wyck
Inventory includes furniture and giftable accessories from Kemble’s collections with Henredon and Maitland-Smith; her custom wool and natural fiber rugs from Merida; and her hand-finished wallcoverings by Schumacher. It also includes vintage ornaments, barware and accessories, serving pieces, lighting, mirrors, wall hangings and furniture, all of which have been curated and selected by van Wyck.
The shop is designed to feel like an old world private residence, and shoppers may purchase the entire contents of the rooms—from Kemble’s fully-stocked bar cart with vintage glassware and Arrowhead Farms cocktail mixes to a holiday dining room elegantly dressed for Christmas dinner.
One of the most festive offerings at the Holiday Workshop is a selection of Christmas Trees, each of which has been fully decorated by van Wyck and can be delivered and installed within the New York metro area. Each tree has a distinct style: from the Raise the Blue Lantern, featuring thousands of blue and white lights and Chinoiserie vases, blue jays in flight and coral Manzanita branches; or the Two Turtle Doves Tree, showcasing handmade white birds, handpicked ornaments and feathers. A portion of the proceeds from the Christmas trees will benefit the East Harlem School.
“Bronson and I have been best friends since high school and have never had the opportunity to work on something together,” said Kemble. “Merging my furniture and accessory lines with his provisions and Christmas design sounded like a whole lot of fun. There's no one whose creative eye and business integrity I trust as much as Bronson’s. That's how a crazy idea turns into a pop up explosion!”
“We wanted to create an experience that felt like coming home. The music is on, the cocktails are flowing and the trees are glowing. It’s a place to cozy up for drink, discover one-of-a-kind finds from all over the world and experience all the merriment the holidays have to offer. My hope is that people leave inspired to embrace the season for what makes it special—entertaining and celebrating with friends and family,” said van Wyck.
The Workshop is at 19 East 75th Street, between Madison and 5th Ave, and will be open for the remainder of the holiday season. Products are also available for purchase online or by calling 212-861-6160.
