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Entertaining is in lifestyle guru Kamaria Moore’s DNA. “Being kind by introducing folks to different experiences has always been a factor in my life,” says the Oakland, California, native. Growing up, she observed how her parents’ style of hospitality made everyone who came to their home feel welcome. “[Guests] felt comfortable, relaxed and taken care of—and that’s the essence of Moore Living.”
Based in Atlanta and inspired by her familial legacy of entertaining, the dynamic businesswoman created the Moore Living brand. Recipes, gardening and home decor ideas are all found on her website, moorelivingco.com.
And now with the release of her e-book, “Moore Living Guidebook Vol. 1,” the wife and mother is telling her story and sharing her very best entertaining tips and recipes for everyone to enjoy.
“There’s home decorating as well as organizing tips. There’s some gardening hacks and to tie it all in, it’s also about family life, helping to find balance, finding gratitude, remaining grounded,” details Moore about her book.
Moore Living is Accessible
Moore believes it’s the small touches that make the ordinary noteworthy and that living well is accessible for all—as illustrated by the bounty and usefulness found in a home garden. “I have little herb gardens everywhere; one is right outside my door, not far from my kitchen,” she shares.
No outdoor space available? No problem says Moore, who offers this gardening hack: Go to the grocery store produce section and pick up some packaged fresh herbs. “Take the herbs out of the package, rinse them off, clip the stems and put them in a mason jar with water. Sit them on your counter; if you have a counter with some nice sunlight, that’s even better,” she instructs.
“Your parsley will last for two weeks longer and if you do this with mint, basil and scallions, they will grow roots. And that’s a little garden within itself.”
Bringing the Outdoors In
Another easy way to make the most of the spring season and bring the outdoors in is to rethink the standard floral arrangement. “I have magnolia trees, and from time to time I cut small branches, put them in a vase, and have them around the house,” she says.
“Really, anything that blooms or anything that has long branches will work. Wash it off because you don’t want to bring all of the outside inside. Then experiment. Put it in water and see what it’s going to do.”
Likewise, edible flowers can play a part in your home decor and your recipes, says Moore. “Because pansies are edible, you can cut the floral petals, rinse and dry them off and then just lay them on a cake. Or if you have a cocktail and you want to spruce that up, you can place a flower in it. Or sprinkle a few of the flowers in your salad.”
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Making it About Mom
As a mom to two-year-old daughter Kayla (who graciously took her nap during this chat), the lifestyle expert knows time is a precious commodity. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, she gives these clever ways to make the day even more celebratory while keeping the planning uncomplicated and giving mothers much-needed pampering.
“I like the idea of setting up a coffee bar,” says the entertaining pro about a Mother’s Day treat. “You don’t necessarily need an espresso machine; pour-over coffee is fine. But having different flavorings—like lavender and vanilla syrups—using great mugs, having a milk frother ready, and setting out pastries helps bring the cute coffee shop home.” Moore suggests setting this up beforehand so it’s ready for mom to enjoy her day when she wakes.
A Mother’s Day brunch doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, Moore believes keeping the meal simple can garner sensational results as long as you plan ahead. “Keep in mind a cut-up fruit bowl and a nice salad and side dishes go a long way,” offers the lifestyle pro.
“People think, ‘Oh, I need to have grits and French toast and sausage and bacon.’ But you don’t need all of those things. A nice mixed green salad stretches. A side of fruit is great. You can have some croissants or break up some buttered sourdough toasts. It can be simple and still be a very elevated experience.”
“A garden activity is great,” offers Moore about a Mother’s Day experience the whole family can enjoy. “One year, my mother-in-law brought lily bulbs for me. The lily is a perennial, a flower that comes back every year. So if you plant it together, every time it blooms, you’ll always remember the experience you had as represented by this beautiful flower.”
“My mother doesn’t drink, but I have a line of godmothers that definitely love their cocktails,” says Moore. And, a cocktail/mocktail party to enhance a Mother’s Day lunch is a wonderful way to honor all the special women in our lives.
To set up, the host selects three cocktails that are easily made. Have everything ready for everyone to make their own cocktails and enjoy during lunch. You’ll need gin and lemon juice if you’re going to do a French 75 or a Tom Collins. You can even do a mimosa,” suggests Moore.
“For mocktails, I always like sparkling lemonade. You can add different syrups to it, like a mango or a raspberry. My mom loves a good mocktail.”
And, finally, whether your plans are to make reservations or to cook for Mother’s Day, Moore says a “thoughtful dinner” could be the most appreciated gift. “When I say thoughtful, it means we’re not asking mom any questions. We’re not asking mom where the salt is. We’re not asking her to help with anything,” clarifies the lifestyle pro.
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“You already know what it is that you’re going to do ahead of time. Even if you’re going to order out, that’s fine, but plate it [the food] nicely. Plate it for her as if it was at a restaurant.”
The main idea here is give mothers a chance to relax, points out Moore, “That chill time is a hot commodity right there.”
For more from Kamaria Moore, including lifestyle tips and recipes, and to order her book, “Moore Living Guidebook Vol. 1,” visit Moore Living online and be sure to follow her on Instagram.
