Robert Esterley, Marta Monahan and Lisa McDennon at Marche Moderne at South Coast Plaza

Before the holidays started in full, Lisa McDennon attended an event at South Coast Plaza’s Marché Moderne, held by Christofle and Robert Esterley, one of Orange County’s premiere interior designers.

The purpose of the event was not only to teach attendees about how to create the perfect table setting for your holiday guests, but also to instruct on the proper etiquette for social interaction.

Author Marta Monahan, whose book Your Bouquet of Beautiful Things has inspired countless readers, gave a presentation on etiquette that included the correct ways to place a glass on the table, fold your napkin in your lap, butter bread while dining, amongst other crucial tips on manners.

Lisa was fascinated by Robert’s grace as he placed the china, silver and other accessories on his display buffet table. “His movements were so smooth and full of intention, it was awesome,” remembers Lisa. “I felt like I was watching a choreographed dance!”

One of Lisa’s guests included a long-time client, who also happened to be a confirmed bachelor. During the presentations, he approached Lisa with a question. “My client had planned two parties for a special guest from out of town,” Lisa recalls. “The Christofle event reminded him that he did not own any matching china, serving bowls or plates, or even glassware or table linens! He needed my help.”

Lisa and Senior Designer Jan Smith leapt into action to create the perfect table for their client’s two parties. Don’t miss the upcoming blog about how it all turned out!

“My client’s request made me realize something,” says Lisa. “Many of my clients might not know all the ways I can help them!”

Do you need help designing your table or home for a special event? Lisa Rachelle McDennon Interior Design can help.

A display created by Robert Esterley with Christofle products

An elegant table setting by Robert Esterley

Special Room Category Entry for LRM Interior Design

September 12, 2009 — At the Coto De Caza Golf Club, a marquee hovered over the 15 beautifully set tables, set up for the event to honor the ASID Orange County chapter’s winners for the 2009 Design Awards. The 150 guests trickled in as a big-screen television scrolled through all the nominees.

Lisa Rachelle McDennon, principal of LRM Interior Design, had barely had a chance to sit down before she was up again…to receive her first award of the evening.“I was a little nervous as I arrived, but I couldn’t sit down,” recalls Lisa. “I introduced myself to a few people, and was happy to be able to speak to Wanda Bogart for a few minutes. Then I met Diane Sparacino, ASID-OCC president and Robert Esterley, of whom I’ve been a fan for some time, but never met.”

Lisa finally sat down as dinner was served, just as the first category, Living Rooms, was announced. The big screen scrolled through the nominees, and soon LRM Interior Design’s entry appeared. Diane Sparacino opened the envelope, said “And the winner is: Lisa….”

The noticeably long pause was excruciating for Lisa, but worth it all when Diane finally finished with “…McDennon!” Lisa made her way to the front to accept her award and have her photograph taken for the press.

LRM Interior Design’s second chance at an award came towards the end of the evening, in the Special Rooms category. It was announced that, since it was such a big category, it had been split up into four awards: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The Bronze winner was called out; not LRMID. The Silver winner was called out; again, not LRMID. Lisa’s fingers were crossed. The Gold winner was called out; and yes, it was Lisa McDennon!

President Diane Sparacino made a short speech about how, although she had only met Lisa a few moments before, she would like to welcome her to ASID as a new member, and congratulated her on such an auspicious start to her membership. Diane Sparacino pointed out that LRM Interior Design was the only contender to win more than one award. Lisa felt lucky to have not only won the award, but also to be personally mentioned by the president at the podium.

LRM Interior Design did not win the People’s Choice Award; that went to Wendy Ann Miller of WAM Interior Design. But overall, Lisa was not complaining at all. Since the judging for the awards was completely anonymous with independent judges from Los Angeles, candidates were judged solely on content, quality and talent, not on name or reputation. The judges were a mix of design industry professionals and professors of design.

Keep your eyes out for the December issue of Orange Coast Magazine! It will be featuring LRM Interior Design, and the other winners of the 2009 ASID Orange County Design Awards.