Image by Kathryn McCrary
In case you do not already know the fabulous Mandy Kellogg Rye, please allow us to introduce you! Mandy is the Founder and Creative Director of the Waiting on Martha brand. Mandy, a Michigan native, is an editorial and interior stylist who has worked with top brands such as Kate Spade, Beholdn, Gap, Old Navy and Pottery Barn, and that’s just naming a few. Her styling work has been featured in Domaine Home, Harper’s Bazaar and House Beautiful, and her blog was recently named one of the top entertaining blogs by Better Homes and Gardens.
Mandy founded Waiting on Martha after a move to Chicago, a city that inspired her to have a creative outlet where she could share her love of Martha Stewart, food, wine and party planning. After her blog took off, she opened up a Waiting on Martha storefront in Atlanta. When she is not working, she can be found with her husband, as well as their King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Addison, in Atlanta who inspired her tastemaker collection.
Keep scrolling for some of Mandy’s incredible styling work as well as some of our favorite products from her store!
Source:: Waiting on Martha
Below shop a few of our favorite things from Mandy’s store that are perfect for the holidays or your desk:
Kate Spade Acrylic Tortoise Pen Cup
Mandy’s Portfolio Photography:: Rustic White Interiors unless otherwise noted
Product Images from:: Waiting on Martha Shop
Mandy’s Tastemaker Collection
Dixie artist Inslee Fariss teamed up with Mandy to bring you a fun-loving Cavalier King Charles Spaniel holiday collection inspired by none other than Mandy’s beloved dog, Addison! Knowing Mandy’s quirky sense of humor and style, Inslee was inspired to paint Addison enjoying all the fun events of the holidays, from toasting champagne to skiing the slopes of Vermont and, of course, waiting under the mistletoe for a kiss. This collection is sure to bring joy to you and friends this holiday season. Click the collection image below to shop. And you can shop this adorable design in gift wrap as well!
And to get to know Mandy a little bit better, be sure to continue reading for our Q & A chat with her below!
Favorite Holiday Tradition:
There are so many, but the holiday tradition that has stood the test of time is Secret Santa. When I was younger my father would wrap gifts for everyone in our family, including himself, in this stunning, often extravagant matching paper. When I was younger those gifts were the first to be placed under the tree, arriving on Christmas Eve. Now that we’ve grown they’re the last gifts brought out and possibly the ones we look forward to most.
Dream Dinner Party Guests:
Jesus, Oprah, Gwyneth Paltrow, Misty Copeland, Jimmy Fallon, The Obamas, Prince Harry, Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon, J.K. Rowling, Trevor Noah, Al Gore, Richard Branson, and my husband.
Favorite Last Minute Holiday Gift Idea:
food gift baskets. Who doesn’t love a great gourmet food basket you can easily make themed: pizza, cocktail, cheese, wine, etc.
Most memorable read:
The Harry Potter Series
Favorite Atlanta eatery:
Superica, Houstons, Sotto Sotto, Pasta Da Pulcinella, KR Steak Bar, Chick-fil-A
What inspires you most?
Getting very quiet, and being in a space I can breathe. Usually that means escaping the city and heading either to the mountains or to the Bahamas.
Prized Possession:
My King Charles Cavalier Addison, while she’s not a possession she’s who/what I would always rescue first if there was a fire.
Most sentimental Christmas tree trimming:
Every Christmas growing up was very sentimental. My parents loved the holiday and passed that love down to me. Growing up however, we had two different Christmas trees. The tree in the living room which was my mother’s pride and joy. Every ornament matched, ribbons were carefully run up and over every branch, and well the tree topper was definitely the
Go-to hostess gift:
A great bottle of wine wrapped in a Le Jacquard kitchen towel
Hidden Talent:
Honestly, I don’t think I have one. Any of my talents I’m pretty loud and proud about, ha!
Starbucks Order:
Fair warning, I am that annoying Starbucks ordering person. Venti extra shot caramel macchiato with almond milk, hot and a venti unsweetened iced green tea, no ice.
What did you dream of being when you were a kid?
So many things; lawyer, ballerina, president, store owner…literally everything at some point or the other.
What is your number one tool of the trade?
Authenticity. This may not seem like your typical “tool” but I can stand here today and say throughout my entire journey I’ve always been completely who I am, no apologies. And there’s no better feeling then living your most authentic, honest, life.