An Evening of Style with Carson Kressley at Ballard Designs in Solana Beach
Recently, California's Solana Beach served as the vibrant backdrop for a lively event hosted by Ballard Designs, the popular furniture and décor retailer. Fans of the brand gathered at their latest store in Cedros Avenue design district to celebrate the successful collaboration between Ballard and the Breeders' Cup, which took place at the Del Mar Racetrack. This gala evening was enhanced by the presence of TV personality Carson Kressley, well-known for his flair in home design and holiday gatherings.
Carson Kressley, who also acted as a Breeders' Cup Ambassador, led the festivities with a mesmerizing presentation on creating stylish holiday bars. Guests were treated to his distinctive take on classic cocktails, including a refreshing California Mint Julep, perfectly tailored to complement the horse racing theme of the evening. As the attendees savored local wines and delicious hors d'oeuvres, Kressley's lively engagement added a fashionable twist to the atmosphere.
Expressing his excitement, Kressley shared, "I love horse racing, Ballard Designs, and entertaining friends, so it was really a magical evening celebrating all of my favorite things." The charm of the event was further amplified by the announcement of a special collaboration between Kressley and Ballard Designs. During the evening, President Karen Mooney announced the upcoming launch of an exclusive line of décor inspired by Kressley's love of equestrian aesthetics, set to debut in the brand's 2026 product line.
The collaboration is not entirely new; over the past two years, Kressley has partnered with Ballard Designs on various design projects for events, including the Trophy Lounge and festive breakfast settings for prior Breeders' Cup events. Mooney emphasized the seamless blending of Kressley’s vibrant designs with the essence of Ballard Designs, stating, "It was a natural fit to collaborate with Carson on this new product line that reflects our shared passion for quality design and the equestrian spirit."
As the evening progressed, social media influencers were also in attendance, with notable personalities like Catherine Pla from @chouquettekitchen sharing chats about chic décor, specifically a stunning French country three-layer cake dome that Kressley admires and is available at Ballard Designs. The evening culminated with undeniable energy and excitement, showcasing not only the beauty of the new store but also the synergy between Kressley and Ballard.
Ballard Designs has been a pioneering force in offering unique home furnishings and décor since 1982, curating styles inspired by global trends in fashion and design. As part of the Qurate Retail Group, which includes channels like QVC and HSN, the brand is committed to innovation and customer-centric design, continually striving to mesh elegance with functionality.
With events like this, Ballard Designs, along with Carson Kressley, makes a significant mark in the design industry, keeping fans and patrons engaged and excited for future arrivals and collaborations. Stay tuned for the upcoming equestrian-inspired collection, as the excitement with Ballard Designs and Kressley only continues to grow!