Willamere at Home: Meet Kim and Tess Donelon
Kim and Tess Donelon (@momentscookbook) share their passion for cooking, traveling, and savoring life’s everyday joys. Based in NYC and Cleveland, this mother-daughter duo comes together at their beach house just outside of Charleston—a special retreat where they cook, unwind, and embrace the rhythm of the seasons. Their website blog and Youtube channel is a heartfelt collection of tried and true recipes, thoughtful traditions, and moments that celebrate change of the seasons. In this feature, we’re sharing more about Kim and Tess’s approach to slow living, their favorite recipes, and their go-to tips for thoughtful hosting.
How would you describe your interior design style?
"Classic, timeless (that might be the same word, haha!), and welcoming. We really emphasize being surrounded by things that have meaning to us -- whether that's useful or beautiful."
What are your favorite flowers to use in floral arrangements?
"Year round, we gravitate toward tulips. Depending on the season, we pick a different color/shade to feature, but in the summer, that time is reserved for periwinkle hydrangeas!"
What is something small that brings you joy right now?
"Candles, always! As the seasons change, it's so exciting for us to usher in the mood of the next time of year with our favorite scents. And yes, we have a candle for each micro-season too, and practically each month. We love them!"
What is your go-to meal?
"It has to be our cacio e pepe recipe! We believe in satisfying recipes that are equally as simplistic as they are interesting. Our cacio e pepe recipe ticks all of those boxes (plus only takes five ingredients and minutes to whip together!).
12 ounces pappardelle, linguine or spaghetti *use GF if necessary!
6 tablespoons good, unsalted butter *like Plugra
2 teaspoons coarsely cracked black pepper
1 cup finely gated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano
1 cup reserved pasta water
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the pepper and cook, swirling the pan, until it begins to sizzle, about 1 minute. Set aside.
When the pasta is al dente, use tongs to transfer it to the frying pan and place the pan over low heat. Add Parmigiano and 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to the frying pan and, with tongs, immediately toss the pasta until the cheese melts; you want to keep everything moving so the cheese doesn't sink to the bottom of the pan and start clumping. If a film of cheese begins to form on the bottom of the pan, reduce the heat and continue tossing. Add more pasta cooking water as necessary; the sauce should be creamy and emulsified and coat each strand of the pasta. Remove from the heat, stir in Pecorino, and toss to coat. Transfer to bowls and serve hot."
What is your idea of a perfect evening?
"If you haven't caught on yet, we LOVE the seasons. And with that being said, our perfect day revolves around the best that time of year has to offer. At the foundation of our perfect day or evening, though, is always cooking together. So whether it's summertime and we're grabbing ingredients from the farmers market, or ideating over recipe options with a glass of wine and falling leaves in autumn -- it's all about enjoying the present moment and then finishing it off with a good meal made together!"
Who inspires you?
"Nancy Meyers and Ralph Lauren, for sure. Both parties do it all -- in interiors, films, and lifestyles. Everything is effortless, chic, and incredibly intentional. All things we aspire to be!"
Do you have any hosting tips?
"Make as much ahead as you can, so you can enjoy the gathering too! Being present as the host/hostess is the best gift you can give yourself (and your guests!), and planning ahead with prepped dishes and simple construction day-of is key. From there, making people feel welcome is simple! Be attentive, engaged, and try to make the space feel special. Refill glasses, have a cheese board out for nibbling, and set a simple table. Your guests knowing that you're prepared for them is welcome enough!"
What are your favorite Willamere pieces?
"We're obsessed with Willamere's table linens, because they're all so beautifully made and allow us to set a gorgeous table with the perfect final touches!"
Kim and Tess's love for seasonal living, meaningful traditions, and warm hospitality is a beautiful reflection of what we value most at Willamere. We hope their story inspires you to slow down, savor the season, and create lasting memories with the ones you love.
Want to bring a touch of Kim and Tess's style into your own home? Shop their favorite Willamere pieces!
Shop Water Hyacinth Napkin Rings
