About TKW
Hi there. My name is Ted, and I write this blog.I live in Seattle with my partner of almost 24 years. We live in the city during the week, in a 1929 building called The Gainsborough, and on Vashon Island on the week-ends, in a little house on the water, set in the woods, we have dubbed WestWard because it faces West and we both moved out West, so we found the name fitting. Plus I love the preppiness and Old World-ness of naming a house, as it seems like houses should have names too. Several years ago we bought 10 stunning acres in the Hudson River Valley, and have been in the process ever since of dreaming & scheming & designing our home from the ground up. It has been a very fun process from the moment we thought of living there part-time, and one day soon our house, named EastView, will be built. And how dare I forget, we do all of the above with our beloved pooch, Bailey.
I am the owner of the retail shops and web site, Watson Kennedy. I feel fortunate every day that I get to do what I do. Owning retail shops allows me to travel, design, display, and work with cool people, both those that work for me, and those that are my customers. We have amazing customers from around the globe. The last few years I have sent out a monthly e-mailer to our mailing list, and the response to it has been amazing. It really has been the catalyst to me starting this blog. I love sharing ideas with folks, so this allows me to do it on a more frequent basis. Plus, working retail, for those of you who never have, can throw at you some pretty funny/wacky experiences. Some are just outright funny, and others are really almost hard to believe. For those of you who know me, you know a sense of humor & laughter is something I value tremendously. Well, believe me, some of my retail world experiences will bring a smile to your face, or just leave you shaking your head in disbelief. I hope to share some of those stories with you.
I love design, making guests feel comfortable, cooking a lovely meal, giving a great gift. Please join me on my journey. I think we will have a fun trip together!
Best, always,
Ted Kennedy Watson
Hi Ted,
I was just introduced to your site and newsletter by a friend, Kristine Alana, who has a shop in Sonoma, CA (Kingston Ellis). I just have to say that I look forward to your emails and love your taste and sensibility. You’re FABULOUS!!
All the best,
Carol Spence
Hi Carol. You are so sweet! Merci, merci for the lovely compliments. All my best back to you, and thanks for reading, Ted
Ted,
Two questions: Did you teach tennis at Thprd and can you help me find a zig zag wine opener before Christmas?
I hope both are true.
Hi Deb. Yes to both! Give me a call after 11 today at the shop, 206.652.8350 and I can ring you up for a ZigZag. Best, Ted
To my dear baby brother who I love and adore, I am extremely proud of you and all of your accomplishments. Love reading your blog! Keep up your hard work and know your family is so proud of you. God bless you and your family always! Lovingly, Kathy
Dear Ted,
My sister Brooke always raved about your stores and when I came to visit her in Seattle she knew how much I would love your stores. She knows how much I appreciate beautiful and unique things for gifts and my home. Watson Kennedy is always at the top of my list when visiting her in Seattle. I never leave Seattle without visiting your fabulous stores and buying a unique and very special keepsake for our home. Thank you for making the world a better place. You truly have a Gift in all that you do.
All the best,
Heather H. Schuchert
Hi Heather. Soooo sweet and kind of you to write the kind words! I love seeing you and your Mom on your Seattle visits. Very, very happy you enjoy it all. Bestest, Ted
p.s. Brooke needs to make us all a fad dinner when she gets back from passing her Paris exams and you both are up on your next visit!
Hi Ted!
My sister and I spent a week in Seattle (plus 3 extra days in Tacoma, stranded by Sandy), and had the good
fortune of visiting your store. We actually found it by accident and I am still high from the experience.
What an amazing collection of so many things that you have displayed so perfectly. I wish you were in
my town, (Gloucester, MA.) so that I could come and be inspired every day. What a gift you have for buying and
merchandising your products. I wanted everything in your store but alas, my suitcase only allowed for two tiny books: “I could pee on this.” (I bought 2 of them!) I hope you will consider Boston for one of your store locations.
Newbury Street or Charles Street would be the perfect address for WatsonKennedy! Now that I have found you, I will be a WatsonKennedy groupie and follow your blog religiously! xxooLG
Hi Leslie. That comment just made my day! So happy you enjoyed the experience of being in the shops. I hope you had a safe trip back home. Thanks for checking into the blog too–I think you will like it, much like you did being in the shops. xoxo back, Ted
Thank you to my co-worker Janeen for turning me on to your site. I sent your rosemary candle to my sister in Florida and now we are in touch again.
Looking forward to reaching out to more friends with a token of love from TKW:)
Tricia–I love that some part of WK has in some small way helped to rekindled your relationship with your sister. Thank you so much for sharing that with me. So happy you are enjoying the blog and the shops! Best, always, Ted
Found your website and wonderful blog yesterday due to the comment about y’all on the Facebook page for Cross Roads Food Shop in Hillsdale. I found Cross Roads via the feature in Martha Stewart Living. I have enjoyed catching up on your past posts and look forward to your future posts. Hope to see lots of updates about your home in Hillsdale. Love that area – seems like a wonderful place. Fredericksburg, Texas is home right now but I would move there tomorrow if I could. And maybe eventually I will! Thank you for your lovely blog and all the ideas – I am excited to try out many of your recipes and ideas in addition to trying the wines you suggest. As an animal lover and rescue volunteer, I am especially thrilled to learn about Three Legged Red. I enjoy spending money on companies that are run by good people. You have many wonderful products on your site and I know I will be ordering soon. Blessings to you and yours. xxxx
Hi Julee! Thank you so much for the lovely comments. So glad you found the blog from the Crossroads Facebook page–how cool. It really is a fab place to dine. And yes, our beloved Hillsdale is a must stop next time you are in the area. Merci for following the daily blog posts. xxxx back, Ted
Please sign me up for your e mails…thanks, you’ve been recommended by Janeen Mount more than once! And I love Los Olivos too, my brother and sister in law live there…charming!
Hi Holly. Welcome! All signed up. You should receive the daily post each day. Please let me know if you don’t start receiving it. Best, Ted