A Pop-Up at the Heart of Americana: SumnerEdit at Hotel del Coronado

Reflections from our July trunk show at the quintessential American landmark

Earlier this month, we packed up the pieces that make SumnerEdit shine — scalloped placemats, joyful coasters, and color-drenched entertaining accessories — and headed west for a pop-up show like no other. The setting? The iconic Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, where we set up shop along the boardwalk with the Pacific glittering behind us and the hotel’s legendary red turret framing the view ahead.

It felt like stepping into a postcard — one that celebrates both the enduring charm of American design and the spirit of connection that defines SumnerEdit. As we welcomed guests and fellow travelers into our world of tablescapes and textile details, we were reminded that every gathering tells a story, and some places make those stories even richer.

A Landmark Steeped in American Spirit

I spent some time researching the legacy behind the crown jewel of San Diego that is the Del. 

Built in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado is more than just a luxurious beachfront resort — it’s a cornerstone of California history and a symbol of timeless Americana. Originally designed by Elisha Babcock and Hampton Story (and later brought to life by architects James and Watson Reid), the hotel was a vision of grandeur from the beginning: Queen Anne Victorian architecture, tropical gardens hand-planted by famed horticulturist Kate Sessions, and even its own railway line pulling up to the front steps.

Guests arrived from all over the country in the late 19th century, thanks to the completion of the transcontinental railroad, and found themselves in a tent city along the strand — an early form of glamping that made the Del a true destination. The hotel quickly became a cultural landmark, hosting presidents, inventors, and Hollywood royalty alike: Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, Thomas Edison, Katherine Hepburn, and even scenes from Some Like It Hot were filmed here.

A Place That Reflects Our Mission

At SumnerEdit, we believe that entertaining is an invitation — to pause, to gather, and to create meaningful moments through color, comfort, and creativity. Whether it's setting the table for a Fourth of July dinner or pulling together a cheerful beach picnic, our mission is rooted in connection.

So to pop up at the Del — during July, no less — felt especially fitting. This is a month when we reflect on American heritage and the joy of being together. The Del isn’t just a historic property; it’s a place where generations have come to celebrate, to rest, and to play — values that align beautifully with our own.

Our trunk show felt like a tribute to that ethos. As passersby stopped to touch the linen textures or ask about our ice cream scoops, we had conversations not just about product — but about gathering. What makes a home feel festive? What turns a meal into a memory? What stories do our tabletops tell?

Behind the Scenes: Pop-Up Highlights

• Location: Right on the boardwalk with tropical palms and a salty breeze

• Visitors: Hotel guests, locals, beachgoers — all soaking in the summer spirit

• Most Meaningful Moment: Watching someone pick out a hostess gift and say, “This feels like summer in a box.”