Tips from Eddie Ross's WOW Party

Spending the day helping out at Debra's house with Eddie and Jaithan was the equivalent of a crash course in party planning - but the WOW kind (without work) I learned so much and had such fun to boot! (is that still a saying?) Here's Jaithan carrying out a standing dolphin sculpture that would become the central focal point for the buffet table at the Dunham Riding Club.
Eddie used unexpected pieces at varying heights to create an interesting backdrop. The dolphin was elevated on a pedestal and attention was given to a symmetrical arrangement on either side. It was great fun to watch Eddie create the tablescape and I noticed how willing he was to try something one way and then make changes until the look was just right.
Hosta leaves picked and washed that morning were layered over the tablecloth and serving pieces to create a lush setting for the food.
You'll notice there's not one platter of food in this spread. Bread sticks are arranged in a faux bois planter, grapes spill from the sculpture and cheeses rest upon overturned garden planters. Also, all the different types of food are evenly distributed throughout the table preventing the need to line up at one end and proceed down. Plates were located throughout and the whole arrangement made for easy access for the 100+ guests.
This was my first introduction to purple cauliflower - so eye pleasing.
The WOW evening included a slide presentation and a demonstration followed by Q & A. I walked away with a ton of practical tips, a renewed enthusiasm for entertaining and the fondest memories of a day behind-the scenes with great people, including all of Debra's friends from Scentimental Gardens.

I know Eddie will be posting all the details from this event in the near future so be sure to watch for that. Chicago week continues - next post will be about Debra's 2 beautiful design stores.

(garden pieces featured are by Richard Taylor)

WOW - Still Recovering from Chicago!

Back from two terrific events in Chicago - Eddie Ross's WOW event and the opening night party for Debra Phillips new store, SG Grand. Here I am with concrete artist Richard Taylor and Eddie enjoying all the fun. My camera is loaded with interior design & party planning eye candy but my day job is calling. ..more to come later today!
Richard with Debra Phillips
Designer and Material Girl's blogger Julia Edelmann of Buckingham Interiors + Design LLC with Eddie. Julia also has opened a terrific new store next to Debra's - more on that later too.
Me with designer and blogger Marija Stephens of Holding Court - so fun!

Off to Chicago to See Eddie, Jaithan & Debra

I'm in Chicago for business this week and am combining it with two terrific events - a WOW party with Eddie Ross and the grand opening of Debra of 5th and State's second store. All the details are here. I'm really looking forward to it and I'd write more if I wasn't blogging from the Apple store on Michigan Ave! (Don't like lugging a laptop but it might be time to get an ipad...)

Big Window Challenge = Eddie Ross Room Love

Hip, layered and fearless, Eddie Ross's design for Elle Decor's entry in the Big Window Challenge is a joyful celebration of the power of a room to make you feel happy and optimistic! Why play it safe when you can envelop a room in a vibrant blue splattered print and ground it with beautiful blue ceilings, moldings and faux bois floors. Echoing Elle Decor's panache for classic design with signature flair, Eddie's elegant room would be the perfect backdrop for a lively cocktail party or a quiet night at home.
Clean lined, upholstered furniture balance curved, vintage pieces that are warmed up with gilded bronze metal finishes. Love, love the chandelier.Shoes off + a pile of magazines + a blanket = Eddie's got my number!
The room is filled with original twists - check out these oversized pink patterned oval pillows.
If you read this blog, you know I'm a big fan of Eddie Ross. I'm also a big fan of this room and hope you'll take the time to check out Bloomingdale's Big Window Challenge HERE and cast your vote. You can vote through January 28th. Hope you'll join me in voting for the Eddie Ross room!

Images above: Addie Juell (via La Dolce Vita)

Image source Kristy May

Calling Design Bloggers Whose "Day Job" is Different!

The other day I was visiting a wonderful blog for the first time, Boxwood Terrace, and was really impressed by her post, Virtual Renovation: A Small French Country Kitchen. (see the image above) Then I noticed in the About Me section the following, "Although my days are spent in the corporate world, I would like to create and share beautiful things with others." I could really identify with that.

It started me thinking, "How many bloggers out there are working in an entirely different field but expressing their passion for interior design by blogging?" So, this post is a shout out for bloggers who love interior design but whose work is in an entirely different field to let us know more about you and what motivates you.

Leave a comment with a link - tell us about your "day job", your passion for design and any plans/dreams you have for the future when it comes to design, even it it's just to keep blogging! After a week or so, I'll do a summary post capturing all the blogs and their links. Looking forward to hearing from you!


And since tomorrow is Halloween...

if you haven't already seen Eddie Ross's HGTV Halloween Block Party it's airing one more time, tonight Oct. 30th, 6 pm/5 c. Happy Halloween!

A Simple Gray & Yellow Table

This is my first time participating in Tablescape Thursday and I was inspired by my recent purchase of these two vintage tablecloths while on the Eddie Ross flea market tour. However, both were rectangular and neither one was the right size for my round table. Problem solved when they are layered, one crossing over the over and each one making up for the "short side" of the other. Yeah!
The top tablecloth is the Fantasia pattern from the 70's. To tie in with the gray in the pattern, I was able to use the light gray napkins my late elderly neighbor, Mrs. L, gave me. This table is set for three - I only wish I could run next door to invite Mr. and Mrs. L over for lunch. At first I tried a floral centerpiece, but instead settled on pears in a vintage aluminum footed bowl.
The glassware is from my Mom - purchase in Bermuda in 1961.
Here are the lovely Creative Candles that were a gift from Eddie and Jaithan. Two sets of matching candlesticks create four different heights with these 12" and 18" tapers. They're Paris Gray and are more gray than they appear in this photo.

Love small bouquets - this one is made from last Friday's white flowers w/cuttings from a butterfly bush and a shrub.
After setting this table and lighting the candles, I thought to myself, "I should do this more often!" For links to more tablescapes, be sure to head over to Between Naps on the Porch for the 57th Tablescape Thursday!

Flea Market Finds & Tips with Eddie Ross

Go on a flea market tour with Eddie Ross and you'll never see things the same way. Case in point: we got there early before the tour started and I didn't "see" much. Actually felt a bit disappointed. Then started the 2 hour tour with Eddie and realized all the hidden treasures and deals that were there. (plus had a lot of fun!)

Eddie and Jaithan scope out the flea market ahead of time in order to bring to life all his ideas and tips. Here we are at one dealer's booth where Eddie spotted these mauve velvet slipper chairs. To transform this $450 pair, Eddie suggested:
- Remove the skirt and the button tufting
- Reupholster in linen. Consider making your own custom striping with 2 colors of linen, broad stripes on either side.
- Add polished nickel casters to the legs. That suggestion was unexpected and I think really takes those chairs to a very high end.

In addition to tips on what to look for in terms of markings on china and silver, Eddie gave helpful advice on how to spruce up and care for your purchases. Eddie recommends:

- Gorham silver polish. Remember not to polish out all the patina in the relief.

- Don't put silver and stainless steel into the dishwasher at the same time. It will damage the silver.

- A small dab of Lestoil can work wonders on stubborn stains. Just don't use too much as the smell is strong.

- For painting furniture, use Zinsser primer to block out all stains.

Eddie also differentiated between options for higher end items versus lower end items. For example, for these high quality vintage broaches he suggests shadow box framing them for a custom piece of art. A few stalls later we came across bags and bags of lower end vintage jewelry - those can broken apart and used for magnets and decorative accents. Other great ideas:

- If you love a "onesie" buy it! Eddie recently fell in love with one glass and bought it. A few weeks later he found 5 more in the same pattern.

- Upgrade common mats you may find vintage artwork or prints in with linen and spray adhesive.

- Always look at the vintage clothing booths for great fabrics that can be used to make a one-of-a-kind pillow or for upholstery. A plaid wool or tweed coat can transform an accent chair. A brocade top becomes an awesome pillow.

Here's Meg of Pigtown Design and Jennifer Sergent of Washington Spaces checking out feedback sacks. Jennifer scored 3 great ones for only $10 total!

I love vintage linens and was thrilled to go back after the tour and find the $40 London Map linen table cloth Eddie had showed us there still available. Eddie's suggestion - find a way to keep this treasure in view. For example it could be used as wall decor in a child's bedroom or playroom.
The detail is great. How cute is that - You Are Here - The Westbury!


Green linen napkins, $1 a piece, 6 blue napkins w/a Made in Belgium label $15, 6 monogrammed yellow napkins $15. Keep in mind Eddie's advice - don't worry if they're not your initials.
I'm very excited about these 2 tablecloths. The one to the left is cotton with a raised white design $15 and the Fantasia permanent press golden yellow and gray one was $15. (All these linens came from the nicest dealer, Debra Morman of Back In Time Antiques. You can find her beautifully laundered and pressed linens at Old Town Manassas Antiques (703.361.4510) andTwo Guys Antiques (703.221.9669).
I've got plans to set a table using both of these and the gorgeous Paris Gray Creative Candles that Eddie and Jaithan gave me. It was a really fun day at the D.C. Big Flea!!

Eddie Ross & Jaithan Kochar - So Much FUN!!

I hope you like gushing - because I'm smitten with Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar! In the end, the success of a party is really all about the guests and I had the fortune of having the most wonderful group of people come to this party. If graciousness is the art of making others feel comfortable and valued then Eddie and Jaithan are the embodiment of the word! Here's Eddie autographing my July 09 copy of Style at Home. The tag line for the article: "Move over Madonna! Meet Eddie Ross - the King of Reinvention" - click here to read more.
I think I'll frame this picture of Eddie & I along side my autographed magazine copy!
Leila of In the Tweeds and her lovely mom. I think her blog name is so creative! (In the background are my new linen curtains from I Dream of Drapery - I'll be doing a whole post on this wonderful company out of Georgia.)
Bob of Homer's Odd Isn't He ,with his lovely guest to the left, and Linda of Haven on Hanover. Bob's blog is the go-to blog for a behind-the-scenes look into auctions and Linda is a designer renovating her historic home in the Fan Distric of Richmond.
The ever stylish Jen of Department of the Interior and the guest who traveled the farthest - Terri of Wind Lost - all the way from Calgary, Canada!! Terri and her boyfriend David were here in the States for a vacation and the timing was perfect for coming to the party. It was so great to meet her in person - she's wonderful!
Gretchen Ginnerty of Ginnerty Architects (click here to see Gretchen's amazing transformation of a 1960's split ranch) is speaking with Terri Sapienza of The Washington Post. In the background is Jennifer Sergent of Washington Spaces chatting with Eddie. I always enjoy reading Terri and Jennifer's articles on design. To the right is Scott Fazzini of Domicidal Maniac and Bob Murphy of Homer's Odd Isn't He.
Designer Anne Hardock and Gretchen Ginnerty of Dwellings by Design. A huge thank you to both all them for all their wonderful help in the last hour before the party - invaluable!
Janet of JCB and Scott of Domicidal Maniac - two talented and fun people!
Jaithan, Beth of Chinoiserie Chic & Style Redux, Lauren of Pure Style Home and Jen of Department of the Interior. How could a party go wrong when you have these guests in your kitchen?! After emailing Jaithan so many times it was great to meet him - so charming and interesting to talk with in person.
To the left, Thomas of My White Shirt - one of the nicest people you'll meet.
Gabi, Meg's sister-in-law, Anne Hardock, Meg Fairfax Fielding of Pigtown Design and Janet of JCB. I was so excited to meet Meg as she was one of the first blogs I followed. Fun, witty and super nice - everything you would expect as a reader of her blog.
More fun - did I mention that everyone wanted Terri to take a picture of them because her camera magically makes you look tan!

And I wished I had taken more pictures - I'm hoping other bloggers have their photos so I'll be able to add photos of the other bloggers. They included (if I've forgotten anybody let me know!):

Stefan of Architect Design

Annie of Bossy Color

Allison of Matters of Style

Pat of Pat's Addition - I don't have a picture of Pat but here are the incredible raspberries she brought. Homegrown, hand picked and spectacular!


And finally a HUGE THANK YOU to my husband for all his support. His Cuban roasted pork was the hit of the party - love you Danny!

Tomorrow's post - Eddie at the Flea Market: Fabulous Finds & Tips