This dish I picked up about a year ago at a junk shop on my way back from work. It wasn't my usual route, so finding the place was one of those happy accidents New York is known for. I remember the faux bois handle on a bottom shelf way in the back, peaking out from a stack of dusty platters.
I really do love a leaf design for fall entertaining, and the pressed pattern on this dish is especially beautiful and organic. I believe it's from the late 19th century with unusual markings.
For a fall cocktail party, I imagine hors d'oeuvres in the library, a roaring fire and a platter of beautiful chestnuts, scored and roasted, ready for guests to peel. It would also be perfect for serving one of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, brussels sprouts and lardons (a delicious diced bacon) with caramelized onions and walnuts.
Dude, either you have the best thrifting kharma EVER. Or you attend the best sales. Or both. Will keep checking back.
Posted by: kristen verity | September 23, 2008 at 10:43 PM
I'm so glad Martha featured you and your blog on the show. I had no idea it existed and this is the kind of stuff I totally love! Fun.
Posted by: Mars | September 23, 2008 at 02:58 AM
It all sounds so lovely! Love the dish.
Posted by: Carolina Eclectic | September 23, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Eddie, you really just have the prettiest things! With all this talk of parties, do you have an original spin on the host/hostess gift?
Posted by: Keri | September 22, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Eddie, I love the dish. Can I please come to your house for Thanksgiving? I love brussel sprouts but I'm the only one so I don't fix them. I usually prepare them later with leftovers which is still nice.
Posted by: Judy | September 22, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Well, I just searched on ebay hoping I could come up with one too. No such luck! Good find!
And your brussel sprouts and chestnuts sound spectacular. When's the party? : )
Posted by: Kimberly | September 22, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Eddie, you're my favorite on "Top Design" and then I saw a reference to your blog and now I'm hooked. I love your creativity on re-using found items in different ways. I recently moved to the Denver area and visited the antiques district and wasn't too impressed but now I think I have to go back with my "Eddie goggles" on and re-think a couple of items.
Posted by: lecaro | September 22, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Eddie I adore you, your style is just what I love. Finding your blog has made my day.Thank you for blogging.
Posted by: Wes | September 22, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Eddie, darling, what a treat, stop in for a quick peak at the dish and find you've provided inspiration for an entire bedroom overhall and holiday entertaining. If I didn't have a long list of favorites and friends, you'd be my one-spot-blog-stop.
Posted by: Mrs. Blandings | September 22, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Good gravy...that is gorgeous! I really need to do mountains of laundry today...but a treasure hunt is at the forefront of my mind...thanks to you. :)
Posted by: sarahwhite | September 22, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Lardons? Oh...you must mean bacon!
Posted by: Content in a Cottage | September 22, 2008 at 09:20 AM
I love this dish, what a find: I haven't seen one like it before! Brussell sprouts are one of my new favorite things I've found after thinking I didn't like them since childhood!
Posted by: architectdesign | September 22, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Ross, I love your blog and hope you will not mind I borrowed one of your photos for my blog entry.
Thank You
Posted by: Viera | September 22, 2008 at 08:26 AM