Things to Come - A Trip to the Flea Market to Prepare for Thanksgiving

Yesterday was definitely a brisk one here in New York City, as my good friend Elizabeth Blitzer and I headed to the flea market in Hell's Kitchen, just down the street from my apartment. For Thanksgiving this year, Elizabeth is hosting about twenty people at her place in the West Village. It's going to be a great mix of family and friends, many of whom will be traveling from New Orleans, so she definitely wants it to feel special. Now I've known Elizabeth for years, and I also know how important the details are to her. She already has a number of beautiful pieces she loves but is also looking to enhance her table with a few new things without having to spend a lot of money doing it.   

For the full report on everything we found, including lots of great ideas on how to mix in antique china, serving ware and utensils from the flea market with pieces you already own, check back soon!

Comments

[marlys cheney]

Eddie....do you have anything planned for San Francisco....where does one go besides Alameda?

[Marcia Calcaterra]

Eddie, whenever my creative juices seem to run low, I read and re-read your blogs. They always inspire me and give me the boost that I need to get back to work~~~which I love!! I'm an antiques' dealer who adores decorating my home and shop. Your all inspiring suggestions, beautiful photography and outgoing spirit jumps off of each page! I'm sending an email to a friend in NYC and maybe I'll see her shopping alongside you one of these days at Hell's Kitchen!! Just remember *Stella*, as in Brando's On The Water Front!! Ha! Go ahead and yell her name. I know she'll join you.

My best, Marci of Serenities@Etsy.com

[Kristen Shellenbarger]

Hi E,

Tell your friend Elizabeth(?) that she can seal that piece of marble she found at the flea market with..yes, scotch guard. True story. We do it all the time for our client's marble tops and for years it prevents staining. It can be done to any stone surface, it's a kitchen tip from me, being a kitchen designer...thought u would enjoy it. :)

[Sandra Chitty]

Eddie, love the lampshades, and I too use this method for improving them...this past summer I spray painted one Apple Green (looks like Carolina Parakeet green from Home Depot)It is part of a coastal ensemble I have created...will try to send pics soon. In fact, I spray paint interesting but bland etageres, etc. from Ross, Goodwill, etc.and it really kicks them up a notch. thanks again for your great blog. Sandra Chitty

[Marsha L. Dover]

I'm going to be in New York on Saturday...any suggestions on the best flea markets to hit?

[Katie]

Eddie

I too am hooked on your blog. I don't even remember how I found it but I love searching for beautiful things on the cheap (or with the potential to be beautiful) too and it is so fun to see what you find.

Plus, I think that your niche to show people how to get the good life in an affordable way is brilliant and so works for the times. I think you will be so successfull!

Thanks for this blog. I look forward to it every day!

[Shelley Granata]

Good afternoon Eddie,

Thank you for the lovely chat this past Saturday - Goodwill, Norwalk. I was the nut who snuck up behind you and told you were robbed ... you should have won the whole thing !! Of course once you and your beautiful friend were done shopping (picking up everything that was worthy) there wasn't anything left worth purchasing for us common folk. You couldn't have been more gracious ... you are exactly who you appeared to be on Top Design; refreshing !! I look forward to keeping up with your career, expert ideas / tips and tremendous talent ... I told you I will probably now become your number one blog "stalker" :) !! Thank you again for allowing me to disturb you on a fabulous Saturday afternoon ... not many people would have been so kind having had their private time interupted by a very excited fan. By the way loved what you bought and loved the ideas you shared with the cashier even more ... friendly to everyone !! You are the best !!

Shelley Granata
New Canaan, CT

[Karena]

Can't wait. I am also very impressed that Steve McKenzie is a friend of yours. Over the years I have spent in the arts, I have designed many framed creations with Larson-Juhls fabulous moldings!

[Ellen]

Oh, how I long for an open-air flea market! All we have here are "antique markets" or Goodwill stores that smell like ... well, that musty smell of Uncle Rory's damp and decrepit basement! Is a clothespin on the nose acceptable shopping attire?

[Lucien]

Eddie, I just got done watching your final show on Top Design (DVR) and I am so not happy! You cannot imagine how much you have inspired me! What I noticed about the show is that they always seem to want someone who really isn't confident. That way they can mold them in their own image!

Your confidence, creativity and great sense of humor are your gifts that you bring to the world. Never let the turkeys get you down.

I love that while being accused of being lofty, and ego-centric, your just a down-to-earth guy! I am so jealous of your friend who got to shop and hang with you!

Your devoted fan, Lucien

[Steve McKenzie]

Can't wait to get some last minute ideas for my Thanksgiving as well!!

[tara / dallas, tx]

Hi there...looking forward to your follow-up post. BUT, I have a question for you...
Somewhere in this blog (I have searched and can't find it!) you posted about your countertops in your apartment and how you painted them and they still look good after 3 years. I need a temporary fix as well - only for a year or so - for my UUUUGLY beige/stained formica.
What kind of paint did you use, and do you have any pointers?
I would appreciate your help :)
Thanks!!

[Suzanne Fall]

This blog thing is getting a little out of control- Is it a bad thing that I am getting up 20 minutes earlier than my children to see if you've posted? Nothing better than "Eddie Ross" to tempt a mother into less sleep to get more of his incredible blog! Cant wait to see what you've found now-

[Emma]

I can't wait to see what you come up with Eddie, you are one fantastically creative guy and I just get such smiles out of reading your blog, thanks!

[Fifi Flower]

Flea market finds are the best... Can't wait to see what you find!

[Mimilee]

Would I not LOVE having you for a friend, Eddie! We could have so much fun! I cannot wait to see your finds at the flea market. I know they will be great! I had to come back tonight and get another look at that gorgeous arrangement you made. I even downloaded it to my photos so I could look at it often! You're the BEST!

[sandra/tx]

I can't wait to see what you found. Gosh, I love NYC.

[Cheryl]

I wish we had that kind of flea market on the west coast

[allison]

TEASE!

:)

[Patricia]

Truly will be a memorable "thanksgiving" with your help.

[kay*]

Eddie - i'm visiting the city from Toronto and because of you i made my way to the hell's kitchen flea market earlier today! i must admit i was keeping an eye open to see if i spotted you - as well as good deals. sadly, i didn't see you (i surely would have been the shy girl staring at you from afar working up the nerve to walk over and say 'hi'...i would have come over for sure!) but i did buy some fiestaware :)

[Kathysue]

I must admit, I am jealous of Elizabeth. Oh to have Eddie to go shopping with, I can onlly imagine the fun we could have. I am the one that usually gets others to buy things but I would love to be on the recieving end of advice from Eddie. I can't wait until tomorrow to see what you came up with. Smiles kathysue

[Judy]

Your friend is a lucky girl to have you help her. It has been almost 80 this weekend. Very very hard to think about the holidays.

[Emerson Merrick]

I was there yesterday, too! I got an amazing green and black plaid wool cape with a black velvet collar and buttons, for $15. Very Ralph Lauren. I stopped at the 46th st Salvation Army after and found an antique ironstone tureen that made me think of you!

[Jennifer]

Oh you are such a tease!

I love that I can stay connected to your style and wit through this blog long after Top Design is over. You have inspired me in ways that you cannot even imagine (and are too lengthy to list here), but I do want express an immense amount of appreciation for your voice, your style and your creativity.

Oh and I practically peed my pants when you mentioned Preston's shaving habits. Awesome!