In the short six weeks Jaithan and I have been out in the country, we've received so many kinds wishes from everyone—and even a few gifts along the way! Do you remember the pair of prize-winning Cotswold sheep down at the barn?
Well, not too long ago, our dear friend and fellow blogger Patricia van Esche of pve design presented us with one of her signature illustrations. How adorable is that?
Art of a different kind came in the form of these chic black Jasperware dishes that my friend Steve McKenzie of Larson-Juhl had shadowboxed after our trip to Scott's. Next month, we're going to be featuring even more finds from the flea market, all framed in cool, unexpected ways.
This gift from a reader in California totally took us by surprise. Apparently, much of her family hails from Dutchess County, New York, not too far where we are! Knowing well of my love for silver and silverplate, Ann sent me two sets of beautiful Gorham silverplate spoons. It would simply make her happy, she said, knowing that I had them. They even have an "EJ" monogram on them! How perfect is that?
As if that wasn't sweet enough, she even included these coin silver spoons, together with a beautiful little mustard ladle. These are from a Dutchess County silversmith from the 1860s. Isn't it so amazing how in that time, they traveled all the way to California, only to find their way back home?
Speaking of, when our good friend Seleta Hayes Howard of Simply Seleta first laid eye on our butler's pantry, she knew exactly what we needed to give it a little sparkle. It's a beautiful silverplate lamp in the shape of a tea service sugar bowl, together with four sterling silver glass coasters. So cute!
In fact, Seleta and her husband Peter, both such sweethearts from our time down in Atlanta, will be among our very first overnight guests this weekend! I think I might set out a few of these gorgeous L'Argent Mini Pagoda candles our friends Bruce Lane and Robert Hernandez of Seda France sent us. What chic packaging and the fragrances themselves are so spot on!
Speaking of great packaging, check out this pretty Tiffany dish reader Michael Botsko presented us when he and his friend, blogger Julie Pritchard, were at the Rose Bowl with us last week. It's going to be perfect on the bedside table in the guest room, together with this candle, when Seleta and Peter arrive.
A big country breakfast is quickly becoming my favorite way to entertain out-of-town guests. And no morning meal, especially on a lazy spring Sunday, would be complete without a beautiful mimosa bar, stocked with this yummy sparkling wine my friend Deborah Buck sent us from Little Gates, a great little wine shop in town.
And finally, thanks to this gorgeous journal set from my friend Anne Bickerstaff, I have the perfect place to record all the meals we'll be sharing with friends this weekend and many weekends to come.
Thank you all for your warm wishes and thoughtful gifts! Now, if we only had enough guest rooms for everyone!
Dear Eddie, I wish I could send you a housewarming gift because I feel that you are becoming a dear friend. With your blog you are really extending a beautiful gift to anyone willing to read it. So just a word of thanks for this wonderful read.
Eddie —
I must say I absolutely adore your blog! My husband and I are moving to NYC this summer and I truly *do* hope you host one of your shopping trips to the Flea Markets this summer.
Although I was *crushed* when Domino ceased printing, your blog has been a fabulous source of ideas and style. Your blog inspires me and I wish you and Jaithan all the best in your new home.
(although I selfishly wish you’d post more!)
Eddie and Jaithan
It is wonderful to read your recent blog. Thank you for sharing with us the lovely and loving housewarming gifts.
May God bless your life in your new home.
Jody
Wow, what lovely blog report. I am so pleased you and Jaithan are well and happy in your new home. I am so glad you enjoy the gift.
Many happy days to you both,
Ann
Everytime I see those sheep I keep thinking that you two should add a couple of corgis to your homestead. They would look adorable romping through the snow (which they love.) For fun you should look at the Tasha Tudor corgis in her wonderful house and garden books.
Eddie, please go to my art site and comment for a chance to win an original oil painting from Moi! I love the beautiful gifts you have received so far in your new home!
Eddie, Your blog is charming. I was curious. Are you enjoying living in the country more than the city?
Eddie & Jaithan-
The joy you share for living a polished life exudes shine and light so brightly that all the gifts intended are due to the fact that you spread cheer and excitement for life in everything you do.
There is an old Irish poem, “It takes a heap o livin to make a home.”
Wishing you all the best,
Patricia
pve
Eddie…I am too lazy to mail anything but I do have a present for you. I scanned your ER monogram from one of my 19th century antiquarian books and uploaded it to my website. It is a high resolution scan (300 dpi) so you can play around with it for stationery and the internet. Download it here:
http://www.fineperiod.com/eddie_ross_monogram
Hope you like it and I know you will. Best wishes for all good things in your new old house. Love your sheep too. ♥Rosemary
I love all of your beautiful goodies! And you know I’m beside myself with excitement at this point since we leave on Friday. Peter’s looking forward to spending more time with your both. I guess he’s also about to get a major Baptism by Fire on expert junking and antiquing!
CANNOT WAIT!
xoxoxo
Seleta + Peter
How very kind and thoughtful everyone has been. Isn’t is surprising how warm and friendly the blogging world is. My goodness, and Seleta is coming! How much fun will all of you have! She is so very sweet. Yall have a wonderful time and we’d love a full report!
-GSG
What great gifts you’ve gotten from so many wonderful friends & a warming start to your life in the country. Can’t wait to see more of the house.
Oh, and aren’t we all jealous & would love to spend a night in that guestroom!
They are all such lovely things. …so happy for you two in your new home and very much looking forward to seeing how you incorporate your new artwork into your home. Have a great week!
Those journals are wonderful. I will have to look for some. I never thought of an entertaining journal, but have struggled to remember how I had done something. Great idea.
Such wonderful, thoughtful gifts – while I love the silver spoons (especially the coin spoons) I think I love the sheep illustration more… it’ll look fab framed and on your farm house wall!
Cheers,
Victoria from EdinDesign Interiors @ DesignTies
What beautiful, thoughtful gifts!
Thank you for sharing. The gifts are wonderful and very thoughtful. I know you will enjoy them along with your new home.
I’m so inspired by your shadow-boxed jasperware! Looking forward to the upcoming features.
Looks like country life is agreeing with you, as a fellow countryian (made up word,lol)
just let me say, wait til spring really arrives, you’ll think you have made it to heaven.
starrydeborah
What beautiful and thoughtful gifts, Eddie! Aren’t people nice??? Patricia’s drawing of the sheep is precious…..I love the silver pieces too especially the darling lamp….! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo……MIMILEE
How very blessed are you! The silver is to envy! and the illustration of the sheep – wow.
HI Eddie and Jaithan, How wonderful to recieve such thoughtful gifts and they all suit you so well. I am in envy for the jasper ware plates!!!Now you tell me Seleta and Eddie in the same house,OH MY!!! Have a wonderful visit.Two of my favorite blog authors under one roof. hugs Kathysue
An entertaining journal? Do tell. I’ve been looking, hoping that such a thing exists to keep track of my parties big and small. Can you track guests, menus, decor that sort of thing? And does anyone know of anyone else who makes this?
I’m so anxious to see more pictures of your home and the progress you have made.Enviable house-warming gifts there!
Well you lucky ducks! And those EJ spoons that made their way to you, back home in Dutchess County…Just brilliant. Kismet!
Jean Martha at I Love Upstate and I hit the Hell’s Kitchen Sallie’s Army last week…we thought we stood a chance now that you’re out of town, LOL. 😉 We came up empty. Alas.
How wonderful and thoughtful each and every gift is! I especially love the journals. What a great way to sit back and record and reflect on happy memories! A home filled with love and beauty! I just know that Jaithan and yourself will have many years of happiness, especially with such wonderful friends to share it all with!
Eddie and Jai,
I want to send you something, but I thought it would be cheesy. I am sending it now!
PM me your mailing address, PO box is ok if necessary.
Kindle
Glad you loved the jasperware. Hope it brings you lots of pleasant memories in your new home. Wishing you and Jaithan nothing but happiness in your new home.