Dyed Doilies for a Fall Cocktail Party

Here's an oldie, but a goodie. We actually first posted about this party last October, just two months after starting the blog. Jaithan and I were still in our old apartment, dreaming of greener pastures. Some technical difficulties arose, and the post came down, never to reappear. Now a year later, with fall in full swing, we've decided to post the story a second time, just to get you in the mood for more autumn entertaining to come. Enjoy!

A change in season is as good a reason as any to have friends over to my apartment for delicious cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Consistent color choices help unify a look, so whenever I’m entertaining, I like to stick with a specific palette. My apartment is painted a warm gray (Brompton Gray from Ralph Lauren), so when it came time to choosing an accent color for my gathering, I was totally inspired by these fantastic lavender roses I found at my corner deli. Against the gray, the roses pop!

   

With Halloween just around the corner, I propped the chest in my living room with pumpkins painted Benjamin Moore’s Decorator's White. It softens them and subtly acknowledges fall without impeding on my color palette.

Also on the chest, I’ve placed a collection of hand blown glass decanters to compliment the pressed glass punch bowl centerpiece that now holds the pumpkins. And finally, flanking the bowl are the Grecian candlesticks I revamped for my Top Design video that went from ticky tacky paint to stylish silver shine.

At the Salvation Army a few weeks ago, I found this stack of vintage doilies. I bet a lot of people have a stash like this tucked away in a cupboard or closet out of sight, no?

When I got home, I washed them in non-chlorine bleach detergent and Lestoil, my favorite product for degreasing linens, then hung them up to dry on a standing dry rack.

Even after cleaning them, the doilies still felt dated, so after racking my brain for a while, I thought “Let me dye them!” Keeping in line with my color palette—soft grays with accents of lavender—I thought the charcoal gray from Rite Fabric Dye would be the perfect solution. Gray would add elegance without being as extreme as black, but for an acutal Halloween party, black would have been perfect! First, I wet all of the doilies with water, then submerged them in the dye. Make sure all of the doilies are wet thoroughly so the dye is absorbed evenly. Leaving them in the dye for varying amounts of time, as I did, will yield a more subtle mix of grays. Check out the final results!

To play up the transparency in the doilies, I paired them with glass cake pedestals in graduating sizes. And it just so happened that one of them was the perfect size for my Gorham silver tray! I love how the pierced edge on the tray mimics the lace work on the doilies.

 

Linen napkins dress up the simplest of table settings, and these mother of pearl forks add glamour to the plain linen runner. I think the mix of grays creates depth but in a subtle, sophisticated way. And I love how the doily drapes over the side of the tray.

I thought these Ironstone butter pats would work beautifully for the individual chicken quesadillas with avocado salsa I served. They're fantastic for any finger foods that could potentially get messy! Their circular shape also picks up on the circle patterns in the doily.

Here I am with the first set of hors d'oeuvres, crispy coconut shrimp with a curry dipping sauce. I used little bamboo skewers with simple knotted ends for practicality and presentation. Serving them in the individual Bavarian white porcelain leaf dishes adds organization to what could’ve been a mountain of shrimp! I added tall silverplate candlesticks for drama, then used more lavender roses in spooner glasses in keeping with my color scheme.

The golden glow from the candles illuminates the butternut squash and caramelized onion tartlets with parmesan crust that I served atop the cake pedestals.

Look how delicious these fillet and horseradish toasts look under the canopy of roses. I’ve garnished them with a small piece of parsley, adding just a hint of color.

And don't the bite-sized quesadillas looks so sweet on the antique butter pad dishes?

So, what are you waiting for? Fall is upon us, so dig out those doilies, dye them a color you love, mix up a few cocktails and throw a party!

Comments

[misslinda85@gmail.com]

Can you tell me the name of the grey paint color you used? Pretty pleeeaasse. I have been searching colors for literally a year. And I would love to hire you as my decorator.

[Rob Pulitano]

Eddie, Nice work. Saw the Halloween show.
You took over.

Marge, you better not diet so much. You're disappearing.

Walt, I need you to bring the recycling bin all the way up to the back door next time.
Thanks,
Rob

[camdesign@shaw.ca]

black doilies...now that is amazing, I think I gave mine all away...this is a must get some and try! Off to the thrift store by the weekend, thank you for the beautiful post your pictures are fab.

[Ann]

Fabulous. I am telling you Eddie, no one can do this like you.

[Katie Ernst]

I completely agree with all of the comments. It's amazing. I especially love the painted pumpkins in the punch bowl. I come across punch bowls often at estate sales and can never think of a modern use for them. You're a talented man!

[Charlotta]

I am one of your new followers and I am so glad I found your blog!
It and your ideas are amazing!
I loved this doilies post and it is something I will definitely do with some of the old heirlooms I have lurking in corners of my linen cabinet..
Like you I will opt for husky greys, charcoal and possibly a dark thunder blue/grey.. Excited now!

xCharlotta

[Uncle Beefy]

I know this just boils down to repetition but, like many others, LOVE the dyed doilies. Somehow that grey shade gives them a slightly modern edge and I love that contrast. Can't wait to do the same. Adding it to the list. The long, long list. ;)

[Nicole Cohen]

Please, please, please can I be your friend? You are so amazing!!

[Kay Fruge']

I love, love, love the doilies. I will add this one to my Halloween bag of goodies.

[carriehogan@mac.com]

Yes Yes Yes!!! The dollies and your creativity are absolutely amazing!!!! But what about the mouth watering recipes you spoke of? Care to share? ; P

[glossee]

you are so talented.
pure genius; the way you translate the mundane into fabulous.
seriously, what a pleasure you and your blog are to all of us.
thank you.

[Megan]

Um, I need your living room wall paint color STAT! I have been searching for that shade of gray everywhere! Pray tell!?

[Roberta]

The "grey" with the silver is so unexpected and so refined...you have made "retro" doiles...lol No way do these remind me of my grand-mothers arm rests...oh my...I'm crackin' myself up here remembering the plastic covers and the crocheted doiles on the arms. I can see turquoise and orange glass with this grey for a refreshing palette all year long. Thanks Eddie!

[Karena]

These ideas just pop into your head, which is why you are such a great designer! I love the charcoal doilies, and I must get some of the Lestoil!

[shelley]

what a stunning way to use doilies... makes me wish I hadn't gotten rid of all the ones i had...hmmm maybe there are one or two still tucked away...off to see.

love your blog,

shelley
sweet pea

[viera]

Thank you Eddie for a wonderful inspiration
X
V

[Rachel]

That's genius. I'm never going to ass up those stained thrift store doilies again. How perfect for Halloween. Thanks SO much for sharing this easy and elegant idea, I'll be linking.

[beth]

You continue to amaze me over and over again. They look fabulous! Well really the whole thing looks fabulous, but I really do love the dyed dollies!

[Debbie at the Shabby Bungalow]

Wow these look sensational - I have loads of doilies - what a fab idea :)

[Ivy Lane]

Fabulous idea Eddie! Great result!

[michelle]

I love the continuity, and the way you have used them throught. Great in other colours I imagine, as well.

Beautiful photos ;)

Best,
Michelle

[Lauren Liess]

oh my gosh just PERFECTION!!!! you're THE BEST!!! so beautiful & I never tire of seeing your apt.

xoxo,
lauren

ps- crazy week, weill give you guys a call!!

[Elle]

I forgot how much I loved your old place! I'm going to have to pull out that issue of Domino and drool all over it again....

What a great host you are Eddie... surely someday we'll need to have a soiree together, no?

[honey living]

this was really just lovely. i love your use of an unexpected "springy" color in fall...it totally works. i think this is such a good example of how a space or party can feel seasonal but not in the commercial, cheesy way. thank you for sharing.

[COZY KITCHEN BY THE SEA]

YOU ARE BRILLIANT.
JUST BRILLIANT !
I SAW THOSE IRONSTONE butter dishes at my thrift store yesterday....now I have to go get them.
They were 10 cents !

[J. Elaine]

First, since someone pointed me to your blog, I have enjoyed every single entry! Thank you. Second, I think if you do a little research, you'll find that it is "butter PAT" (not "butter PAD"). Thank you again!

[Torie Jayne]

I love your mantel piece, and all those lovely black doillies, Have a sweet day!

[Dagny @ Beautiful Living]

Looks amazingly stunning! You always make me want to go flea marketing!!

[Jacks]

I remember that fun night, festive setting, and of course, those delicious hors d'oeuvres! xx

[Evelyn Weiss]

I remember this one -- and it's even better the second time around!

xoxo
Evy

[Rachel]

Grey? Dated? How could you! Had you considered black or lavender or pewter plates? I cannot imagine what you were thinking!

[Victoria Zlotkowski]

This is absolutely fabulous, sounds so corny, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart! Love those granny doilies made instantly chic. Whatch out, there will be a revolution....!
Your party decoration is devine!
Enjoy the spooky saison!

Victoria

[thomas]

i love your NYC apartment..and love how you set the table.

[In the Tweeds]

Eddie - you rock. :) I love everything!!!

[Nerina]

Spectacular, when I first saw the picture of the doilies, I thought they were my stash!! The color that you chose is absolutely gorgeous!! I really love your blog!
Enjoy the rest of your day!! xOxO Nerina :)

[botanical brouhaha]

Lavender roses against that grey is STUNNING! Love the dye idea...brilliant!

[Charla @ For the Sake of Time]

Wondefully Halloween! This is fantastic. What kind of crystal are you using for your silverware behind the sink. I sometimes put silver out on the table for a buffet and I have tried the cradles but I want something different. Any ideas?

Charla

[pve]

I remember this post and how I thought your doilies were to dye for! So glad you brought this back.
pve

[Janet Doherty]

Now that looks great!!!!
Guess what I am doing tomorrow :)

[nina v]

the doilies look amazing as does the whole scene...thank you....now i need to get busy and have a fall party:)nna

[Jaime]

What great tips! Already thinking of ways to translate this idea, thanks!

[Diann]

The doilies look great dyed....but have you ever tried Efferdent for cleaning delicate white fabrics? I used it years ago to restore my great-grandfather's christening gown. It worked beautifully!

[the lazy peacock]

everything in this post is absolutely stunning. i also love what you did with the your etsy sidebar. i am counting the days until your halloween special is on. i cannot wait.

[LindsB]

I have this saved from last year, but I totally forgot about it till now. Thanks for the reminder, I think this idea will be great for my Halloween party!

[karlee]

amazing! I never would have thought of that but now I want to run to my closest thrift store to find some beautiful things to restore.

[Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee]

Eddie, you have the most creative spirit and I enjoy all of your ideas so much! Such wonderful inspiration to kick off the Halloween season! Thank you for sharing!

Jennifer

[Karen Evans]

I love the idea of taking something that we generally consider (for lack of a better word) old-fashioned and giving it a modern twist. Gray is such a sophisticated color and looks marvelous beside glass and silver.

[Kathy :)]

I would love to borrow your brain for my next party ....you have the greatest ideas Eddie :)

Yum on the shrimp....

Great post....

Kathy :)

[PerfectlyPutTogether]

I love everything about this! you did such a beautiful job with the doilies and now I have to try. Also, that shrimp looks delish!

[Evelyn]

Another terrific Idea. As always, Thanks Eddie

[Michelle]

Love it! Gray is my go to color and I am going to have to dye some doilies now! Thanks for the inspiration!

Smiles!
Michelle

[Jennifer]

I totally remember this from the first time it was up - I had just started reading. Still a great idea and a lovely party!

[Deirdra Doan]

I love your dying of the Doilies! They look just beautiful! Thanks for your wonderful blog.
Fall Blessings