A Lustrous New Beginning

I love looking to the past for ideas and inspiration about the future. In my entertaining files at home, I have hundreds of tears from magazines dating back to 1870! Here's a sparkling trip down memory lane from a holiday story I did with my friend, photographer Ann Stratton, for the December 2004 issue of House Beautiful. So bring on the bubbly, everyone! It's a lustrous New Year's to remember. 

For this story, I was inspired, as I often am, from a trip to the flea market. It was a brisk and overcast morning in November as a growing crowd of vendors gathered at the Elephant's Trunk Country Flea Market in New Milford, CT. Perhaps you might remember a more recent trip we took in the spring? On this day, though, it wasn't long before I scored a set of blue lusterware plates so unusual and pretty, they were the perfect start to a table setting story full of vibrant color and sparkly sheen.

The plates display a thistle pattern that I thought worked well for holiday. Lusterware has such a beautiful sheen to it that's achieved by applying a metallic solution to the porcelain surface before the final firing. It comes in a variety of colors, including purple and pink, two of my favorites I used for a Tartan Thanksgiving last month. The box, an inexpensive purchase from a craft store, I simply painted blue, then glued white ricrac around the edges. I punched a hole in the lid, filled a plastic container with water, then did an all-white arrangement of tulips, dusty miller and roses, tied with ribbon. I loved the idea of giving each guest a gift of flowers to remember the evening. Well before that, however, the table began, as it always does, with a beautiful mess. 

To start, the tray you might recall from our city apartment in dearly departed Domino. I found it at a junk shop in Maine for about 25 dollars, but after appearing with antiques experts Ray and Terry Kovel on Martha's old show, I learned that it's actually Danish hotel silver, probably from the 20s—and worth a whole lot more! The glasses are vintage Steuben with a rich, saturated blue, the perfect pairing to the lusterware plates. Here's a detail of one of my own Christofle forks with an MG monogram (remember it here?), together with a set of mother-of-pearl knives, the likes of which I haven't yet unearthed from storage! Until then, there's always these.   

Here's the finished table setting, an eclectic mix of new and old pieces in a pretty palette of turquoise, silver and white. 

The Venetian glass pitcher I found at Brimfield for 20 dollars, along with antique mercury glass candlesticks similar to these.

Finally, for the bubbly, the tall flutes are Venetian glass, while the shorter ones are handblown from France, a lucky purchase when my favorite prop house in the city closed. For my own tasty take on a classic Prosecco cocktail, along with an easy and elegant hors d'oeuvre, click here.  

So with New Year's Eve upon us, I hope you enjoyed a quick look back at one of my favorite stories from celebrations past. And now, a look to the future! It's a new beginning for all of us, an opportunity to take stock of where we are and, more important, where we want to be. Perhaps you might start by trying something new. Experiment with a recipe, set a table, start a collection, or even redo a room! We'll be here all along, encouraging, inspiring and growing with you every step of the way. Best wishes from Jaithan and me for a joyous and creative New Year!            

Comments

[Donna]

Those plates are beautiful...love those colors!

[Cecelia]

Don't let those gorgeous dishes out of your sight! Someone will abscond with them!

(like me...if I could... )

Eddie, how do you manage to make everything look elegantly chic and COZY simultaneously?

[Jessica]

Happy 2010! Such a gorgeous table!

[sepa]

The table setting is absolutley exquisite! Just love the colors and that silver tray holing the champagne glasses. Oh La La!!! Your tablescapes rock!!!

[micah]

Those plates are gorgeous! I am so loving turquoise right now. What a fun table setting!

[Bette]

Happy New Year Gentleman! Looking forward to more good design and flea market finds. All the best to you both.

Bette

[David De Decker-Thissen]

Happy New Year,

Fantastic pictures as usual :-)

Best Wishes, David

[Sharon]

Apparently turquoise is the colour for 2010 ... I think it should be called "Tiffany Blue" ... isn't that much better?

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2010!

[Marianne]

Sigh, Eddie...you are amazing. I love checking in and seeing all the beauty you create. A very Happy New Year to you and Jaithan!!!

[Content in a Cottage]

Happy New Year you two. Hope it's great for you both, Rosemary

[Brighton]

Love those colours!! Happy New Year to y'all!

[Barbara at Daisy's]

Happy New Year and OMG I want those plates!

How could 2010 not enter with a bang with those on the table....

[nestegg]

Beautiful table setting! The combination against that burlapy texture... stunning! I love your blog- you guys always find a way to inspire me. So thank you!! Look forward to your posts in 2010!! xoRH

[Connie @ Sogni e Sorrisi]

Beautiful! Love the blue and silver.

Happy New Year!

[cj]

It was great fun to open my NYTimes this morning and see your smiling face by the bar cart! Happy New Year to you and Jaithan.

[Nancy Bohan]

Happy New Year Eddie! I have just discovered your website and it is now so much fun to get inspiration from you! I love all your work and find your style fits with what I like . I am am looking forward to your ideas when I move. I loved your Holiday special. I am so happy for you!!
Nancy Bohan
"Western"

[kathysue]

Perfect post for 2010 since turqouise is being touted as the color the 2010 by Pantone. You are always ahead of the curve. You are the trendsetter. You know how much I love you and Jaithan, I want to wish you both the Happiest New Year ever and I know that 2010 is going to bring great things your way. xoxoxo Kathysue

[Sara Jane]

Ah!! I really wish we were friends!

You and Jaithan have truly inspired me to put extra thought, care and creativity into my cooking, decorating and entertaining. My 2010 resolution is to join you at a flea market!

Happy New Year!

[An Aesthete's Lament]

You really do inspire me greatly. I've got some orange, black, and white plates waiting for a similarly colour-themed dinner.

[seleta]

This is gorgeous! Happy New Year and hope you have lots of fun in Atlanta!!!

[Karena]

Glorious! I see you are using the color of the year next, Turquoise! Great ideas and examples of finesse.

[Amy]

I've recently discovered your wonderful blog. It started with the ornament wreath (which I made) and I enjoy stopping by often. This table is absolutely gorgeous. I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to share in the new year. Speaking of which Happy NEW Year!!

[style chronicle]

What a breathtaking table! I wouldn't expect anything less from such a talented pair. I am so excited to see you both in the New Year!!

[Jamie]

A blessed New Year to you and Jaithan!

[Mr. Goodwill]

Happy 2010 Eddie and Jaithan!

I recently purchased 11 cobalt blue dinner plates...with FRANCE engraved under the bottom.

My first thought was Eddie Ross. I think I may use them as a give away on my blog...

[NenaghGal/Lisa McGe]

That was a great shoot Eddie! The colours are wonderful. Wishing you and Jaithan all the best for 2010- can't wait to hear what you get up to!!

[Frances Jackson]

I've so enjoyed your blogs, tutorials, etc over this past year! It's been great learning from you about how to decorate, arrange and generally pretty everything up! You continually amaze me! Thanks so much for all your efforts to educate us mere mortals! The turquoise table is stunning and just right! Happy New Year to you both!!!!

[Karen]

Happy New Year! Love the color choice! I am always on the lookout for dishes I can use. We actually use our nice china for everyday. It's cream, grey and silver and i LOVE it.

[Melissa]

So inspiring-- I do love those Steuben goblets!

[Patty]

Thank you for bringing such "doable"beauty to us - I just discovered your blog and I'm feeling almost hungover with ideas for making the most of my own modest things ... and I hear that turquoise is the "it" color for 2010 :-) Have a happy and wonderful 2010, and I look forward to more wonderful ideas!

[Michelle @ Sweet Something]

What a wonderful revisit! I practically teared up it's so beautiful....dishes and the color turquoise do that to me! Just beautiful! Happy 2010!

[Bonnie]

Georgous! Love the tall champagne flutes. I hope you have a Happy New Year! May it bring you great joy!

[Jeanne]

Happy New Year to you and Jaithan and may you have many new opportunities to make the world a more beautiful place. I really enjoy your blog, thanks for sharing...

[Lynn Rounds]

Wishing you both the lovliest new year . . . with much happiness, success and personal satisfaction, as well.
I've enjoyed your blog immensely this past year and am keeping my fingers crossed that 2010 brings you your own much-deserved HGTV (or other) show.
Lynn in New Mexico

[Evelyn Weiss]

A toast to you, Eddie and Jaithan, for bringing such joy and beauty to everything! May 2010 be the best yet!

Major WOW about doing the Bloomies Big Window Challenge for Elle Decor next month! Spotted the blurb in their magazine and tore it right out. Can't wait to see more!

Happy New Year!
xoxo
Evy

[Heather]

those plates are so amazing!! I also love the flower boxes, that is such a wonderful idea and it looks so easy to do. Thank you for sharing all your fabulous ideas.

[Katarina]

The photo of the thistle plate with the flower and box arrangement is PERFECTTTTT! I love it. A very beautiful diner setting! :) Happy New Year to you guys!

[Jill]

Eddie, how do you organize your tears?

[autumn]

i really don't know what to say that hasn't already been said before...you are just amazing.
for real.
you already know that, though, don't you?
i loved the blues and the whites and all the texture. so pretty and fun to look at. if your blog's eye candy were "real", i would be really fat. happy....but fat.

[KG]

What a glorious display of all things festive! Once again, you inspire and delight. Happy New Year! KG

[Sherry]

I love the use of turquoise it looks crisp and perfect for winter. The tall flutes are so elegant. The little presents are so charming. You are really fantastic at taking an eclectic mix of pieces and making them look perfect together.

[La Maison Fou blog]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts & idea's. You two are such gracious people & I for one have been so extremely happy to have emailed & blogged with you!
Have a wonderful New Year! Here's to 2010!
Cheers!
Leslie

[Tracy@comfortandluxury]

I am IN LOVE with those thistle plates... such a beautiful combination of colors. I've learned so much from studying your tabletops over the months since I found you. Thank you for your blog and the generosity with which you share your ideas and knowledge with those of us who aspire to make everyday things prettier. Happy New Year to you and yours!

[LindsB]

Such a beautiful table, I just LOVE the colors you went with from the plates!!

A very happy and healthy New Year to you and Jaithan!!

[Molly]

Eddie,

I know this will sound sort of cheesy, but whenever I check your blog I feel like it's Christmas morning. I get so excited to see new posts. You are so inspiring to me and I really appreciate your love of detail, HUMOR, and the way your bring new life to something "old." May 2010 be an incredible year for you and Jaithan. Thanks for being YOU!!!

[LilyOake]

1870? My, you HAVE been collecting magazine pages for awhile! heehee
Love the use of the turq blue on the tabletop - really adds flavor and interest.
When done right, that color never goes out of style.
LilyOake

[ArchitectDesign]

Happy New Years, boys! The table and collection is stunning. Enough said.