If you're the entertaining type and plan to host Easter or Passover at your place this year, here's a bit of sparkle from the table we did for an event at Halls Plaza in Kansas City, just to get you in the mood.
Halls, the way I like to think of it, is like the Bergdorf's of Kansas City. Shopping there feels so much more glamorous than most other stores, especially in a grand rotunda surrounded by jewels. Last December, when Kelly Cole, President of Halls, first asked us to do the table, I immediately chose this room for the stunning chandelier.
It's Baccarat, I believe, with 16 arms, all dripping with crystals.
That chilly afternoon, standing beneath its span, I couldn't help but think of an image I'd once seen of Elizabeth Taylor in 1970, an icon in diamonds, bound for the Oscars. Everything about her look I loved, from the sapphire in her eyes to the periwinkle of her Edith Head dress—not to mention the 69-carat, egg-shaped diamond anchoring her neck! Here was my inspiration for a blue and white Easter table with jeweled and pave encrusted eggs so dazzling and pretty, Elizabeth Taylor herself would have felt right at home.
To start, I would need a show-stopping tablecloth, and for that, I headed to Calico Corners, one of my favorite sources for great fabric and upholstery at affordable prices. Director of Communications Jan Jessup is a longtime friend, ever since my days at House Beautiful. After the mod makeover we did last year, together with the decorating workshops at the Westport and Mamaroneck stores, I knew Calico would make the perfect partners in support of a profoundly important cause. This damask linen I loved as soon as I saw it. In the blue colorway especially, it feels modern to me, like an updated take on a classic.
Often times, when I'm decorating or doing tables, I like to use white, paired with layered tones of a single hue for a subtle, sophisticated look. The glittery blue of the eggs I envisioned for the centerpiece wouldn't simply be blue, but rather the full spectrum of gem-inspired tones, like blue topaz, sapphire and aquamarine. Now, if only the process had been as glamorous as the colors! Here's a snapshot from our suite at the elegant Raphael in Kansas City, two days before the event.
That's 14 dozen eggs I drilled, skewered and blew, all myself. Sure I could have used faux eggs, but real is so much more authentic and beautiful, with natural variations like gemstones themselves. My advice: use a Dremel to drill holes at the tops and bottoms, then insert a skewer to break up the yolks. Blow each egg carefully, rinse with water and dry upright. By the time I'd finished, I felt like Louis Armstrong after a night at the Apollo! Now, onto the crafting. For the glittered eggs, I covered each one with spray adhesive, then used a skewer to roll it in glitter. For the fabergé style eggs, I glued clear and blue rhinestones in a simple pattern, as though a sapphire encircled by diamonds.
Like the egg tree I made last year, celebrating 100 items under $100 in our Etsy shop, I wanted to use real cherry branches for the centerpiece, spray painted white, blending nature and fantasy in an unexpected way. Next, to add even more life without the need for maintenance during the month-long display, we found good silk blossoms, almost like forsythia, then hot glued them on, one by one. So while I glittered and bejeweled 160 eggs through the night, Jaithan did his part, gluing blossoms to branches.
By the time I'd finished glittering, morning had broken with just two hours before we were to install our table! That left just enough time for us to cover the holes of the eggs, gluing a single rhinestone to the bottoms and a silver bead, knotted with string, to the tops.
Here, by the way, is a sketch of the centerpiece I did somewhere over Arizona en route to Kansas City.
Flash forward to the finished table with handmade navy tapers from our friends at Creative Candles. They partnered with us on this project benefiting DIFFA from the start, and we're extremely thankful for their generosity, not to mention their fantastic candles.
Before we get into the details, check out this video!
Now, a qualifier: Like our room for the Big Window Challenge at Bloomingdale's, this table is not real life. Nobody lived in that space and nobody is sitting at this table. Both we did for retail, a world where bigger is often better and where drama is king—or should I say queen? In either case, here's a table fit for royalty, and by that I mean Elizabeth Taylor in that Cartier rock, sipping champagne and batting her eyes. But just because the table looks expensive doesn't mean there weren't deals to be had! Take the antique Steuben vase Jaithan found at a junk shop in New Jersey for $35. (We paid $25.)
Or the set of 10 Chinoiserie plates I found at River Market for two bucks each. The pattern I loved; the gold banding not so much. Call me crazy, but I thought it cheapened them, so I simply removed it with a scrub pad and water. Now they're much more usable—less "special." After all, what's the point of great looking things—china, silver, linens, glass—buried in cupboards, collecting dust?
The dinner plates are Royal Copenhagen, while the salad/dessert plates are Mottahedeh, both from Halls. To vary the heights of the table settings, I alternated cobalt blue champagne coupes from a thrift shop in Alameda (thank you, Terri!) with Fostoria footed dessert cups from River Market, three dollars each. The glittered eggs i added for display, though in reality, I could also imagine a first course of cold vichyssoise soup, a favorite of Julia Child's.
The glasses are a mix of heights, sizes and patterns from William Yeoward, together with Reed & Barton. You might get the look by buying sets of at least six, either new or vintage, then mixing until you arrive at a combination that makes you happy. Similarly, the flatware pairs two different patterns that work together for a more eclectic look, as though collected over time. Vintage mother of pearl knives would have been beautiful as well.
Halls has a dazzling collection of antique silver. The napkin rings, numbered one through eight, reminded me of the luxury time pieces housed in glass around our table. And check out the workmanship on one of the English wedding baskets I used for glittered eggs on the table. Staggering, isn't it?
And while that one I used for eggs, others I filled with foil candies and jelly beans, like a beautiful Easter egg hunt beneath an enchanted tree. Selecting only the colors I wanted took time, but the look you achieve always appears more expensive than it is. Who knew CVS candy could look this rich?
Finally, for a little something fresh on the table that could easily be maintained, I did simple arrangements of white tulips in hobnail milk glass vases from River Market.
I love how the hobnail pattern echoed the rhinestones of the fabergé style eggs. The tulips, too, added just the right note of spring to an Easter-inspired table.
And so after all of the blood, sweat and glitter, our table was finally done. Here we are on opening night for Tables By Design with Adele Hall, whose husband Donald is chairman of the board of Hallmark and owner of Halls. Adele is an infinitely charming woman and a devoted philanthropist, whose glowing praise for our table that evening we'll remember forever.
A final thank you first to our partners Calico Corners, Creative Candles, and The Raphael for their generosity in support of the fight against AIDS. And also to Barclay Ross, Kelly Cole, Carnie Klein and everyone at Halls for being so gracious and accommodating. Both Jaithan and I are truly honored to join in the 20th anniversary celebration of Dining By Design and look forward to even more dazzling table settings to come!
That table is GORGEOUS!!
I’m promising to myself that one of these times you’re in Kansas City, I’ll actually get organized enough to come see you. We love that you keep coming back … and LOVE that you tell everyone else how wonderful our little city is!
Beautiful! Thank you for showing us the process. Now pass me the glitter…and a cocktail…I have lots of work to do!
ohh my you are the best!! all these days I was playing with the thought of having a blue Easter…but I could not really put it together in my mind… and then this post….total bliss!! thank you for being such an inspiration and making me feel I wasn’t that off thinking about a blue Easter table setting!
have a beautiful easter!!!! xoxo
This looked phenomenal – the work that went into producing this is extraordinary. And amen – use it or lose it! BTW, I think I am getting old – I am tired and I didn’t even have to do any of this work! You two are amazing. And you clean up nicely 😉
Marija
Over the top FABULOUS!!!
that is crazy beautiful
So Very beautiful! And thanks for telling us how you did it! Last time I blew eggs….I can’t even remember! No time to get it done this year, but next year, watch out! Thanks!
Not a blue fan, but you did your stuff, well done Eddie, well done!!!!
beautiful! I cannot believe you blew all those eggs yourself! I’m getting a headache just thinking about it…
That table is absolutely stunning!!!
You two really worked your magic… what a masterpiece you created. Those glittered eggs are divine. You never take short cuts on anything and it shows!!! Bravo!!
Really beautiful, guys! Love that you use blue so often in your designs Eddie. And all the pattern on pattern here…well, it’s just my favorite look for almost anything but especially a tabletop.
Oh Darlings, You did it again! Tres elegant, love the blue and white theme. The english silver basket is so gorgeous, as is the rest of the table. Alas, I doubt my Easter table will be a match for yours, but you certainly have inspired me. Thanks and Happy Easter!
I just have to say that your table is absolutely stunning! I am actually blown away by how beautiful everything flows together…all the different patterns, textures and shades of blue complimenting each other in such a gloriously perfect way. You’ve done Elizabeth proud!
Bravo and Happy Easter!
I’m seriously loving those eggs!!
Beautiful Eddie – I love that you were inspired by Elizabeth Taylors dress and big chunk of diamond – what patience you have for doing those eggs!! So inspired for doing my easter table – heading off to the country market now to see what I can find for flowers!!!
Simply brilliant! What a gorgeous collection of blue and white hues.
Once again, I love that you take the time to show us how you create. The table is just magnificent! So interesting that you chose blue because it’s a twist for this time of year. But after seeing the photo of Liz T I can understand why! Have a happy and relaxing Easter Day!
Gorgeous Eddie & Jaithan! This is a magnificent table. You have put so much thought and work into it and the end result is spectacular! Thank you for sharing it with your readers…and inspiring us!
-Jordana
I love all the details. That table is perfection! You are a master of pulling together the high-end and the not so high-end (CVS candies.) The napkin rings are so unique and functional at the same time. The branches are delightful and those eggs are oh, la la fabulous! Thanks for the exquisite inspiration.
I’ve been experiencing withdrawal here in Kentucky waiting for your blog, but that centerpiece was SO worth the wait. It is the prettiest table I have EVER SEEN!
Breathtakingly Stunning!
That is the most amazing table scheme! You are so talented. I am learning so much from following your blog!
~jamilyn
Oh my freaking God! This entire post is amazing, those eggs are so beautiful and both of the tables retail and real are incredible! I think I’m running out of words to describe how much I like this!!
I have drooled over your projects and decorating for many years…BUT for me this one just tops the charts. Absolutely amazing. Would love my craft room to be these colors and now you have inspired me. Great job. Wish I did not live so far away because I would just love to meet you!!!
Judy B
Wow-this is amazing. I would love to have Easter brunch or dinner on that table!
http://livinginbeautyandcomfort.blogspot.com/
I seem to notice something new every time I look at your table design. Just lovely. So happy that you got to bring your magic to Kansas City. We hope to see you both here again soon!
I simply adore your table! It’s beautiful and sophisticated and stunning! Thank! you so much for sharing
I’ve been waiting for this post… ever since those fabulous TwitPic sneak peeks! This table setting is simply stunning a phenomenally original take on a Spring tablescape!!!
I’m in dire need to update my Autumn tablescape which is still displayed in our dining room & this may have just been the inspiration I needed 🙂
Cheers to you, Eddie & Jaithan, on another impeccable design + execution… you’ve got some very lucky friends in KS!
Good job on the table, it’s really beautiful!
I know you guys are busy. Thanks for sharing what you have been up to!
Have a great day.
Absolutely gorgeous. Love your blog & all your great ideas! Thanks, NG.
That egg tree is spectacular! and the tablescape is just absolutely gorgeous.
Well done!
Seriously I never thought I could love glitter more- this is out of control insane!! This is just stunning in every single way!
Fabulous job you two!!
xx- Happy Easter!
Sparkle LOVE, qualifier totally unnecessary. The bigger, shinier, more over the top the more DELICIOUS the eye candy.
LOVE it. Blue is my fave and you so rocked this out. Bravo Bravo!!!
On my way to the store to buy blue glitter and cover every surface within reach. The dog and husband better start running.
The table is great and thanks for showcasing Kansas City. We are proud of our town!
I love that look. I usually am not a huge fan of glitter or rhinstones, but you may have just changed that for me.
Quick question – if stored carefully and properly, would these eggs work year after year? For all the work they are, it would be nice to be able to bring them back…
Thanks E + J … fabulous as always!
It’s sooo beautiful!
Eddie & Jaithan, I cannot say enough about this table, it is so fabulous. You did a lot of work, well worth it though!!
Karena
Art by Karena
You are such an outside the box thinker… I initially was like, “What Rhinestones on eggs, tacky,” but oh my word, you made it sooooooooooo beautiful… oh and more videos please, I loved watching that.
Love the tip about the Hershey kisses, but I’m afraid I’d be tempted to eat the other colors myself. (:
Drop, dead gorgeous. LOVE all the blue.
I hope you are in Palm Springs enjoying the beautiful weather.
~janet
Eddie,
You had me at glitter!!! I love glitter and thanks for proving it can be very classy and chic when used right!
Beautiful all of it…Jaithan you have the patience of of a saint for to glue all those flowers on…I would have been swearing after the first dozen!!!
Happy Easter guys,
`Rebecca
Hi, Eddie and Jaithan! So glad that you asked Calico Corners to help with the tableskirt–and not blowing the eggs! It was a brilliant choice with the blue and white china patterns. This is such a classic color combo–always fresh and stylish–and there are many fabric patterns in this palette.
I happen to have a round dining table too and love having a wardrobe of pretty cloths to dress the table, from formal to casual. A floor-length cloth makes a statement–and it hides all those legs to create a beautiful setting for a party.
The table is beautiful! And I wish I would have read the skewer trick earlier!
I almost missed this post, they usually come via email. So glad I did not miss it. As always every detail is perfection. You go to so much trouble to attain this kind of perfection. Amazing. Love the glittered eggs, I can only imagine how the sparkled in the lights. It is all so beautiful,Eddie. You are amazing to say the least!! Hugs Kathysue
Thank you for your time at Halls and all the hard work you put into this fabulous table! We enjoyed having you in the store and are still loving the work of art you left us. Hope to see you again soon!
This is my new favorite of all your tablescapes.
so decadent and gorgeous – i love it!
Simply stunning!
My only regret is that I can’t see this in person……glorious! xoxo, P
Gorgeous table! You sure look great and speak well on no sleep…I would have been a zombie! This tablescape was definitely worth it…just beautiful in every way!
Eddie it is all stunning!
I LOVE everything you do and this is no exception!
Sparkly blue eggs.. but of course.
Happy Easter to you!
xCharlotta
I’m absolutely in LOVE with that table. It’s whimsical and ELEGANT which you don’t often see! Thank you for the inspiration…although staying up all night to glitter eggs sounds exhausting…and exactly like somehting I’d do! ;0)
I loved the tablescape!!! You knocked me out with this one. Eddie, I know that you are a perfectionist, but I do think that you could have saved yourself a lot of work by using those tacky plastic eggs instead of drilling and blowing each egg. After gluing and glittering one would not even know the difference.
Love the combination of all the blues, the silver and the white….really magical! Excellent job. And Eddie: I would KILL for that blue and white Canton vase….please tell me it is for sale somewhere!!! It is sublime!!
This is probably the best table I have seen of yours….and that is saying something!!!! You REALLY outdid yourself on this one! It is stunningly gorgeous! I don’t have enough words to express. I wish you and Jaithen a VERY Happy Easter!!!! XO, Pinky
hi eddie and jaithan! that’s pretty much the most beautiful table ensemble i’ve ever seen. i’m a sucker for blue and white. loved watching your video! xoxo grace
Amazing. Absolutely – AMAZING!
Eddie and Jaithan – congratulations on the beautiful table at Hall’s. The Creative Candles team was thrilled to support your design and honored to see our tapers included on your table.
I can’t wait for your TV show! I have been following you two since your first post. You deserve your success!! Congratulations.
You. are. insane. Blowing 14 dozen eggs by yourself? You need an intern for that! It IS gorgeous though!
dear e+j, what can i possibly add to the comments on your inspiration and pure out of the box genius.
all day people were coming into the shop saying “DID YOU SEE EDDIE’S POST TODAY!!?”
“OMG!”, “AND ELIZABETH TAYLOR WAS HIS INSPIRATION!”………
could not wait to get home and slowly absorb the details. i have never loved a tablescape more. kudo’s!
xo
debra
You know what I love about you, Eddie Ross, is that you’re not just crafty, thrifty and talented, you’re also passionate about your work and it SHOWS! Beautiful, gorgeous, stunning work! Suzie
**Clutching My Pearls** You all have done it again!!! This table is simply breathtaking and love your inspiration. Liz Taylor is a wonder!
That table is complete magic! Someone else might do half of what you did because they don’t have your vision! Every detail is amazing. I will try to copy a few ideas for our table-can I borrow the vase? -the baccarat chandelier??
~Nancy
Beautiful table, beautiful cause, beautiful you two.
Off to get some eggs and glitter and rhinestones!
Have a wonderful Easter!
xo xo
What a WOW! Layers and layers of your creativity and genius! Great idea to take off the gold banding deliberately. And that video….loved it!
xoxo
Evy
Eddie and Jaithan, you are sooo creative and talented. I am in awe of your design skills. (Truly a gift). And the fact that you are so good at making thrift store finds look like high-end pieces blows me away every time! I am so going to join you for one your flea market adventures.
Happy Easter – to you both.
Much fondness,
Monika
Absolutely amazing. That is one gorgeous table. I love the blue and white especially looking forward to the summer ahead. So transitional and so, so beautiful. You both look handsome as well.
BTW, I thought I was the only one who picked out coordinating colors from bags of candy! So glad to find a candy kindred spirit.
absolutely stunning – you did such a fabulous job. i just want to touch everything to connect with all the sparkly wonderfulness! looks like it was the most spectacular event. well done!
Oh – we were just in Round Top TX last week and everything was pretty darned expensive. Slightly disappointing.
WOW Eddie and Jaithan!! I never really liked blue but now I am a fan. That tablescape is simply amazing. Can’t wait to see you guys! miss you, and HAPPY EASTER!
Sister
Eddie & Jaithan
I am the National Sales Manager for Creative Candles. I just saw your display at Halls what a “Extradionary” table.
Great job..thank you for using Creative Candles.
David Villanueva
National Sales Manager
Gorgeous. Perfectly gorgeous!!!
When are you getting your own television show and magazine?!?!?!
Simply stunning! We feel so privileged to have been a part of this fabulous table setting. Thank you and Happy Easter!!
Pam
It is insanely beautiful. And I mean that in the best possible way! Love the step by step. Maybe I’ll get to design one of these tables some year!
Stunning!
Simply breathtaking! What a charming elegant — swishy-lovely table! Love every inch! And both of you look wonderful too!
Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Breath Taking!! I’m a big Blue and white fan and this took my breath away.
YOU are simply amazing!!! LOVE IT!!
UH-MA-ZING!!!!!! i don’t know how you manage to best your bests… this table is a showstopper, but has many elements we mere mortals could borrow. thank you!
Eddie, I think this is just about the most beautiful thing I have ever seen – just exquisite. You never cease to amaze and I love watching your videos – I always learn so much. Wonderful photos and thanks for sharing!
xo Terri
Louis Armstrong would indeed be proud of your lungs, Eddie. The result was absolutely incredible and well worth the extra effort. Just love your site and your talent.
Love the variations of blue you chose contrasting with the white! The table is just beautiful.
marcie
You give me inspiration. I think I can blow the eggs. thanks to you.
Huff and puff. Happy Easter.
pve
Ah, the Raphael — fond memories of the weekend I got engaged and shopped for the ring on the Plaza. The marriage, alas, didn’t last, but the memories sure do!
Gorgeous table, HUNS!!!! Happy Easter with love from St. Lucia!!!!
XX,
Jacks and Chris
How STUNNING! Thanks so much for sharing!
Eddie, you and Jaithan are the “Kings of Craftyness”!
Loved your table and thanks for showing us how it was done. I think of you every time I wander into a thrift or an antique shop now and you have helped me to start developing an eye for what things can be underneath what they appear as initially.
My one question: what did you do with the insides of the eggs?? I would have felt guilty about throwing that many eggs out!
Wow! Love every bit of this lovely table!
One of my most favorite things you’ve done!
COMPLETELY OTT AND OH SO STUNNING! KG
Eddie and Jaithan-Sorry I have been delayed with my comment but I was playing Florence Nightingale and working with our sales rep, Diana Duffy in Arizona. While describing your Blue and White table at Hall’s to Diana and visualizing how you were inspired by Elizabeth Taylor ready for Oscar night, I compared the Creative Candles 18″ Navy tapers that were featured to Miss Taylor’s lipstick. Despite the gourgeous blue couture gown, the perfectly coiffed updo and exquistively applied makeup, a lady just does not feel complete without her lipstick. To my eye, your table was not ready for your Easter guests until the tapers were appropriately placed. Your table was simply divine. (and sans eggs, ready for Passover as well. :))
We have heard many compliments about town regarding your work at Hall’s on behalf of DIFFA. Thanks once again for sharing your talents and inspiration in Kansas City. Fondly, your devoted friend Pam at Creative Candles
I’m in a puddle in the floor. This is so breathtaking! Liz would have loved it!
What an amazing job! I love it all.
Eddie, that is one spectacular table!!! Gorgeous job with all that blue, it just shines. Congrats to you & Jaithan on a superb job.
Everything about this is SO beautiful! The colors, glitter, and jewels are lovely!Were you the man behind the beautiful jeweled eggs on Marth’s website? I made some that were similar and really enjoyed them!
WOW!! That Easter table display is sure something! A spectacular display worthy for the blue and white lovers of the world…just lovely!!!
Hope you had a great Easter!
🙂 Rochelle
The table is stunning…my heart started beating faster as a scrolled down the post! xx
Absolutely DELIGHTFUL!!! I have scoured the web for that perfect calico corners damask linen to no avail? the blues are stunning. Do you happen to know the name or maker? justuschickens@hotmail.com ( in your “spare” time lol, thanks)
umm, I can’t even say how impressed I am that you did all those eggs… whoa. speechless. they look absolutely perfect! the table looks so stunning I can’t get enough. fantastic job!
Delightful! Would you happen to know the name of the calico corner fabric you used? Love it and you both!!! justuschickens@hotmail.com Thanks in advance!
Wow! This is so beautiful. Thanks for showing us the process. You are amazing
Be still my heart! I am a new follower. You remind me of what my beloved Grandma Frances always said about the antique family china, crystal and sterling:”Holly, it’s not pretty if you can’t see it.” This from a woman who, widowed twice over, sat down every night to a beautiful meal she cooked herself and served on her crystal, china and sterling. I am going to the store for silver polish now. 🙂