On the Road Again

This morning, from my middle seat way in the back aboard my very first Southwest flight, I couldn’t help but consider the irony of all of us and our boarding groups, identified only by letter, pushing and shoving at one another, stepping over the elderly and small children alike, until we’d finally settled in our seats, exasperated and breathless, staring at tray tables stamped with golden wings encircling a red heart, like a warm, friendly hug. The whole experience made switching lanes in LA traffic look like a page out of Emily Post.

So with the Rose Bowl behind us and a slew of fantastic new friends we’ll post about shortly, Jaithan and I are in Kansas City, sprinkling our fairy dust, one event at a time.

First, we’re doing a spring-inspired table at Halls Plaza (think Bergdorf’s but in Kansas City) as part of a month-long event starting Thursday called Tables By Design, benefiting DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). You may have seen pictures from the past of DIFFA’s signature event, Dining By Design, in either New York or LA, but did you know it was actually founded in Kansas City? Testament, I think, to a far more cosmopolitan city than its backwoods reputation would have us believe. Then again, our good friend Mrs. Blandings has known that all along, giving us in ELLE Decor a fantastic, insider look into the city's rich design community. She's a regular contributor to SPACES too, Kansas City's premiere design magazine.

Here's a great, little write-up they did on the DIFFA event at Halls. If you're in town this Thursday evening and would like to shop in support of a profoundly important cause, I'd love to meet you! 

Then, on Saturday the 20th, we're teaming up with Creative Candles and Factory Direct Craft for another super fun workshop and cocktail party. Remember the mouth-watering flower arrangements we made together last summer?

This time, we're etching glass hurricanes with everyone's monogram for a look that's personal and chic. Plenty of folks have already signed up (including our favorite local bloggers!), but there's still room for more. Click here for details.

Not sure how much time we'll have to post this week between pulling together the table and prepping for the workshop, but by all means, follow me on Twitter to see all the action as it unfolds...    

Comments

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[Sadie]

Well, I hope you post all the resources. Really loved the chairs, tablecloth and center piece.

[Becky]

I think your energy and enthusiasm for all things wonderful has rubbed off. Safe travels!anyway thanx for the post.

[louis vuitton]

Excellent site, keep up the good work my colleagues would love this. I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks

[Carrie]

I loved this post. Next time I'm going to think twice about either introducing or presenting someone.thanx for posting.

[Amy]

Very well research, pictures are very organized. Very neat too :)

[Maureen Sullivan Stemberg, Interiors]

Eddie,
What a wonderful article. I just left a comment on another great blog. The article was called...Well Said:Mark Hampton. You left a lovely comment. Mark, was a mentor and later we became very good friends. I still miss him so much. He was so encouraging and believing in my abilities as a designer. I know, he would had respected and love your work. Wishing you a great Easter.

[Patty]

I wish more people read Emily Post. I love that springtime green flower arrangement it's beautiful, thanks for posting!

[WillowDecor]

Traveling always sounds more glamorous than it really is!! Have a wonderful trip. Can't wait to hear how everything goes!!

[Betsy]

I've been following you on Twitter, but if I had just read your blog earlier than today, I TOTALLY would have signed up with my sister to come to your workshop at Creative Candles!
I'm glad you got to enjoy Kansas City's nicest day in months ... and then I'm sorry that you were here for the random snow storm! Gotta love Kansas weather :)

[Bonnie]

I've flown on many airlines but my experience with Southwest has always been the best. One can be considerate even when not first to board. Just takes a little practice. And, they are usually always on time.

Enjoy your visit!

Best,
B

[Sherry]

Hi Eddie! I live about 45 minutes south of Crown Center. Wish I could have stopped by to see your design. Mrs. B posted some pictures and your design looks fabulous. I hope you post all the resources. Really loved the chairs, tablecloth and center piece. Loved the vases the tulips were in. Where did you get those? I guess I pretty much loved everything!

[Martha Foss]

Hi-I wish I had been your flight attendant on your flight!! I fly for SWA and once you get used to getting your boarding pass early so you get a good seat--you'll fly us all the time!! I often see people, who get the middle seat, between 2 strangers, end up being good friends by the time the flight is over--look at it as a marketing opportunity!! (or at least a new friendship!) I enjoy your blog--and I hope I get to meet you on your next Southwest flight! Martha

[Katie]

"Mrs. Distinguished, may I present Mr. Traveler." Hahaha...cute inclusion in your post. :o) I miss Southwest! They don't fly to Hartsfield-Jackson...why, I don't know...but I flew with them all throughout college to visit my now husband. Southwest is the best! I'll be in KCMO in a few weeks...I hate that I'm barely missing the opportunity for y'all's workshop...tear... ;o)

[Julie Blanner]

Your table was simply amazing. I love that you utilized blues in such an elegant way. The tulips in the julep cups made for beautiful place settings.

[Erika Ward]

I wish I was in KC to meet up with you guys again. I'll be watching my "tweeter" for all the updates. I remember seeing David Jimenez's tables decorated for DIFFA. They were so amazingly beautiful...I posted them on my blog. I'd love to spotlight your work when you are permitted to do the final reveal. Just send me an email!!

[honey living]

loving that green arrangment!

[Renae]

You fellers are on the move! Have fun...look forward to hearing all about all of your adventures!
xx

[Lila Ferraro]

I loved this post. Next time I'm going to think twice about either introducing or presenting someone!
Lila Ferraro
Queen Bedroom Sets

[Heather]

OMG! I am watching you on Whatever, Martha RIGHT NOW. You are like 20yo and making whoopie pies with her and Carter - i love it!

[grace]

Hi Eddie and Jaithan! Hope y'all are having a ball in Kansas. Thanks for all the fun times in San Diego and all that you taught us at the Rose Bowl Flea. I am so excited to see what you have in store for us with all your upcoming adventures!

xoxo,

Grace

[mary]

Thanks for the refresher on the proper way to handle presentations/introductions. Emily always got it right! Have fun in Kansas City!

[gardenfeever]

I fly Southwest all the time because the flights are on time and the employees are terrific! Eddie, next time you fly them, get your boarding pass exactly 24 hours ahead of time so you get an A and can sit in the front of the plane in an aisle seat. Love you!

[Patti Davis]

Thrilled for you, more thrilled for your yet-unknown friends in KC. They are in for the biggest treat ever! You + Jaithan are both magical! xoox, Patti

[kathysue]

Hi Eddie and Jaithan, You two are on a whirlwind of exciting events and travels. I hope you got to rest up a bit in San Diego. I am with you, I hate flying Southwest. So glad you made it to your destination safe and sound. Take care, sorry I missed the Rose bowl. xoxo Kathysue

[starrydeborah]

Hi Eddie,
Some of my online friends said they saw you at the Rose bowl and were thrilled to overhear you talking and said "he really knows his stuff"! You just never know whose listening :)
starrydeborah

[cara]

thanks for the kc shout out! have you visited nell hills during any of your kc adventures? it's a feast for the eyes, and i feel like it would be right up your alley. http://www.nellhills.com/locations/kansas_city.html

enjoy your time here!

[a lovely being]

I'm going to have to send my Mom to halls to she can take pictures for me! I'm sure it's going to be over-the-top fabulous :)
XO fallon

[Shelly]

You're a busy, busy pair! Eddie, it was so wonderful meeting you both and learning SO much! You inspired me so much that I am flea marketing again next week for my Easter table, I spent yesterday FINALLY cleaning up and decorating my home office and I spent this morning potting spring plants for my yard. I think your energy and enthusiasm for all things wonderful has rubbed off. Safe travels!

[Suzanne]

I will see you Thursday! I cannot wait to meet you, as you have been a huge source of inspiration to me.

[Marija]

So well written! Informative and fun and I love the nod to Ms. Post. Totally wish KC was a bit closer - Mrs. Bs postings of late have me itching to check out this neighbor gem. Her post on the Gucci jewelry display at Hall's (who knew?!) sealed the deal. Travel safely. And have fun! Marija

[Ellen]

Southwest rocks. I thought that there would be pushing and shoving without seat assignments, but their system of boarding in alpha-numeric order works so much better than assigned seats. And their staff is friendly and relaxed.

[Merrie]

How exciting! Yes, I will come check out the table at Halls this Thursday night. Hope you have a wonderful time in our town. Spaces is a wonderful magazine. It's all the more special to me because some of my husbands work has been featured in it before.

[Karena]

What? Cowtown, now Eddie you know that's not true!! Kidding and looking forward to seeing you and Jaithan this weekend!

Karena
Art by Karena