A Summer Setting for Southern Living

Just back from Chicago, heading down to Atlanta next week, but in the meantime, here's a summery table setting I did at one of my favorite stores in town, published in this month's Southern Living. Mrs. Howard, it's called, the dazzling brainchild of designer Phoebe Howard and her husband, architect Jim Howard. Phoebe I met years ago when I was an editor at House Beautiful. We were at a party together in High Point, and she's been a great friend and mentor to me ever since. Her home furnishings store in Atlanta is among the most beautiful I've ever seen—the perfect setting for a southern table, mixing new and old pieces in a garden fresh palette of green and white. 

Originally, we worked with Karen Carroll and Dawn Cannon to produce this story for Southern Accents, but when it closed, the film went to its sister publication Southern Living.  Fortunately, editors Lindsey Bierman and Jennifer Kopf, both longtime friends in the business, liked the story and decided to run it. Combining flea market finds from Scott's, together with new pieces from Mrs. Howard and others, I wanted to create a table that balanced formal and casual elements. Southerners love collecting pretty things and, what's more, they're not afraid to use them! Even though the pieces themselves may be formal—mother of pearl knives, etched glass bowls, silvered goblets—it's you as a host that sets the tone for your party. You can be as formal or casual as you'd like! Click twice on the image to enlarge.

A no-fail way to create an elegant look year round is to combine white or cream with varying tones of a single hue. For this table, I did a mix of greens, inspired by garden ferns and farmstand fruits. The menu and place cards Jaithan wrote—if you could see my handwriting, you'd know why—while the the monogrammed spoons were a gift from reader Ann Chamberlain of Northern California. Overall, I think the look is fresh without being fussy, editorial but approachable. And doable too! Layering china, mixing flatware and arranging fruit for a centerpiece are all easy ways to get the look without a lot of work. Click twice to enlarge.     

Huge thanks again to the editors of Southern Living and to Pheobe Howard for letting us take over for the day! We'll be back in Atlanta very shortly, first for a spin through Scott's with some of you on Sunday, July 11th. There's still a few spots left, so email Jaithan for a reservation (jaithan@eddieross.com). Then on the 17th, I'm giving a talk at AmericasMart on 15 Stylists' Secrets to Easy Entertaining. Thanks for the time away, everyone! It's great to be back!  

Comments

[Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality]

Loved the article, Eddie! Hope y'all are having a good summer. Looks like you are busy as usual. xoxo

[Kathysue]

Eddie, I have Southern Living but have not read it yet. Love, this table setting.Just my style, white, green and natural. You always add just the right touches. Love the fern in the moss with the white terra cotta pots. Great idea using card stock for that pop of green on the menus, which by the way are written beautifully Jaithan. I was just at the Atlant airport yesterday coming home from a beach trip in North Carolin. Love that state!! Hugs Kathysue

[Pretty Pink Tulips]

Elegant as always! Love the layering and the edible centerpiece. Can't wait to see/hear about the Chicago experience! xo, Elizabeth

[Shawn Herbert]

Saw the article in Southern Living - my favorite magazine, especially the recipes. LOVE those monogrammed spoons! gorgeous - and the milk glass plates(bowls?). But okay, Eddie, educate me - why are there 2 knives in the place setting?

[Jürgen]

Hello , my blog is one year old. Good reason to celebrate birthday. I organize a raffle, I would be glad if you would choose an object, which is then raffled among all participants. All are invited. Regards Jürgen.

[Genevieve]

You are my favorite designer, Eddie! I just love that you take the time to show all of us 'ordinary' folk how to create beauty in our homes at reasonable prices. My husband has been out of work for two years and I so appreciate that with your tips I can still make things like nice. Just look at your darling Etsy shop where everything is under $100! I can't believe I'm actually leaving a comment on your site! Hope it's approved!

[aneyefordetail]

Looking forward to the 17th in Atlanta! Only wish I could walk Scott's with you on the 11th...
Jaithan: the menu cards are so charming: simple and elegant!

[DCfan]

Such a clean, refreshing look...another success. Cut my teeth on SL, glad to see your work reaching an ever-growing audience.

[beth]

Love this table setting and I love how easy it looks to pull off! I had a great time at the wow event and it was so nice to get to meet you - thanks so much!

[LindsB]

What a beautiful setting- perfect for a summer get together!

[Marija]

Just beautiful! Great to have you back in blogland (though I do wish you were still in Chicago!). xo Marija

[alison@ semi-fab lane]

this is delightfully neutral. it was great meeting you last week in wayne, il. happy travels to atl!

[Pam @ CherishToronto]

This one's for Jaithan,
Hope this isn't too out of line, but Jaithan, your man handwriting is just so...sexy. I love a man that can write legibly!
~Pam
www.cherishtoronto.blogspot.com

[Lisa]

Love the milkglass compote filled with green fruit!

[Trish @TheOldPostRoad]

Saw that article and read it twice! Monochromatic is actually easier than trying to put alot of colors together (for me, anyway). Love the vintage mixed with the real live stuff (plants, fruit, etc) And silver is always perfect.

[Evelyn Weiss]

I totally love this one. Thinking: change just the fruit color and the season (or hoiday) changes instantly!

xoxo
Evy

[Design Love]

Eddie

Love the white,silver,green with a dash of neutral....my favourite. Its so casual but elegant at once! Beautiful Eddie!

YOU THE MAN!!!!!!

Cindy

[jennifer Ament]

Eddie- so happy for you! This is gorgeous, and fresh, and beautiful!!LOVE it!

[Synthia]

Sorry to read you got fired from Martha Sewart Living.

[Cathy S]

Beautiful, and welcoming you to just sit right down!

[Patti Davis]

Love love love it! I have a dinner party coming up and I might have to use all these ideas....;-) oxoxxo, p

[debra phillips]

what a great article! so inspirational i will need it as a permanent "tear-out" for future reference :-)
xo
debra

[Sharon in Chicago]

Just saw you last week in Chicago -- WOW is the absolute right word for your entertaining extravaganza -- and was already needing another "Eddie fix". Great article in Southern Living -- nice to have a copy of what you showed last week.

[shiree segerstrom]

Nice article. Well organized. Inspiring.

[Karena]

Absolutely elegant!! I love the varying shades of creams and green. Fabulous as always!

Karena
Art by Karena

[Ann Chamberlain]

Terrific blog. Glad to see the spoons in use. Your talent continues to dazzle. When are you returning to the west coast?
Ann

[Trina]

Beautiful! Such a wonderful article to inspire a special table. You're such an inspiration...LOVE YOU!
xoTrina

[Leslie Watkins]

Wow, I was wondering what had happened to Jennifer Kopf. She was a great friend to us when she was at Country Home and I was sales mgr. for a wrapping paper company called Mani-G-Wraps. She always gave our product great editorial placement. Now I can follow her work again. Thanks and as usual great work by you!

[Sara Jane]

I'm so excited about the 11th!! Pardon me while I spend the next 2 weeks preparing an outfit. :)

[The Broke Socialite]

Please let me see y'all while you're here! Hugs and beautiful post.

[Mitchell Sotka]

Yet again, another fresh table! I love the use of old and new. It seems you have brought a market back for Milk Glass and the way you use Milk Glass is wonderful! It looks like a million dollars.

[Angie]

It's beautiful! Your tables are always stunning!!I love Mrs. Howard too and I read the blog.
I really love Southern Living Magazine, but I have a hard time finding it where I live in Canada.
Enjoy the weekend on your farm and have fun in Atlanta. xo

[Amy Meier]

Gorgeous! I love the crisp greens that you used.

[Mona Thompson]

This may be my very favorite Eddie Ross tablescape. It's so pretty, yet so clean and simple. Just love the green and white.

[suzanne@cestsuzanne]

This is great! I am having a dinner party in a few weeks and your summertime tablescape ideas came in so handy. I just painted a large room in my home a light green so this table really inspired me!! It's perfect timing. Thanks!

[HollyGoesLightly]

Mrs Howard in Charlotte is so amazing -- we're so happy to have it here. Hope to see you in Atlanta!

[Melissa]

I loved that article-- so fresh and beautiful (and so very YOU.) Safe travels.

[Lisa McGee aka Nenaghgal]

Looks great Eddie - simple but lovely. You continue to be an inspiration! Hope all is well