Modern Mix

We're off to Chicago for a while, so I'm leaving you with a good one. Two flowers I love together: hot pink peonies and orange ranunculus. I always feel like I'm poolside in Palm Beach wearing Lilly, instead of in our car or an airport somewhere, which is how it usually goes.

March is mud month here in upstate New York, so here was just the sort of vibrant inspiration I needed while planning our table for A Date with a Plate in May, a two-day affair in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, benefiting the Noreen O'Neill Foundation for Melanoma Research. A quick stop into one of my favorite fabric houses, Quadrille, for a pink-and-orange combo that spoke to me and voilà!

Meet Kazak. I loved her worldly ways well before her moment in House Beautiful this month. And like so many other fabrics from Quadrille, Kazak strikes a nifty balance between new and old, traditional and modern. This table would be unlike any other I'd done—daring, more vibrant, but still with an element of restraint. And because I knew I had to give a talk tableside during the event, this one would also be about one of my favorite activities—shopping! Thus began an exhaustive, two-month search for the perfect china, silver, linens and glass! Our first find? A set of old Wedgwood bowls, probably from the 20s, with a cool, Chinoiserie feel and a color combination that was spot on. These we scored at the New York City flea market in Chelsea. If you've never been, go! 

Pattern on pattern can be tricky; it's like a high wire act that could go wrong at any second. Hence, the safety net: intermediary plates and chargers that give the eye a break. Other than flea markets, Goodwills are my other go-to sources for undiscovered treasure. At the one in Westport, we picked up these Johnson Brothers ironstone plates from the 50s in a modern octagon shape. They're so classic and beautiful, A Christmas Tree Shop is selling newer versions by the same company! Carbon copies, I tell you, only good for the microwave, too. That's how great they are. 

3000 miles away, at a thrift shop north of San Diego, I found a set of eight brass chargers for seven bucks. (I was out there doing my first shoot for the new Woman's Day, but more on that later.) These beauties are good and heavy with the same shape as the ironstone plates. I only wish my run-in with airport security went as smoothly as the shopping. "It's just tabletop," I told them, arms splayed. "I'm a style editor." They didn't much care.  

Mixing flatware of various time periods and materials is always so much more interesting to me than matching, and this table would be no exception. The mid-century spoons we found back in December, antiquing with La Dolfina, while the mother-of-pearl knives are from the 1800s, a pawn shop score with my friend Andrea from Top Design. The place itself was great; the owner, not so much. "50 bucks for 12," he barked.  "Um, I'll take it."   

Once you know the rules, that's when it's time to break them. Flash forward to my presentation at the event, where I encouraged the audience to balk traditional table settings, throw caution to the wind and mix, darn it! 

"Buy me. I'll come in handy some day." That's what a little brass bird—well, actually two—told me at a junk shop in New Jersey. Jaithan found them when we were shopping for a makeover to appear in the first on-stand issue of The Nest, due out this summer. We certainly didn't need them at the time—we rarely do—but pretty things at prices so low they're practically free I can't resist. Come in handy they did, as the table finally began to take shape. 

For the napkins, I took a cue from the pretty pale blue in the bowls with a great set from Gracious Home in Chelsea. As for the rings, I couldn't find any I liked, so I bought a basic set from Target, then found these fantastic brass and turquoise earrings, also at Target, that I glued right on. Together with the ikat, I thought they'd give the design a cool, Bohemian vibe, like jewelry for table.

Carrying the blue up, I borrowed a stunning set of French opaline glasses from our friend, artist and antiques dealer Deborah Buck. Her store on Madison is a jewel box in itself! For water, I used a set of eight vintage pressed glass goblets with a pretty swirl pattern. You'd never know they're from a Goodwill in Chesapeake Bay! 

Colorful candles are the perfect way to bring the eye up from any table you set. Whether new or vintage linens, chances are Creative Candles has just the right hue. For our table, we chose sky blue tapers for a punchy contrast to the pink and orange ikat. 

Candlesticks were brass—three pairs at varying heights, all from the Goodwill. Brass, by the way, is very much back, especially at flea markets. For more trends from the front lines of Brimfield, check out this post from our friend Amy over at design*sponge. We did a holiday story together on vintage ornaments from the New York flea market that was super colorful and fun!

For the flowers, I knew I wanted to keep the arrangements low, like a beautiful hedge of peonies growing among the candlesticks. The vessels are a mix of brass bowls and vases collected over time. 

If you're having a party and want a quick, easy way to freshen up the dining room, put away your chairs, then rent a few in vibrant colors that coordinate with your table setting. For our event, we considered pale pink, hot pink and orange. Ultimately, the hot pink won out!

One final detail before the big reveal—candy! These are from the dollar store, but only the pInk, orange, blue and white would do. OCD, anyone?   

Finally, the part you've been waiting for. Check out the finished table!

The ikat from Quadrille I turned into runners going from place to place. Overall, I think the effect is worldly and well-traveled with an eclectic feel as though collected over time. And how fantastic are the hot pink Chiavari chairs?

I also love how modern all the vintage brass feels, especially paired with the earring from Target I turned into a napkin ring. And as for the safety net, the chargers and plates give the eye a restful break between the ikat and Chinoiserie pattern of the bowls. To start: a velvety pink chilled beet soup. Can you imagine how beautiful it would be poured into those bowls from a vintage brass coffee pot right at the table?

The three-tiered tray that now holds candy I found at a tag sale upstate, while peonies in vivid shades of pink bring life to the table.  

And finally, the view from the mezzanine. Now who wouldn't want to sit down to this table for a dazzling summer dinner?

Huge thanks to Judi, Sharyn, and Alison for the invitation to participate in A Date with a Plate, benefitting the Noreen O'Neil Foundation for Melanoma Research. Jaithan and I are honored to have done our part for such a profoundly important cause! Back in a few days, everyone! 

Comments

[The Design Boards]

Such a great table! I love the mix of colors, and you gave me a great idea for those brass birds (I have the same ones!)

[Page]

Ok, I am totally coveting the opaline glass and geeking out on the colored chiavaris- we only have the basics, and I'd love local access to more colors!

Fantastic set up!

[Kelli]

LOVE this~
I would also love to see YOU as a guest judge on Design Star or Top Design...

Kelli

[Nicole Cohen]

Absolutely beyond.

[Lauren]

Eddie, this is amazing! I love these colors together and your clever repurposing of those Target earrings. Well done...have fun in Chicago! Come back with lots of new ideas :)

[Komali Nunna]

I would love dine on this table. Where is my invitation? Pink and orange are my favorite combination. Your table is just breath takingly beautiful.

[Joni webb]

Omg!!!!!! I collect blue opaline and this is making me drool!!!!!! Congratulations on southern living. Love y'all!,
Joni

[julie at BV]

STUNNING Congratulations.

[Design Love]

Eddie

I love the pink chairs!!! So,vibrant....
Also, thank you so much for commenting on my new blog.....YOU MADE MY DAY!!!!!!

Cindy

[shiree segerstrom]

Pink and orange, such a cheery combination. I had little desk accessories in pink and orange when I was a child in the mod 60's. I treasured them!

[Therese Long]

Wow guys this turned out fabulous as it knew it would but you still never cease to amaze!!!
Thanks so much for all the well wishes on Christopher's Graduation! It was wonderful although sorta glad it's all over but the memories and now it's on to summer! Yeah!
Missing you
XXXOOO

[Evelyn Weiss]

This table has such incredible energy -- and it gets more fabulous each time I go back to look at it. Wow, are you ever the best!

What an exciting summer for your upcoming publications! Looking forward!

xoxo
Evy

[Samantha/i heart mini.]

Eddie, you're incredible! As soon as I read you picked pink chairs, I fell in love. But to see it all put together was genius! Those blue glasses pop more than I pictured they would, and it's beautiful.

And why haven't I ever thought of actually putting jewelry on my dining room table? I think it's time to bust out my jewelry I've been too sentimental (or lazy) to give away and come up with some new uses!

[Tammy@InStitches]

Your table is gorgeous, the colors are to die for. I wish some of your OCD would rub off on me ! :)

[Brooke Wallace]

Beautiful and Unexpected!

[imitation watches]

Modern mix flowers hot pink peonies and orange ranunculus is so beautiful.I like orange color roses very much.what a glorious design it.

[Domestic Daddy]

I love this table setting! The colors are so fresh and festive -- the blue is particularly unexpected and cool.

[Sarah]

Love your blog Eddie, you infuse everything with fun and elegance

[Wedding venues]

Such a stunning table arrangment, with an amazing vibrant colours.

[Debbie Minarik]

Absolutely amazing!! You just gave me a new color palette for my Master Bedroom which is painted that yummy orange color in the Kazak fabric....and I am off to go find that fabric for my window coverings. Woo Hoo!!! Thanks!!

[Suzanne Lasky/ S Interior Design]

Stuning. I was feeling a bit blue this Monday morning but then I saw this. Beautiful and bold use of color and pattern.

[Judy]

While reading about all your finds I couldn't imagine how beautiful it would all turn out but WOW did it ever! Just beautiful...

Judy

[laura @ the shorehouse]

Fab-u-lous! And I love that you took us through the whole process of how/where everything was scored...right down to the cranky pants pawn shop sale. :-)

[Joe]

very good information

[Kim]

good information

[Erika Ward]

This is beyond fabulous! Target earrings as table accents...genius!

[Maddycakes Muse]

Eddie and Jaithan,
This is the most gorgeous table I have ever seen. You are so talent and your eye for color is ridiculous (that my best word I have for something so insanely good). Thanks for visiting my party blog and commenting on my cotton candy trees. You made my year!! I have always loved "thrifting" but you have taken it to a whole other level. You are simply the best!
Blessings to you both,
Michelle
www.maddycakesmuse.blogspot.com

[maureen]

blue + hot pink + more pink + orange is totally adorable & those pink chivari chairs! fabulous!

[Steph.]

I LOVE your OCD!!!!

[Tobi Fairley]

Eddie,
This is one of my favorite things you have done!!! I absolutely adore it. You are truly talented. And this table top is YUMMY.

Thanks for sharing.
xoxo,
Tobi

[Christen Ales]

Amazing! I love what you did with the napkin rings! I wish Quadrille was more affordable ;)

[Karena]

Eddie & Jaithan, come and see what I put together for a virtual Party at Catherine's of The Shiny Pebble. I ( ahem) borrowed your photo!

Karena
Art by Karena

[Angela Min]

I found your blog through Quadrille's website, what a find you are! Recently, I made a pact with my vivacious 4 year old who really dislikes the color black (as it should be!), that I would never wear black again (well, almost never!). I have since jumped into this new venture with both feet wearing bold colors of teal, turquoise, emeral green .. and fuschias and corals. And it has transformed my life, and now I will begin decorating that way too (believe it or not, I'm a decorator). Sure enough, I then came across a fab article in House Beautiful featuring a fabulous Quadrille fabric, which led me to Quadrille's site, and now to your fabulous inspiring blog. I look forward to following your posts, you are now one of my top 3 fave bloggers!!!

[cassandra @ coco+kelley]

good gawd, it's like you're in my head!! definitely one of my most favorite tabletops EVER! these colors are perfection!!!

[Lauren]

I would have never thought to put all of these elements together... you are amazing!! My only question is- when's the party & what do I wear?? :)

www.aspiringkennedy.com

[cristin @ simplified bee]

simply brilliant! That fabric alone is amazing, but you pulled together so many old meets new items to make it a conversation piece. It flows beautifully.

xo,
cristin

[Anne]

Stunning, Eddie. Once again you have pulled off an amazing feat. I didn't think it was possible to make all of that work, and yet from the brass accents to the graceful tapers, you did it!

[Lolawashername.com]

Your ikat print is absolute perfection! Love, love, love. Cheers.

[Trina]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful...and I devoured every word on how you put it all together. It's just fascinating! And very, very inspiring!
xoxoTrina

[littleshop]

Way to go, Spanky, this might be my favorite thing you've ever done!

[Missy]

Fantastic! Soooo many great ideas!!

[Lindsey]

Stunning! Gorgeous! I can't wait to try this out myself. Such inspiration!

[katiedid]

Wowza!!! I had to skim to the end to see the final result....now back to the "how to". LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!!!!

[my favorite and my best]

that is poop-your-pants good.
the colors are so saturated and prettypants.

[alexandra rae]

Oh, I hate to be the 48th comment! What can I say that hasn't already been said? It is divine, it's unbelievably amazing!! Absolutely out of the park. And the colors and style so me (my life is pink, red and orange with splashes of turquoise--check out my blog post "Party give happy ending"!--like you've got time) In fact I have been searching all week for the perfect ikat for my own living room and was just about to settle on the aqua and orange Laura Ashley when I saw this table. Okay I never jump to the after until I've read every detail, but I just could not stand it! Right to the final picture and it exploded with inspiration. I even think it just inspired a painting for said living room! Thank you Mr. Eddie Ross and Mr. Jaithan.

[Bailey@peppermintbliss]

This just looks so happy and fun! I love it!

[Alaina @ Live Creating Yourself]

That is amazing. I'm speechless! The pink and orange fabric is my favorite part!

[Carla H. Smith]

Wow. Eddie, you are good. Your designs are so so original. I'm just amazed. Simply AMAZED by your talents.

[Sara Jane]

I literally gasped when I saw the finished table. Outrageously good.

[Leah]

Wow those pink chairs are so amazing! Love them, you are so talented!

[starrydeborah]

Wow! I never like to mix those colors for wearing but put them on a table??? and it is gorgeous and wild!
starrydeborah

[micah]

I think I stopped breathing when I saw the finished table. So gorgeous! Love everything, right down to the sixlets :)

[The Zhush @ thezhush.blogspot.com]

oh. my. word. Your clever OCD clearly paid off in spades here...blown away! Off to figure out what color candles to showcase in my dining room...thanks for all the fun and beautiful inspiration!

[Joanne Kennedy]

I just adore your work and your tablescapes are always my favorite. Love how you give the step by steps on how you get there! Just wonderful!

I do have two questions for you. One, you say brass is in...ok, I will buy that and start colllecting it from the thrift stores. But tell me, do I need to polish it or leave it as is for an aged look? Any types I should be looking for?

The 2nd question is the thrift store in San Diego. Can you tell me which one? Since I live in So CA and go down there often I would love to stop in.

Thanks so much! Love you lots.

Joanne

[michelle]

Eddie and Jaithan- THIS IS STUNNING!!! Honestly the most beautiful table I think I've ever seen!! Your talents never cease to amaze me.
xxMA

[Bee Balm Gal]

Who is more cheerful than Eddie Ross?
Elegance can be fun, affordable, accessible (not to mention creative) and you’ve shown us how, time and again.
Thank you for the inspiration.

[jen]

fabulous!

[alison@semi-fab lane]

this table is out of this world! i love how you pulled off this look with such affordable finds!
i signed up for your WOW party this coming thursday in wayne, il and can't wait to see you. i just posted about it because i'm so excited! see you thursday:)

lifeinthesemi-fablane.blogspot.com

[isabelle]

This is absolutely stunning! I tip my hat, you are a true star!

[Alan Karlin]

Love it, you always amaze me when you find & use the old brass stuff. Gives me a new eye when I look at what usually just looks out of date.

[hellolover]

This looks amazing - perfect for a summer event!

[Serena at the urbanfarmhouse]

My favorite of your tabletops - ever. I was unsure with the plates combined with the ikat, but you proved your genius by tying it all together beautifully!

[susan@pocacosas]

LOVE LOVE LOVE your color story!

[Walter]

You took my breath away. Great color combinations. LOVE IT. Thanks for sharing.

[DCfan]

Another great table - so full of energy and excitement. You know how to make things work together and come alive, and have some fun all along the way...well done!

[Sarah (Matters of Style)]

LOVE. Best one ever!

[Sharon in Chicago]

Can't wait to see you on Thursday. By then, I may finally recovered from the swoon this post inspired.

[Kathysue]

Heee's Baaaack! OMG!! Eddie I am grinning from ear to ear. This is the Eddie I came to love!!! It looks amazing fun, fresh, new, classic all of the above. Everything a tablesetting should be. The details you create are amazing. I love, love, love it!! Bravo and Kudo's to YOU!! xoxo Kathysue

[Rachel]

Brilliant. Just brilliant and beautiful. I'm in awe of the colors and festivity they evoke. Yes, what time is dinner???

[Privet and Holly]

Like a fresh Caribbean breeze: warm, inviting and full of sweet charm! You are right, it certainly does look like it evolved over time, which shows how talented you truly are. Thank you for this lovely post!
xx Suzanne

[Melissa]

Oh, my word, boys, Ya'll have outdone yourselves on this one. I'm in serious, serious love. Is it OK to repost it in it's entirety on my blog? So, so, perfect, and I love how it's mostly thrifted!

[Jeanne]

What time is dinner served? Again, you have performed your magic in taking some things that would seem rather unextrordinary on their own and turned them into a fresh hot look! You're amazing! When will you be writing a book?

[Acanthus & Acorn]

Eddie,
Might have to copy you on this one...already have a set of the blue French opaline glasses...and I just finished sorting tons of candy for grad parties this weekend albeit different colors!

I REALLY love this table...chic,and still so fun for summer!

[Amy Meier]

Absolutely LOVE IT! Great use of color. You two never ceased to amaze me.

[LindsB]

Want to come style my wedding?!? I would DIE to have tables set up like these, they are amazing!!

[Karena]

Eddie that fabric those goblets, the chairs, It is all wondrous. I love ranunculas!! Hot pink and orange is fabulous!

Karena
Art by Karena

[Lydia Bryant]

I LOVE it!

[TWA]

I must get my hands on that fabric! I have been in search of the perfect drapery fabric for my apartment and as soon as I read this post I fell in love. I didnt see it on the quadrille website, might you know how to get my hands on some? Im hoping its not wildly expensive :) Keep up the amazing work!

[maureen]

OMG! What a tablescape! The colors are amazing. Who wouldn't want to sit down at this table and have a dinner catered to them? Invite me, please!

[Pam]

So breathtaking I need some oxygen!

[aneyefordetail]

I think the very best part of this post was the way it "unfolded"! I didn't want to scroll down too quickly...just to savor each picture and all the text. Eddie and Jaithan: congratulations!

[FrenchGardenHouse]

Fabulous! Perfect colors, this table just makes anyone happy. Always love how you pull in the thrift finds, and show that good style and taste is not dependent on how much money you spend. bravo! Lidy

[honey living]

unbelievable! i didn't know how i was going to feel about the blue...but it looks totally amazing! you never fail to amaze. i was eyeing that ikat in HB!

[Patti Davis]

Oh.My.Gawd. I love it. I really love it.And Lily is my fashion hero. Love the pink and green together -always! xoxo, Patti

[joanna]

I'm sweating...sweating like a menopausal woman in July. Have you to thank for overcoming my disdain for anything brass. l.o.v.e.

[Kate]

Eddie and Jaithan - LOVE it! I was looking in to green/white ikat for our dinner party in August. Great minds think alike! Have fun in my hometown of Chicago. Sorry to miss the fun! Best, Kate

[Stacey @ The Blessed Nest]

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!! I don't know which elements I adore more! :) That fabric is incredibly beautiful, and may just be a new love of mine. Lovely. I'll be saving this in my "inspiration file"!
Blessings,
Stacey

[Artie]

Absolutely GORGEOUS! I'm green with envy over those brass chargers! :)

[Anne S.]

WOW -- You have such fabulous ideas. It is amazing what you design! Thank you so much for sharing and have fun in Chicago.

[I Do Declare]

What an amazing table - I LOVE it!!! I, of course, would never have thought to streamline those colors, but as always, you give us fantastic ideas to steal!

[Emily @ Peach & Pearl]

Gorgeous! Love that fabric.

[Zena]

Eddie,

I swoon at this fabulous table. Those pink chairs, OMG, such a fun punctuation! I have a baby shower to throw and this table gives me so many great ideas, that are fresh and chic. Can you rent only 8 colored chairs?

[Wendy]

Beautiful. You've inspired me to head back to the Chelsea Flea Market this weekend. Enjoy Chicago!

[Belle on Heels]

ohmigod this is like my dream wedding color palette! this is SO SO SO gorgeous!

[Pretty Pink Tulips]

OK...I've seen you do some amazing tablescapes. But, this one grabbed me like a bear hug from one of my boys. The colors are magical together. The blue - who would have thought - gave just the right relief and coolness to the orange and hot pink. Inspired. Genius. But we all know you are! And....I absolutely love that you separated out only the "right colored" candies. Have fun in the Windy City!! xoxo Elizabeth

[Lisa]

Eddie and Jaithan,
You fellas talk my language! LOVE the outcome...it's gorgeous! I'm a huge fan of pink and turquoise (did it for my daughters Tiaras and Tutus party and doing it again for a bridal shower I'm giving in two weeks.) Have a great weekend!

[Kate@ Kids and Cocktails]

Love this! I wish we could rent pink Charvari chairs close to me. They would be perfect for my daughter's pink sleepover!

[Jane @ The Borrowed Abode]

This is my favorite post yet! Love what you did with that, especially the use of the earrings. If I had to pick one fashion designer as to inspire my room decor, I think it would be vintage Lilly. :)

[patti]

Wow...couldn't visualize it all together and was pleasantly surprised at the end! How on earth did you get the overhead photo??

[pve]

Each time I stop in for a visit to see your latest post, my jaw drops, my eyes widen and I say to myself, I love that he uses his talents and shares with each of us, what a glorious table, now what are you cooking? A curried thai dish or ?
pve