As we ready our homes for the holidays, ironing linens and polishing silver for the table, here's a bit of inspiration from an event we did at the Apawamis Club in Rye, hosted by one of our closest friends, Elizabeth Moyer of the splendid blog Pretty Pink Tulips. Elizabeth, you may remember, from her charming home on the Rye House Tour or even the Springtime Social she co-hosted with reader Linie Featherston.
Thanks to them, over 200 people attended the event at Apawamis, which included lunch, a holiday boutique of our vintage wares and a presentation full of insider tips for easy, elegant holiday decorating.
These Coalport Indian Tree plates that Jaithan found at Consign It were just the inspiration I needed for a table mixing new and vintage pieces in a vibrant palette of pink and green.
The chargers are from the Christmas Tree Shop, while the dinner plates are Mottahedeh. Both sit atop linen runners (Java Java in Pink) from Quadrille, one of my favorite sources for designer fabric. Together, the play of patterns feels fresh, happy and a little bit dangerous, just the way I like it. Speaking of, if you're using holly in an arrangement, make sure you remove the berries beforehand. They're poisonous and tend to fall anyway. Mixed with simple pink roses, the centerpieces are instant holiday.
For a bit of tradition, I used old European napkins embroidered with monograms but layered in a modern way.
Now don't forget the details! Colorful candy in footed compotes are a sweet intermezzo between dinner and dessert. Consider vintage salt cellars, too, like these gold-over-porcelain beauties for no reason at all but sparkle and shine. And finally, layer the light with votives like these cranberry glass holders from Ole Carousel Antiques.
For a quick and easy place card, use a white paint pen on ornaments that match your table.
You can even embellish taper candles with holly. Simply wire two ends together and it's a fast and easy bobeche. We used handmade tapers in turquoise from my go-to source, Creative Candles in Kansas City.
Huge thanks to our friends at The Laundress, Larson-Juhl and Wish for their generous donations. And finally, on a more personal note, thank you to our sweet, super talented friend Elizabeth Moyer for hosting such a beautiful event.
Every one of us, I'd venture to say, has friends we've made through the blogging community, and although we may not have met them all in person, they're real to us in every way. Happy holiday entertaining, everyone!
Another sensational table!!! Hope your Holidays are everything you could wish for. The very,very best for 2012 (OMG already??)
xsxs
Sandra
Posted by: Sandra Jonas | December 17, 2011 at 12:38 AM
I just have two words for you
absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Mary Ann Stafford | December 26, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Celebrate in style. That can only mean Eddie & Jaithan! Gorgeous! Love all the details.
Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration and for your friendship. I look forward to meeting you in 2011. (Yes, I plan to join you on one of your upcoming flea market trips -- the very next one in NY!).
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Warm hugs to you both,
Mon
Posted by: Splendid Willow | December 23, 2010 at 02:54 PM
Must be close to Christmas...I am home making Jane's coffee cake, 1964 NYTimes recipe, you have to try it. recipe on my blog. Wish you were next door so I could bring some over! I love you guys! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: abby jenkins | December 23, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Wishing you and Jaithan a Happy Holiday Season!
Happy New Year and sending much joy and prosperity for 2011!! See you next year!
Ha Ha !
L.
La Maison Fou
Posted by: La Masion Fou | December 23, 2010 at 06:14 AM
What a beautiful floral display for the holidays. I love the nontraditional pink colors and very feminine touches to this party decor. I came across your post this morning while browsing interior design blogs and your take on interior décor is exquisite. Window treatments, especially like the drapes in the first picture, can also bring out hidden beauty in a banquet hall with very tall ceilings. It is true that you must dress your windows appropriately to bring out their true beauty. Thank you for writing and as a special thanks to you and your readers, I would like to offer a 20% off coupon using this code upon checkout: BLG20.
Posted by: Elise Lowerison | December 22, 2010 at 02:46 PM
Aw - fun! Wish I could be there.
Merry Christmas boys!
Leigha
Posted by: Leigha | December 22, 2010 at 02:00 PM
LOVE the Quadrille fabric…one of my favorite patterns. All the pink really makes the table pop! So beautiful!
XOXO
Katie
Posted by: Katie Gallimore | December 22, 2010 at 10:14 AM
Beautiful table settings- I love all the pink!
Posted by: LindsB | December 21, 2010 at 12:02 PM
Beautiful! I'm falling in love with this blog quickly!
And thanks for using and mentioning a Kansas City company - Creative Candles are awesome.
Posted by: Angela | December 21, 2010 at 11:14 AM
I have been blessed
by Elizabeth's friendship,
too and can imagine that
anything she is involved
in is going to be done with
100% {pink!} heart. This
looks like a lovely event
in every way, since really,
LOVE is in details and they
were superb. Big hugs to
you and Jaithan, Eddie!
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Privet and Holly | December 21, 2010 at 10:30 AM
I was so sad I couldn't join in the fun...it looked like is was an AMAZING time. I love all of the pink touches (are you sure you all didn't consult with Pantone when they came out with their color of the year???:) Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Gretchen O | December 21, 2010 at 10:07 AM
I love the fabric-modern & feminine, that rarely happens. Lovely.
Posted by: elz | December 21, 2010 at 09:21 AM
What an absolutely amazing tablescape! I of course love the touch of the monogrammed napkins. We hope you will stop by the Metis Linens booth at the Long Beach flea market in January as we always feature French flavored refreshments and can offer a small token for everyone in your group.
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | December 21, 2010 at 09:19 AM
Wow. Another table beautifully done. Just lovely.
Posted by: Laura Bear | December 20, 2010 at 08:06 PM
As usual, you two outdid yourself yet again!!!!
Stunning! LOVE the holly detail--unexpected! So gorgeous, y'all :)
Posted by: Andrea | December 20, 2010 at 05:58 PM
Such a gorgeous table with the pink. It inspires to so start using a few of the many sets of dishes that I have.
Posted by: Tonia of Chic Modern Vintage | December 20, 2010 at 11:46 AM
Oh yes. Pink is my signature color and it is so nice to see a Christmas table that moves away from red and green.
Posted by: Lucindaville | December 20, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Eddie & Jaithan
I have so enjoyed your blog this year with all its beautiful inspiration. I look forward to your wonderful posts in 2011 and anxious to see what you do with that new honeysuckle color! Have a wonderful holiday.
Posted by: diane | December 20, 2010 at 09:51 AM
'PRETTY..ness IN PINK'! Very inpsiring and especially refreshing. -Brenda-
Posted by: mrsben | December 20, 2010 at 08:30 AM
Beautiful and I love the unexpected pink at Christmas time. Merry Christmas, Kriste.
Posted by: Kriste Michelini | December 19, 2010 at 09:39 PM
Absolutely lovely...pink goes with every holiday and every season (well maybe not Saint Patrick's Day)! And love that you use so much vintage in your decor! Happy Happy Holidays, Danielle
Posted by: Danielle | December 19, 2010 at 09:28 PM
E & J- I cannot tell you how much I love this color combination. Your finishing touches are exquisite.
Posted by: El | December 19, 2010 at 08:47 PM
Everything looks so beautiful and Elizabeth is one of my favorite blogging buddies. Don't you guys have so much fun shopping in so many different venues.? That would be heaven for me. We sold the little bar cart that you wanted when you were in Little Rock this weekend. It made me think of you. Merry Christmas! Mona
Posted by: Mona Thompson | December 19, 2010 at 06:55 PM
Wow, looks nice! I've been at a party this weekend as well, but a very un-glamorous one, one for kids ;) The kids were very happy about it though and so was I since I received the most lovely gift from another parent, a beautiful enamel sign from http://www.ramsign.com
Posted by: Diana | December 19, 2010 at 03:33 PM
Wow, those are some amazing tablescapes and I love how you embellished the candles with holly. Where did you find so many embroidered napkins? Love them!
Posted by: Acquired Objects | December 19, 2010 at 02:24 PM
Boy that's pretty. Now I'm rethinking my entire Christmas dinner table... thanks for that.
Merry Christmas you two!!
Posted by: Linda Merrill | December 19, 2010 at 02:15 PM
Hello Eddie -- this table it BEAUTIFUL, I love seeing a big wave of pink this time of year. The contrast of the turquoise candles and the holly really just makes it perfect!
Happy holidays!
Do you wear "readers"?? I love my "restaurant readers", which have little LED lights embedded in them, I'm giving a pair away for the holidays..stop by the market to enter!
Posted by: splendid Market | December 19, 2010 at 01:28 PM
Absolutely gorgeous! I love the hot pink, and the chairs are pink! Fabulous.
Posted by: Scribbler | December 19, 2010 at 01:03 PM
Gorgeous! Love the pink. I am totally crushing on it right now.
Merry Christmas Eddie and Jaithan!
xx
Posted by: Jesse {GoodGirlGoneGlad} | December 19, 2010 at 12:36 PM
So gorgeous, though this event kept me from seeing you on the last trip north. Shack was just saying last night how long it's been since we've seen you. Happy holidays in the new house!
Posted by: Mrs. Blandings | December 19, 2010 at 12:29 PM
I love the pink roses with the holly. I will be copying this one!
Posted by: Kay | December 19, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Looks like a beautiful event and a fantastic table. Wish I could have been there. Happy Holidays to you both!
Steve
Posted by: Steve McKenzie | December 19, 2010 at 09:31 AM
Dear E & J -
I don't know how you do it, but you manage to keep creating my newest favorite tablescapes. This one is so, so, so beautiful! I just love everything about it - for starters, your color palette. Also the mix of old and new, the Quadrille fabric, the Christmas ornament placecards, the variegated holly in with the pink flowers... I just want to gaze at it over and over again (and I WILL!)
Thank you and happy holidays!
Posted by: Kate Dickerson | December 19, 2010 at 09:13 AM
Eddie & Jaithan, it was a remarkable day....filled with joy, laughter and great ideas!!!
Where will your adventures take us next?!
love, Elizabeth
Posted by: pretty pink tulips | December 19, 2010 at 08:28 AM
The event was perfection in every way! Loved it lots and also loved that I have the same Coalport China as you two handsome fellas! Grateful to Elizabeth for organizing and hosting such a lovely afternoon.
Posted by: hamptontoes | December 19, 2010 at 08:07 AM
Very pretty, Eddie & Jaithan! I am sure the people who attended the event were charmed and enchanted. Reggie
Posted by: Reggie Darling | December 19, 2010 at 06:52 AM
The colour scheme is fantastic as usual Eddie and I love the plates Jaithan found!
Thank you for all the links for the individual pieces - what a resource.
It all looks heaven and I love that you have incorporated 'honeysuckle pink' the new pantone darling for 2011!
Happy rest of the weekend and thank you for your sweet comment today. I agree with you on the dog.! :)
xx Charlotta
Posted by: Charlotta | December 19, 2010 at 05:14 AM
It's simply gorgeous - stunning!
You have managed to do something innovative while still including tradition and holiday details. Amazing.
I wish I still lived in Westchester! I definitely would have found a way to attend ;-)
Posted by: Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels | December 19, 2010 at 02:37 AM
EDDIE...
Great job! Gorgeous event again...And I agree totally about blogging friendships!I am so glad to have met you through blogland, your visits to Design Love and comments mean so much!
Happy Holidays to you both!
C.
xo
Posted by: Design Love | December 19, 2010 at 02:06 AM
Thank you for the cute ornament place card idea!! LOVE the pink chairs and adorable table runners!!!So fresh!!
Posted by: Rene'@bargainhoot | December 19, 2010 at 02:01 AM
I have to say Elizabeth is one of the kindest most wonderful people and I consider her one of my best blog friends forever or BBFF!
What a beautiful event...
Happy holidays
Posted by: Alexis | December 19, 2010 at 01:10 AM
eddie and Jaithan how fabulous, holiday done perfectly! bt the way adore Elizabeth of Pretty Pink Tu;ips!
I have a New Giveaway from My Sparrow, do come and enter!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | December 18, 2010 at 11:47 PM
Hi, Eddie & jaithan! What a fantastic event and that table setting is just jaw-dropping gorgeous. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you both! xoxo rhoda
Posted by: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality | December 18, 2010 at 11:47 PM
It must have been pure delight for everyone who attended this very special event. The table setting you created provides wonderful inspiration -- love the perfectly balanced mix of vintage and modern! The colors are fresh and exciting, and the tips about creating holly bobeches and removing berries to avoid poisoning holiday guests are invaluable. Thank you, Eddie, for the joy and creative energy you share all year 'round.
Wishing you and Jaithan the happiest of holidays!
Bill @ Affordable Accoutrements
Posted by: Bill | December 18, 2010 at 11:34 PM
Your table setting are by far the BEST. You two are not only utterly adorable and handsome but you match your table settings. Constantly inspire me. Ann xo
Posted by: Ann | December 18, 2010 at 10:38 PM
Amazing table setting and I love those pink chavari chairs. Great colors and very clever use of holly in the floral arrangements.
Posted by: Katie | December 18, 2010 at 10:37 PM
Gorgeous! The Quadrille fabric is beautiful with the dinnerware and floral arrangements. All the small details are fabulous too.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday!
xo,
cristin
Posted by: cristin @ simplified bee | December 18, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Beautiful! The china plates look so much like coalport Indian Tree...I happen to have a whole packing box full of them...my grandmas.
Posted by: linda @ Lime in the coconut | December 18, 2010 at 10:09 PM
Stunning! All of it! It really was such a lovely event, and I fully enjoyed revisiting your gorgeous table inspiration here. Will be using spatulas as stencils this week, as my children and I decorate the sugar cookies!
xx
Sue
Posted by: The Zhush @ thezhush.blogspot.com | December 18, 2010 at 09:29 PM
Merry Christmas to both of you. I will be thinking of you as I prepare Christmas Eve dinner for both sides of our family. 30 in all :)
Best to you...
Janet
Posted by: Janet Doherty | December 18, 2010 at 08:54 PM
You even had pink CHAIRS!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG, this is so beautiful! The arrangements are perfection! Love the holly around the candles too. The fabric runners are beautiful, Awesome job, Eddie!!!! Pinky
Posted by: Pinky | December 18, 2010 at 08:42 PM
beyond stunning with a great twist on tradition.
and yes elizabeth is indeed one of the shining stars in our blogger world
merry christmas dear eddie and jaithan
xo
debra
Posted by: debra phillips | December 18, 2010 at 08:33 PM
Gorgeous as usual! I can't wait to see your new home!
Posted by: Sara Jane | December 18, 2010 at 08:14 PM
Well said Eddie, about how real blogging friendships are to us. What a lovely holiday table. I am partial to pink and the plates Jaithan found are so pretty. The roses and holly and pink balls strewn on the table, divine. I love those runners too...nothing I don't love actually! Hot pink dining room chairs~the best! Happy Holidays to you both!
xxoo
Posted by: amy@maisondecor | December 18, 2010 at 07:59 PM
You are masters of making any color combination perfect for any occasion. Who would thing pink & blue for the Holidays.
Bellisimo!
Posted by: Alan Karlin | December 18, 2010 at 07:48 PM
Eddie, you are my present every day!
I hope you, Jaithan and your families have a wonderful holiday.
Love,
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy | December 18, 2010 at 07:45 PM
This is beautiful..and being from the south "bring on the monograms" great post+pictures.
xx peggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy braswell | December 18, 2010 at 07:40 PM
Elizabeth is the best - and I haven't even met her in person yet! I wasn't able to attend the event but everything looked beautiful and it sounds like it was a rousing success. My hat off to the both of you!
Posted by: quintessence | December 18, 2010 at 07:35 PM
Eddie, this tablesetting is gorgeous. So pretty and pink. You were a trendsetter with the new pink even before Pantone announced honeysuckle pink the color for 2011!!! You are always ahead of the cusp!!! I love the table linens so lovely and like I said, just pretty in pink!!! xo to you and Jaithan, Kathysue
PS I just got through polishing a silver compote and was thinking how much you would love it!!!!
Posted by: Kathysue | December 18, 2010 at 07:24 PM
Toasting you with a single malt scotch from camp miola. Thank you again for bringing Creative Candles to the celebration. Seasons Greetings from your friends in the Midwest.
Posted by: | December 18, 2010 at 07:19 PM
What an amazing event! I love the tablecoth fabric and the place settings. So inspiring!!
abby (formerly of abby & her boys)
Posted by: Abby @ a delightful design | December 18, 2010 at 05:22 PM
simply love the tapers with holly. what a great idea. beautiful!
and the pink balls as place cards! loving pink for xmas these days.
Posted by: Michael - Innkeeper | December 18, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Dear Eddie and Jaithan,
You inspire me everytime I come here. I love it. I love the colours too as my theme this year is gold, purple and pink and I will be stealing your ideas for the candy (I'm ahead on napkins and charger plates at the moment!)
I have never met you, but when I speak about you I say 'Oh Eddie did this today' or 'Jaithan left a comment on my blog'!
Thank you so much for popping by this year and leaving me some lovely comments. I wish you both a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous and fun New Year - I have no doubt that it will be!
Pru
Posted by: Perfecting Pru | December 18, 2010 at 03:46 PM
Hi E & J, I was b eginning to wonder what you were up to... but you did not disappoint!!! Once again a holiday table, I can only hope to recreate some day, but you always inspire me to keep looking for vintage (even just "old") glass weare etc. "Thanks to you" I have been lucky to find some pretty fantastic sets of glass... still on the lookout for some pretty, old, colorful plates!
One day... one day my pantry will looks as well planned and well stocked like yours :-)!!!!!!
Have a wonderful holiday as well,
Northern Light
Posted by: natasha | December 18, 2010 at 02:42 PM
It is all too festive! My favorite pics are those of the monogramed napkins and the last image of you, Jaithan and Ms. Elizabeth, so charming. Thank you guys for being a joy and a bright spot in everyone's lives. Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Tina Steele Lindsey | December 18, 2010 at 02:33 PM
A very pretty pink event for Elizabeth and her pretty pink tulips! Merry Christmas E&J!
xo Cathy
Posted by: Stitchfork | December 18, 2010 at 02:16 PM
As usual the table is beyond gorgeous. You have a real knack for making something fabulous. I look forward to your magazine articles, tv appearances and of course the blog. Merry Christmas. Maybe this next year will be the year I get to meet you and Jaithan.
Posted by: Ann Chamberlain | December 18, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Everything looks so beautiful. Loving all that pink (you were ahead of Pantone!) and is so apropo in light of Elizabeth's blog title. Hope you're both doing well during this busy time of year. XO Michele
Posted by: My Notting Hill | December 18, 2010 at 01:54 PM
Thanks for sharing. Everything's beautiful. Inspiring, as usual! Merry Christmas, Eddie.
Posted by: Pink Overalls | December 18, 2010 at 01:28 PM