Christmas at Home

As much as I love unconventional colors for Christmas, here's a more traditional table Jaithan and I created in our own home, published in Southern Living.  

Of course, this begs the question: what does our house in upstate New York have to do with Christmas celebrated Southern style? Anyone who's ever picked up and moved great distances, crossing borders and oceans along the way, knows that traditions are more about how we think than where we live. As a child, every year on Christmas eve, I remember my grandfather Eddie breaking the Oplatki with honey, a thin, Communion-like wafer in the Polish tradition, then sharing it with my brothers and me, one by one. My affinity for antiques, I suppose, for tables set formally with china, silver and linens passed down for generations or, in my case, simply happened upon, certainly seems more of a Southern tradition. And so even though Jaithan and I may not live in the South (at least not yet anyway), sometimes, and at holidays especially, we're Southern at heart. 

Despite the classic color palette, I wanted to set a table, combining subtle, unexpected elements for a more modern feel. No matter how traditional your china, don't underestimate the power of a simple linen topper in a bold, bright hue. It instantly feels fresher! Mixing and matching china, silver and glass gives your table an eclectic, worldly look, as though collected over time. Sprigs of holly, tied simply with ribbon, lend a festive feel. Ornaments, pine cones and candy canes work equally well. And when all else fails, tie a pretty bow and be done!             

To fill the corner of the dining room, we placed a small tabletop tree in an urn, then trimmed it with mercury glass garland from the 20s and all vintage ornaments passed down to me from Dottie or gathered from flea markets. Crisp white packages with red and green ribbon are an unexpected surprise for guests. 

Finally, if you're hosting this year, here's my advice: do everything you possibly can ahead of time. And when you think you've done it all, do more! That way, when the doorbell rings, when guests arrive bearing gifts and cheer and alcohol, you too can enjoy it all. From our families to yours, have a creative and joyous holiday, everyone! 

Comments

[property inventory services]

Come on, sweet from the morning! Anyway, they look tempt.

[lucky bamboo]

It's rattling nice article. Thanks for conversation about it as I am curious in this subject.

[Splendid Willow]

You are a rock star in my book, Mr. Eddie!

I adore you both and I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us in the new year.

Happy, happy to you both!

ox, Mon

[belle on heels]

you're welcome to move to the south as soon as you can! we'd love to have you :) gorgeous design, per usual!

[Christina]

You have such vision and then are able to translate it into something so beautiful..every single time. I love that you can do traditional and I love that you can do modern.

Hope you have a Happy New Year!

[Lynda]

♪♪♫♪ ♪♪♫♪ :II ♫ Start spreading ♫ the NEWS ♫♪♪♫♪ ♪♪♫♪ It's going to be a GREAT year in 2011!! ♪♪♫♪ ♪♪♫♪

All the best to you Eddie in the upcoming NEW year!
xo Lynda

[pigtown*design]

Hey! I recognize some of the wonderful silver on the table! It looks fabulous!

[Kathleen McMahan]

Just stopping by to wish you both a Blessed New Year! Its been a whirlwind since seeing you both in Charlotte! I have to let you know my daughter Madison, who was with us at Mrs. Howards did vintage Christmas Postcards as placecards--just like you taught us! They were gorgeous! She will send pics. New Years rezzie--to start blogging again! Maybe I will see you two in Hot-lanta in January? Need a fix! love you! Kathleen

[Lucindaville]

We don't let a lot of Yankee's in, but you guys score really high on the Scarlett O'Hara meter. So Merry Christmas, y'all.

[Michael - Innkeeper]

lovely and beautiful as always. love the real tree in the urn. i need to remember that for next year!

merry christmas to you and jaithan! hope santa was good to you! :)

[Kelly]

Just beautiful, but I would expect nothing less! Hope you've both had a wonderful Christmas!

[beth]

Beautiful as always! Hope you and your families had a lovely Holiday!

[Ana (Confessions of a designer)]

Hi Eddie and Jaithan,

Just stopped by to wish you guys a merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year! May all your wishes for the future come true and may Jesus always be near your hearts. Lots of love, Ana Elizabeth

[Paige @ Tracery]

Love the classic colors. I hope y'all had a great Christmas!

[Erika Ward]

Wishing you the happiest of holidays! You two are the best ever...many hugs and kisses!

[Milk and Honey Home]

just gorgeous! I bought this copy because I am such a SL fan. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you & Jaithan...may all your wishes come true :)

[seleta]

Oh I loved reading this beautiful post! I always enjoy hearing about your family memories and traditions...and these were so eloquently written. Can't wait to see your new home but more importantly see both of you sometime soon!! Warm Christmas wishes from the South.

xo
Seleta

[jerusalem]

love the tree - so cute! and Southerness is state of heart - not zip code! Hope your day was Merry!

[Karena]

Dearest Eddie and Jaithan

All the Best in The New Year ahead! I know it will be a great one!

Joyeaux Noel!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

[Therese Long]

Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas in your new home. So much love from all of us. We love you!!

[Ann Marie]

Eddie, I had no idea...my Polish grandmother always had Christmas Eve Holy Supper and we broke the Oplatki, also. I try to keep some of these traditions now, mostly with the food. The table is lovey. I use my grandmother's humble "good china" and place it on straw mats. Thanks for sharing. It's wonderful to see young people still honoring there heritage.
Merry Xmas to you and Jaithan.

[Loretta Fontaine (APPLESandRUBIES)]

Merry Christmas Eve E+J!

Loretta

[Amanda Burdge]

I agree. The more you can do ahead of time the better! This time of year can be so hectic and stressful. The shoot came out great!

I met Anette Joseph a couple of weekends back and she gave a few of us a behind the scenes look at a photo shoot for Better Homes and Gardens. I don't know how you do it all Eddie! And it all looks so fabulous.

Great pics, and love the tips for setting a pretty table.

[Kathysue]

E&J, I absolutely love the table. You know me and color I am so THERE!!! The ornaments that Grandma Dottie are so precious and beautiful. I love that you always keep your family close in your heart. Your home is so warm and inviting and reflects your love of beautiful things but it is so liveable not untouchable or unattainable. You know how I feel about you and Jaithan so I am sending you both a two handed hug and a very, very Merry Christmas in your new home, xoxo Kathysue

[Marianne - Style For Living]

Merry, Merry Christmas Eddie and Jaithan! Looking forward to seeing more of your gorgeous inspiration in 2011!

[Jesse {GoodGirlGoneGlad}]

Merry Christmas Eddie and Jaithan!!
xx

[Kate (domestikatedlife)]

Merry Christmas, hope you guys enjoy the holidays, and thanks for all of your sweet comments this year on my blog, cheers to a fabulous 2011!

[Design Elements]

♫•*¨*•.¸¸ Merry * Christmas ¸¸.•*¨*•♫

[The Buzz Blog - Diane James Home]

Your holiday decor and table are beautiful and even with moving to a new home, you were able to get everything done! We're ironing our linens and polishing silver this morning - but the boeuf bourguignon is simmering on the stove! Wishing you both a very merry and all the best in the new year!

[Curtains In my Tree]

I didn't get my entire blog addres in my above comment

Merry Christmas its snowing here and I love it

[urtains In my Tree]

Frohe Weihnachten Eddie Ross tun es immer südlichen Stil

Janice

Frohe Weihnachten Eddie Ross tun es immer südlichen Stil
Janice

[Paula]

Merry Christmas to Eddie and Jaithan. I hope that you two have a wonderful holiday.

Traditional tables like this one are my very favorite kind. The combination of red, green, ivory, and gold just say Christmas to me. I may try your Holly napkin ring idea for my table setting tonight.

[Julie LoRusso]

Merry Christmas Guys! I look forward to more beautiful tables, entertaining tips, and flea market finds in 2011 -- and maybe a book on how to do it all?.....

[Will]

Merry Christmas to you both from a very cold and snowy UK!

[Carole]

Merry Christmas to you and Jaithan. I continue the Polish and Slovakian customs of my childhood. Although you wouldn't have it for tonight, I'd be happy to send some oplatek/oplatki to you.

Wesolych Swiat! Vesele Vianoce!

xoxo

[Sara Jane]

Beautiful! Y'all would fit right in down south. I could definitely see you in a gorgeous Savannah home on the square.

Merry Christmas!

[Alexandra Rae]

Oh, I just love it! I too am a Southerner, at heart. I've been asked over and over again by my Southern girlfriends if I'm sure I'm not from a Southern family. I think it's that love of tradition, etiquette and hospitality, a of which you and Jaithan have in spades. I can't wait to show you my table. Of course it's loaded with holly. I thought it might be too dull for a post, as it too is classic, classic Christmas. But you've reaffirmed pretty and traditional never go out of style! Peace and Joy to you both!

[Virginia]

I agree, Eddie - plan ahead. Do ahead. The last of our guests just left. 18th year for our annual Egg Nog Party (home made nog, of course!). Love the tradition and festive energy! Merry, merry to you & Jaithan!!!!

[Wendy O]

Merry Christmas!

[Nancy]

Such a beautiful table and sweet tree. I have an additional small tree in my dining room, which I love. I enjoy setting the table at least a day ahead, so I can enjoy it before the dinner!
Wishing you two creative guys a very Merry Christmas!
~Nancy

[Privet and Holly]

Beautiful, E&J!
It IS funny how
one develops an
aesthetic....
geographic or not : )
YOURS is simply
wonderful and I
imagine your home
in Upstate NY reflects
that. Merry, merry
Christmas, E&J!
xx Suzanne

[traci zeller designs]

So beautiful! You two are Southern in my book! ;-)

[victoria]

I am with you! As much as I love all the fancy decorated Christmas rooms, we love our heritage loaded decorations, Polish - German as you might remember! We share the blessed Oplatki, send from Poland to us from M.'s parents and we have our gift giving on Christmas Eve like in Germany!
Our table is a festive mix of old and new, bright and happy!
Yours looks just wonderful! Enjoy the holidays, relax and we wish you both a very happy and fulfilling New Year!
I follow your advise, we prepped a lot before hand! No cooking needed tomorrow! And then we are off!!!

[julie]

Happy Christmas to you both! Love all of your holiday decor, especially the tree in the urn - beautiful! We celebrate with Polish traditions as well on Christmas Eve. Yesterday I finished making all of the pierogis and our mushroom soup. A few more touches to the table and we'll be all set. All the best in the New Year!

[Carol@SofasandSage]

Merry Christmas, Eddie and J. Thank you for making the first 6 months of my blog extra special with your visits and comments. Your table, as always, is lovely. I'd love to sit at it some time! :) I hope your holidays are the best they can be.

[Pinky]

A BRIGHT, CHEERY, MERRY cHRISTMAS TO YOU AND JAITHEN!!!!! I HOPE YOUR DAY IS WONDERFUL. THANKS FOR ALL THE INSPIRATION THIS YEAR!!!!!!!! XO, PINKY

[stephanie]

Loooove! The tree in the urn is my favorite part - you had me at mercury glass. :) Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

[Jodie]

Hello Gentlemen -

Another grand table!
Have a splendid holiday -

Jodie

[Shannon @ What's Up Whimsy]

I love your little kitschy tree Eddie! I hope you and Jaithan have a wonderful Christmas!

[Mr Goodwill Hunting]

You guys cant go wrong with standard. Looks breathtaking.

Mr. Goodwill Hunting

[pamela]

We here in the South would happily welcome you to the fold!
And I wish you both the happiest of Christmases!

[Kathleen Luckard]

You don't have to live in the South to have a Southern soul. I am now in California, but Virginia will always be with me.

[Anne Hardock]

Merry Christmas to both of you and your families and looking forward to following your adventures throughout 2011!!

[Gretchen O]

Come on down ya'll we would love to have you:) beautiful! Merry Christmas to you both.

Gretchen O.

[Melanie J]

This is so wonderful Eddie. I love the traditional table...I swear I shouldve grown up in the South. I also hope to live there one day so I can play the Southern belle role and host parties all the time. The tabletop tree is so wonderful. I did "faux" presents under my living room tree this year as well. It just finishes it off so well. Vintage ornaments are the best, I collect and sell them. I'll have to put together a little something for you and Jaithan to use next year. Have a wonderful holiday and thank you always for sharing and inspiring!

[peggy braswell]

Being from the south now living in S. CA I can appreciate everything you said in this post. Have a wonderful Christmas you two and Happy New Year!xx peggybraswelldesign.com

[Lisa (aka Lulu)]

I'm sure you would feel right at home in Atlanta. Come on down! Have a very merry Christmas.

[pretty pink tulips]

Love the crisp traditonal holiday with a twist!

Just hosted my holiday finale! Well....without immediate family, that is. I did "your" cabbage, dip and crudite in the raised punchbowl (also from you!), hot spinach artichoke dip, homemade biscuits with ham, brie and green apple (Southern!) and Homemade Pizza Company for the kids. So fun! Whew!!! I've almost made it to Chrismtas Eve!!!

Wishing you both the merriest holiday yet!
love, Elizabeth

[Kary Gonyer]

~ beautiful

merry christmas to you and jaithan

kary

[Charlotta]

Have à Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! I look forward to more fun and inspiration in 2011. Thank you for your amazing posts and kind comments this year.
Big Christmas hugs for both of you!

xx Charlotta

[Stitchfork]

Have a very Merry Christmas E&J! xo Cathy

[Carrie Waller]

Merry Christmas! I agree with you about infusing your personal background no matter where you live. We are a military family and constantly moving, so we are very eclectic, in a good way:) Wishing you and J a very Happy Holidays and New Year!!!

[Ann]

I completely agree - while I'm always the host - I get to enjoy the fruits and labors of our friend Maureen. We will be at our friends with Megan and Nick (Beachbungalow8) drinking lots of vino. I loved your table - I actually got a copy of the magazine. Love it. Hope you both have a fabulous holiday and no doubt your house is the best in town. Enjoy.

[debra phillips]

Stunning in all it's simplicity
congrats on the Southern Living spread!
you may not live in the south, but i have always felt as though you both could have been from there, sans accent ......in another life perhaps???

your sense of hospitality, the flair for entertaining and the celebration of traditions makes for true "soul southerners".

ps; this chicago girl, had very southern grandparents and a memorable aunt fairybelle (real name)

love to you both and may all your christmas wishes come!
xo
debra

[annie]

Yes, that's my philosophy, too! Doing absolutely everything ahead of time is the only way to throw Christmas for 8 in a teensy one bedroom apartment!

[Alan Karlin]

After hours of gift wrapping, I am totally loving the white packages with green & red ribbon. Next year!

[Judy]

I love that tree in your urn, I've been doing that for several years now. My inspiration came from Nell Hill's Christmas book where she used the same idea in her home.

We would LOVE having you and Jaithan to move to the south, you have lots of fans here, and you'd love the weather (well, maybe not in the summer).

Merry Christmas!