The second half of 2010 started with a surprise! A summer table we'd set at our friend Phoebe Howard's store in Atlanta, originally shot for the late Southern Accents, appeared in sister publication Southern Living.
Weeks later, on a warm, bright Sunday in upstate New York, Mom-mom and Pop-pop celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Lunch I served informally on the porch, then finished the meal with their favorite buttercream cake, decorated with white roses and pink strawberry blossoms from the garden.
After a relaxing few days with friends at their Long Island beach house Jaithan and I helped decorate, published in Country Living...
...it was back to business in the city with our first window for Carleton V, the fabric house from designer Dorothy Draper's onetime protégé, Carleton Varney. Here's what it looked like before we began.
And here it is all finished, a jewel box studio for the jet-set designer.
Back upstate, fall exploded with color, so to bring it indoors, I made an earthy arrangement of roses and carnations in a ginger jar plucked from a thrift shop.
The more purplish tones of fall, like cranberry, burgundy and plum, inspired the backdrops for a cover story I did on harvest centerpieces, published in a newer, fresher Woman's Day.
After an intimate evening at terrain, teaching gourd arrangements to Sheila, Kelly, Amy, Jan, Colleen and others...
Jaithan and I headed to the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock to inspire members of the Fine Arts Club on a much grander scale.
It was actually that very morning that The Times feature came out on flea marketing...
...just in time for our three sold-out trips to the Metrolina in Charlotte.
For Thanksgiving, we set two tables, one for an event at another of Phoebe's stores in an unconventional palette of pink, brown and white...
...and the other at our home with shimmery hues of gold, sapphire and kumquat, published in Lonny.
December brought a mix of budget and extravagant holiday decorating, both equally beautiful in my eyes. First, there were the videos we did for Sears and Kmart, including tips on how to decorate an entryway.
Here's what the house looked like at night.
And here's a more extravagant home we do for a client year after year, published in Serendipity.
For Christmas dinner, we set two tables, the first for an event at the Apawamis Club in a vivid palette of pink and green...
...and the other in our dining room, a chameleon of sorts, published in Southern Living.
Finally, to close out the year in style, we hosted an intimate dinner for four, complete with all the kitschy-chic accoutrement befitting of the occasion.
The dinner plates, Royal Doulton encrusted with gold. were famed photographer Slim Aarons' personal own. They were a gift from his daughter Mary, a longtime reader of ours from Boston. We even had the opportunity to visit his house in Katonah, New York, where he lived and worked for most of his career. More to come of course...
And with that, we close the chapter on 2010 with overwhelming gratitude for the gifts you've given us—your creative curiosity, your loyal readership, your continual words of encouragement with every step we take. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Now, onward and upward we go—together!
Wow!What amazing and beautiful pictures...looks like you have been busy, with all great things!
Dont' know if you can help me but on the 13th row (the top top post) there is a beautiful delicate looking tan and pale blue wallpaper..do you by any chance know whose paper that is? Would love to know, working on something now that it could be perfect for! Thanks..please visit my new blog
www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Posted by: the enchanted home | February 04, 2011 at 03:05 PM
my house always needs a ton of work! hehe.
ps. such a fun treat to see our pic in womens day. thanks again! miss y'all! xo
Posted by: GRACE HAPPENS | January 12, 2011 at 12:36 PM
You've had quite the year and I cant WAIT to see what else you have in store for 2011- its sure to be HUGE!
xxoo
Posted by: LindsB | January 11, 2011 at 11:58 AM
Your year looks a little more eventful than mine, lol. Though it takes a special person to pick sawdust out of her hair for the better part of six months. In my humble opinion. ;-)
Posted by: laura @ the shorehouse | January 10, 2011 at 06:38 PM
Eddie, you and Jaithan are fabulous as all get out! I don't comment often, but I'm always over here drooling over you guys work! It was such a pleasure to have met the two of you in Atlanta last spring at SCAD!
Hope so meet up with you again...Scott's anyone?!?!
Have a great Sunday loves...
Posted by: Lakeitha Duncan | January 09, 2011 at 11:31 AM
What an impressive year 2010 was for you and Jaithan. You guys really accomplished a lot. And your garden party was fantastic! Now, that's how a party is thrown... Thanks for all the work you put in to your blog, too, it's always great fun to see what's up with the two of you. Reggie and Boy
Posted by: Reggie Darling | January 09, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Thank YOU, E+J,
I wonderful recap and a glittery way to start 2011 - Happy New Year!
Loretta
Posted by: Loretta Fontaine (APPLESandRUBIES) | January 08, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Eddie & Jaithan, what an amazing year you have both had! Congrats on ALL your success, well deserved for sure. Best wishes for the new year, I know you'll continue inspiring & amazing us all. xoxo
Posted by: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality | January 07, 2011 at 07:55 PM
You both work so hard and are amazingly talented. You deserve all of these wonderful things in your life!
I know that 2011 will be a year filled with more success and fabulous opportunities for you!
Happy New Year!
xo
Brooke
Posted by: Velvet and Linen | January 06, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Don't forget the tag sale! That was great fun and I think of you two charming fellows every time I view my "treasures".
Thanks for all your enthusiastic and lovely ideas.
XOXOXOKathy
Posted by: kathy | January 06, 2011 at 09:12 AM
Can't wait to follow you every step of the way! 2011 is going to be a great year - I know it!
Hugs to you both,
Mon
Posted by: Splendid Willow | January 05, 2011 at 11:43 PM
YOU BOTH ARE SO BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER AND THE WORK YOU DO IS REALLY TRULY CREATIVE AND GIFTED....
I HOPE THIS YEAR BRINGS YOU A MUCH NEEDED VACATION....
I TOO, HAVE FOUND WONDERFUL TREASURES IN GOODWILLS A LIKE...
XXOO
MELISSA
P.S WOULD YOU SEND GREAT AREAS IN NEW YORK STATE TO LOOK FOR OLD STONE FARM HOMES TO BUY???
Posted by: MELISSA LEE | January 05, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Oh the beauty you two spread, all over the web and all over the world!
Posted by: abby jenkins | January 05, 2011 at 09:49 PM
WOW!!!! You two are the BEST!!!
Thank you for all the beauty you bring into my life. I tuned into your blog several months ago and you have continued to inspire me at every turn.
Hope the new year brings you all the very best.
Sandra
Posted by: Sandra Jonas | January 05, 2011 at 09:43 PM
Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures+ a magic 2011 to both of you! xx peggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy braswell | January 05, 2011 at 08:55 PM
The friendships of you + Jaithan were two of my most beloved keepsakes of 2010. oxoxxo, Patti
Posted by: Patti Davis | January 05, 2011 at 08:10 PM
I watch in amazement as you both continue to top yourselves, with each and every project and every event. Your gifts of creativity, hospitality and generosity are only matched by the warmth and joy you exude wherever you go!
Here's to another fabulous year with E+J!!
xoxo Elizabeth
Posted by: pretty pink tulips | January 05, 2011 at 07:27 PM
No doubt about it -- you have the touch -- Martha must miss you! I had seen almost all of these before - but I loved the recap! I missed the incredible blue egg display and also the cake with the strawberry blossom for your parents - how sweet.
What about the fantastic window you did for the Elle decor contest - wasn't that in 2010? I think that is when I was first introduced to you and your talents. Well done, Eddie -- Happy New Year.
Posted by: splendid Market | January 05, 2011 at 07:16 PM
What a special gift and beautiful table!
Posted by: Kayce hughes | January 05, 2011 at 07:16 PM
I'm huffing and puffing just following along. An amazing year of accomplishments, beauty and fun!!
Posted by: quintessence | January 05, 2011 at 07:15 PM
So many fond memories out in Q!!!! Please come back soon. We all miss you- Jacks, Chris, Teds and Mrs. Butters xx
Posted by: Jackie | January 05, 2011 at 02:59 PM
What a year! Thank you so much for sharing your gifts. This quote comes to mind: "Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of Beauty is Art." --Ralph Waldo Emerson. Thanks for sharing your art with the world!
Posted by: Alexandra Rae | January 05, 2011 at 02:10 PM
Must say I am a dan of part deux:) Since that is when! I met you two. Good things to come I am sure!!!!
Posted by: Gretchen O | January 05, 2011 at 01:28 PM
what a great year! so full of beauty and wonderful memories. times like this when I am so grateful for bloggin - being able to look back through the years so easily. cheers to the new year!
Posted by: jerusalem | January 05, 2011 at 12:18 PM
That cake looks delicious, and I love that you visited Katonah, NY! That's my hometown :)
Hope 2011 brings you to Boston so we can meet!
Posted by: Kate | January 05, 2011 at 10:49 AM
currently using the color palette from the thanksgiving lonny spread as inspiration for redoing my master bedroom. y'all are wonderful!!
Posted by: belle on heels | January 05, 2011 at 10:30 AM
The NY Times article was fabulous...I ended up sharing it on my FB page. Wish more designers would promote Flea Market shopping. There is so much incredible stuff that is already out there...why buy new when we have flea markets, Craigslist, Antique stores, Salvation Army or even Etsy??? Glad you had such a wonderfully fruitful past year and I wish the same in 2011!!!
Posted by: Danielle | January 05, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Happy happy New Year! So much fun to see this post!!!! Todd Farm in 2011?! Xo
Posted by: Mary | January 05, 2011 at 07:49 AM
Thank you for all this gret posts on 2010. I wish you a Happy New Year 2011. Regards Juergen
Posted by: Juergen | January 05, 2011 at 07:15 AM
What an amazing year you both have had - filled with beauty, friends, family and fun! I know 2011 will be even more spectacular. Thank you for all the inspiration you give us to make every prettier (and hopefully, more glamorous!) than the last.
xxoo
Posted by: The Buzz Blog - Diane James Home | January 05, 2011 at 06:49 AM
As my Father loves to say, No time for moss to grow on a "rolling stone" and you sure roll Eddie! Wow, what an incredible year and no doubt this year will be a grand one! Happy looking ahead 2011~
pve
Posted by: pve | January 05, 2011 at 06:35 AM
I JUST LOVE IT ALL-WHAT A GREAT YEAR YOU HAD !!!
Posted by: Modern Country Lady | January 05, 2011 at 02:14 AM
Such great memories Eddie and Jaithan!!
Happy New Years!
Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | January 05, 2011 at 01:04 AM
Congrats on another successful year!
Posted by: beth | January 05, 2011 at 01:04 AM
Do you guys ever sleep!?!? I'm beginning to think you two are vampires because of all the work you seem to be involved with. Better than no work I'm sure!
Posted by: Sharon | January 05, 2011 at 12:37 AM
You two are just fabulous!
xo
meg
Posted by: pigtown*design | January 04, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Absolutely amazing! What an incredible year!! I can't wait to hear more of the Slim Aaron story. Here's to a fabulous 2011 (with another trip to Charlotte)! A girl can dream, right? :-)
xoxo!!
Traci
Posted by: traci zeller designs | January 04, 2011 at 11:33 PM
It was so fun to read about all your adventures! Everything was beautiful but I especially love the summer table, flower arrangement in ginger jar, and gold, orange, cobalt table setting for Lonny.
Posted by: Pretty Inspirational | January 04, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Totally adore both of you. Hopefully 2011 will bring you to Athens! Ha ha ha
Posted by: Jade | January 04, 2011 at 11:23 PM
So many amazing things! I can only imagine what 2011 will hold. To bigger, better and more awesome things!!!!!
Posted by: courtneyoutloud | January 04, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Great recap along with some festive new pics! Happy, happy 2011; onward and upward for sure!
xoxo
Evy
Posted by: Evelyn Weiss | January 04, 2011 at 11:12 PM
You continue to inspire us all! Thanks for the recount of 2010, it reminded us of all the beauty you've bestowed and creativity you possess!
Carol in GA
Posted by: Carol | January 04, 2011 at 10:55 PM
What an exciting year! Congrats! I hope 2011 is even better!
On a side note, I'm obsessed with the bamboo flatware in your last few photos. I've been on the hunt for my own set for a few months now!!!
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | January 04, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Happy New Year Eddie! I wish you nothing but goodness in 2011. A while back, when you first started blogging, I wrote for some decor advice. I never dreamed you would really answer and give a stranger free ideas. You not only answered but were so kind and polite and eager to help me. I will never forget it. You are probably the nicest and most talented blogger in blogland. I love the way you relate to your many fans. Sooooooo...onward and upward this year all the way to the top. I'll be following every step you kindly share. xoxo
Posted by: Dianne | January 04, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Oh Eddie....So many delicious pictures and such stunning work. It shoes how much you love what you do because the joy is oozing from your face and from the perfection in the pictures. I look forward to many more outstanding things in 2011!
Posted by: Judy Beeksma | January 04, 2011 at 10:27 PM
So enjoyed reading parts one and two! Love, love your blog and all your work Eddie and Jaithan. You are inspiring and make my days much more fun so thanks for that.
xo ~Suzanne Spina
Posted by: suzanne@cestsuzanne | January 04, 2011 at 10:20 PM
I'm giddy with anticipation...what will Eddie And Jaithan create in 2011?
Posted by: Lizziefitz | January 04, 2011 at 10:20 PM
E+J -- so glad you've shared your ideas and more importantly, your friendship with us this last year. Can't wait to see what 2011 has in store!
Posted by: Sharon in Chicago | January 04, 2011 at 10:16 PM
E & J,
Sign me on for "onward and upward", please, I can't wait!!
I truly admire your creativity, love the Pink table, but the Bookcase / sun room makeover is my FAVORTE!!!... and guess what? I totally missed it until now... LOL!
I drew, and installed my own version this year - a dream come true - and I am so happy I did, It's such a pleasure to look at, and it keeps me busy decorating and rearranging, such fun!
Have a wonderful New Year as well, you two..
Northern Light
Posted by: Natasha | January 04, 2011 at 09:50 PM
2010 was a wonderful year for you guys, I'm sure 2011 will be even more amazing! Happy New Year!
Kat :)
Posted by: Kat | January 04, 2011 at 09:49 PM
2010 sounds spectacular, can't imagine what 2011 will bring your way! Keep smiling and having fun in a most creative way.
Posted by: A Gift Wrapped Life | January 04, 2011 at 09:43 PM
E&J, what an amazing year you two have had!!My favorite pict is of you two With Grandma Dottie and Pop-Pop!! That is what I love about you the most!!! The way you know what is truly important. Of course your amazing talent doesn't hurt. I was looking at all these amazing tables and I would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite. You are an inspiration on all counts. Love you lots, Kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | January 04, 2011 at 09:39 PM
Congrats on a successful year. I have been a loyal follower and would like to invite you to view my daughter's and my new blog: www.the2seasons.com. Love you two
Posted by: Janette@the2seasons.com | January 04, 2011 at 09:29 PM
Wow, did you ever take a breath in between all of this styling? It's amazing! I do love your chameleon of a dining room, the versatility in each of the looks are exceptional. I LOVE it all, but the majestic whites, sterling silver and golds for your New Year's dinner are really hitting me right now.
Posted by: seleta | January 04, 2011 at 09:23 PM
What a year! Congratulations to both of you on gorgeous success in 2010. I absolutely love how you mix vintage with posh, it really makes a statement and is so signature. I'll continue to admire in 2011! I hope it's even more fabulous for you both...
Posted by: Carol@SofasandSage | January 04, 2011 at 09:21 PM
Onward and upward indeed! This is going to be good! xo Cathy
Posted by: Stitchfork | January 04, 2011 at 09:13 PM
The second half was certainly my favorite. I had the awesome oportunity to meet two awesome young men. Look forward to 2011 and all of your amazing projects.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Posted by: Mr. Goodwill Hunting | January 04, 2011 at 09:08 PM
what an amazing year....
still wishing i could have attended that terrain event! looked amazing!!
Posted by: Michael - Innkeeper | January 04, 2011 at 09:01 PM