Easter dinner I served in the dining room of our new house in Connecticut, an 1890s Victorian with modern appeal. We moved rather quietly in December of last year when an opportunity arose that neither of us could pass up. The house we'll reveal in stages, I promise, but for now, here's a glimpse of the dining room with our table set for six.
That linen damask from Calico Corners you might recall from the table we set at Hall's Plaza in Kansas City, commemorating 20 years of Dining By Design. This time around, I decided to skip the 14 dozen glittered eggs in favor of a simpler centerpiece. Pressed glass cake pedestals, stacked one upon the other, lend a see-through surface for flowers, jelly beans and Victorian glass eggs.
Our friend Ronny Carroll, my right-hand stylist and a guest at the table, helped make the miniature arrangements of ranunculus, delphinium, hyacinth, sweet pea and muscari, all from our favorite local florist. The eggs cups are the same ones I used for the table in Woman's Day!
The monogrammed knives are Gorham silverplate, probably from 20s. I found them in a box of tarnished silver at a consignment store in Greenwich for $25.
The napkins with the "RK" monogram (Jaithan's and my own) are actually antique linen hand towels I found years ago by pure serendipity at an estate sale in New Canaan.
On the evening before Easter, we'd had about 40 to the house for cocktails, so I kept the menu simple with recipes inspired by the story in Woman's Day: maple mustard glazed ham, potatoes gratin, cheddar and chive biscuits and lemon roasted asparagus.
I'll be back shortly with the debut of my new flea market makeover column in Southern Living! Speaking of, Jaithan and I are off to Richmond next week for Ivy Market, a two-day shopping event with proceeds helping to improve the lives of children battling cancer. We may not be offering our vintage servingware and accessories online at the moment, but we'll have plenty of beautiful pieces with us in Richmond. I'm also giving two presentations, one at 5:30 on Wednesday and the other at 10:30 on Thursday, both on easy, elegant entertaining. I hope you'll join me!
What a LOVELY spread. I simply adore all the special touches. Your guests must have been very impressed! Another great job.
Posted by: Muffy Martini | May 11, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Drat! Those Cheddar & Chive Biscuits look so darn good I'm off to try and bake a batch of which I'll (most certainly) eat too many.... The table setting looks gorgeous, as usual.
Posted by: flockofteacosy | May 07, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Absolutely beautiful table. Slightly more conservative than what I normally go for but otherwise exceptional!
Posted by: Richard | May 05, 2011 at 09:31 AM
Absolutely lovely!!! I can only imagine how much your are enjoying your beautiful home.
Posted by: seleta | May 04, 2011 at 01:40 PM
Oh my goodness, I am in love with this table setting! The blue is beautiful and I love the addition of the jelly beans to the centerpiece. The buffet in the background looks lovely, too.
Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Have a fabulous day!
Julie
Posted by: Fabulous Finds Studio | May 04, 2011 at 12:56 PM
How exciting that you have a new house! I can't wait to see what you do with it. Beautiful table - that goes w/o saying though. You guess are amazing.
Posted by: Julie LoRusso | May 03, 2011 at 05:58 PM
It's beautiful you guys! I love the blue and white. Springy and classic at the same time. Hope you are settling into your new digs.
Posted by: amanda | May 03, 2011 at 12:51 PM
The table is stunning.....
Posted by: sherry hart | May 02, 2011 at 06:15 PM
Love this! I could so see this in a beach cottage!
Posted by: Cynthia@Beach Coast Style | May 02, 2011 at 11:02 AM
This is so beautiful. What an a amazing table. And you quietly moved? How does someone go about that? Do tell!
Posted by: hooper patterson | May 02, 2011 at 10:16 AM
The navy goblets with the silver rim are just divine! I love the dark color. This is such an elegant easter table, not an easy thing to do! Hope you had a wonderful holiday!
Posted by: Brandi | May 02, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Gorgeous! My favorite, the vintage monogrammed touches and the lt.green jelly beans. Your tables are always colorful and charming; bravo Jaithan & Eddie.
Posted by: Deborah Milne | May 01, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Such a beautiful table and those monograms! I have a passionate love for monograms, especially on silver. It's such a glorious sense of serendipity when you find one's that match your initials!
Posted by: SilverMagpies | April 30, 2011 at 12:18 PM
E+J- Came back from vacation to the new issue of Southern Living magazine and the new column. The project looks great!
Loretta
Posted by: Loretta Fontaine (APPLESandRUBIES) | April 28, 2011 at 10:03 PM
E & J!
I'm a little late for dinner, please pardon my tardiness ;)
The table (and food) are just exquisite! I'm typically not a huge blue and white gal, but with your modern sensibilities, I'm completely enamored. LOVE LOVE LOVE :)
Andrea
Posted by: Andrea | April 28, 2011 at 09:56 PM
Blue with lavender is my all time favorite combination so you know I love that table setting. Beautiful as always. Relaxed with that special touch of elegance. ~~Sherry~~
Posted by: Sherry | April 28, 2011 at 09:41 PM
Gorgeous table! I am in love with the tablecloth! Love the stacked cake p[lates and how you filled them, the flowers are GORGEOUS!!!! Can't wait to see more of the new house! Pinky
Posted by: Pinky | April 28, 2011 at 05:43 PM
Oh just stop it. This is too perfect! I can't wait to see more pictures of your new house.
Posted by: Sara Jane | April 28, 2011 at 04:07 PM
Lucky guests
to enjoy an
evening around
your table : )
Congrats on the
column in SL!
Hope you both
have a wonderful
trip to Richmond.
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Privet and Holly | April 28, 2011 at 12:14 PM
How fresh and beautiful!!! Love Love the centerpiece and of course the linens. Hope you both are having a second to relax before Richmond. XO Ann
Posted by: Ann Lambeth | April 28, 2011 at 11:25 AM
your table is lovely! i love the linens so sweet and the flowers too! your new home looks beautiful, can't wait to see more! susan
Posted by: susan | April 28, 2011 at 10:45 AM
Once again, you have outdone yourselves! Stunning Easter table. You moved? Love how you casually added that part in! Looking forward to seeing your new place.
Posted by: Marianne {Style For Living} | April 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Eddie ... how fun to have a new canvas upon which to work your magic ... a new home! Does your new home know how lucky it is to have YOU as the owner? It should tell all of its friends! ;) Your Easter table was stunning, stunning, stunning. Oh, to be a guest and enjoy that fabulous spread! Thanks, Eddie, for stopping by the blog .. I always leave a little note in reply and this link will take you right to the comment section for yours ..
http://tiny.cc/8yq3d
Have a wonderful week!
Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou
http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com
Posted by: sandy@oohlafroufrou | April 28, 2011 at 09:51 AM
so gorgeous, I could move right in!...the table setting is so perfect in blue and white with the monogrammed linen napkins and silverware...all fabulous thrift finds...
maureen
Posted by: maureen | April 28, 2011 at 09:39 AM
Hello E&J: What a pretty table you set! I have just returned from Richmond where we spent a delightful weekend. If you haven't seen it already, visit the Wikham House at the Valentine Museum when you are there. It is a gorgeous Regency house that has been beautifully restored and lavishly furnished. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is well worth a visit, too, full of art donated by Paul Mellon.
Reggie
Posted by: Reggie Darling | April 28, 2011 at 06:13 AM
Hi Eddie and Jaithan,
How wonderful, I am so excited about your new home!! The Easter table is gorgeous beyond! I remember the cloth from the table at Halls!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | April 27, 2011 at 11:49 PM
What a gorgeous Easter table with the elegant antique silver and linens, and the centerpiece...stunning!! What lucky guests ~
Posted by: designchic | April 27, 2011 at 11:41 PM
stunning...
hugs,
shelley
Posted by: Sweet Pea | April 27, 2011 at 11:19 PM
Love the new location!! Please tell me you still have the your other home too!
Posted by: madeleine5656@aol.com | April 27, 2011 at 10:33 PM
What a gorgeous table. I'm sorry I missed seeing both of you when you were in Kansas City, I've got to start paying closer attention so I can get there. lol. I love the monogrammed napkins, the flatware stole my heart.... hugs ~lynne~
Posted by: lynne@lynnesgiftsfromtheheart | April 27, 2011 at 10:31 PM
Wonderful table setting! It's always fun and inspiring to hear where you found your table treasures! :)
Posted by: Simple Dwellings | April 27, 2011 at 09:36 PM
Moved...how the heck did you fit that in between everything else. Can't wait to read and see the details. Gorgeous colors for Easter.
Janet
Posted by: Janet Doherty | April 27, 2011 at 09:33 PM
Absolutely gorgeous!!! Blue and white is so timeless. Love the pops of green, such lucky people that got to dine with you:) Can't wait to see more of your home.
Posted by: Carrie Waller | April 27, 2011 at 09:26 PM
What a lovely way to enjoy Easter!! Have a great time in Richmond, one of my favorite cities!
Kat :)
Posted by: Kat | April 27, 2011 at 08:39 PM
Just stunning! So fun to run in to Ronny in Westport when she told me she always joined you for Easter. You never cease to inspire me....to reach a little higher.
xoxo Elizabeth
Posted by: pretty pink tulips | April 27, 2011 at 08:33 PM
So beautiful!
Posted by: Caroline Simas | April 27, 2011 at 08:05 PM
I am leaning in super close to my screen to take in all the details - they are, as always, perfectly paired and executed! x
The colour theme is so fresh and light, and the center piece pure genius. Normally I prefer one that is lower so that one can see the guests across the table, but with the open tiers and the glass you can still do that. I'm taking notes..!
The napkins are so precious. I too collect old monogrammed linen - both for the bed and the table. I also have a collection of hand embroidered tea towels that my great grand mother did for my father. I treasure them well.
I am so excited you are settled in your new house and can only imagine the delights you are enjoying now that Spring has sprung in your part of the world. With your love for gardens, I bet both the inside and outside will look heavenly. (I still think of your grand father's garden every time I read your posts - it has stuck with me).
Ok my friend. Looks like you have had a wonderful Easter with lots of celebrations - house warming cocktails, birthday fun and this beautiful lunch.
Warm hugs from a dreadfully rainy Sydney.
xx Charlotta
Posted by: Charlotta | April 27, 2011 at 07:51 PM
OOPS Sorry... deals was mispelled and left off the g in decorating! Look forward to hearing from you....Pat Donza
Posted by: Patricia Donza | April 27, 2011 at 07:29 PM
How lovely! And I've never thought of stacking my cake trays with flowers and candy. Perfection. xoxo, P
Posted by: Patti Davis | April 27, 2011 at 07:29 PM
Eddie, I'm a former Greenwich resident ...18 years... and remember you from your Watson days, I was renting a house in the Glenville area and went quite frequently to pick up lunch at Watsons. I'm now living in Palm Beach Gardens and am a decorator in the area...why don't you do a visit to S. Dixie, West Palm for high end antiques and visit the "off the beaten path" consignment shops. My nickname is "The Source" and I'm always looking for deasl here and there. My partner used to work for Jack Philips...younger than me and brings a different perspective to the Florida decorating scene.....Let me know if you'd ever like to meet up...Summer is quiet and a good time to make connections for season the following winter...Let me know....and I always look forward to your latest adventure and decoratin news! Let me know...Patricia (Pat) Donza
Posted by: Patricia Donza | April 27, 2011 at 07:26 PM
You had be at blue and white+the monograms..I am southern, you know.Thank you for the nice comment on my blog. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy braswell | April 27, 2011 at 07:24 PM
Aren't you sneaky - moving on up and not telling. I love a mystery, so can't wait to hear more.
I did notice the tablecloth from KC DIFFA. Wish you were coming this year, but who knows you two might jump out of the cake?
Posted by: Alan Karlin | April 27, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Pretty and delicious looking! Can't wait to see more of your "new" home! Janell
Posted by: Janell Beals | April 27, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Love your beautiful table and can't wait to see more of the house!
Posted by: Laura Casey Interiors | April 27, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Beautiful table! I am in love with milk glass at the moment myself and used it on my Easter table......
Posted by: CourtneyOutLoud | April 27, 2011 at 05:34 PM
You quietly moved! How does someone quietly move? Yes, we need to see the new house. Love the Easter table.
Posted by: Nita@ModVintageLife | April 27, 2011 at 04:39 PM
waiting with baited breath for all the other glimpses ...
beautiful Eddie
Posted by: savvycityfarmer | April 27, 2011 at 04:05 PM
Oh Eddie, you have outdone yourself once again! Those linen napkins, silver, and of course the food are delicious!
Posted by: Elizabeth Goodwin | April 27, 2011 at 03:59 PM
Oh wow what a beautiful Easter table setting! Looks right out of a magazine.. but that's no surprise ;) Keep up the great work Eddie, I love everything you do, and I love that you share it all with us on this blog!
xo Linda
Posted by: Linda @ theLENNOXX | April 27, 2011 at 03:12 PM
Eddie,
I did a blog today on how to find your house's walk score. Maybe you would like to test it with your new place.
We would love to become one of your favorites, so, drop by and check out our mother/daughter blog.
Posted by: Janette@the2seasons | April 27, 2011 at 02:36 PM
It all looks so wonderful and of course you coordinated the jellybeans, I love the colors you picked. I can’t wait to see your new home and please tell us the story as to why it was so irresistible.
Posted by: Acquired Objects | April 27, 2011 at 02:31 PM
Eddie - your table is beautiful! Blue and white with a hint of green are magical. I also love your floral displays from the May 2011 Woman's Day. Pink and green are also an amazing combo. Hope that you are having a great day!
Posted by: Marni | April 27, 2011 at 02:06 PM
Oh Eddie I love love this table. I really like the cool colors of blues and greens and soft purples.The table cloth is a favorite of mine!!! I used bright yellow, white and green this year, come by and see my table when you have a chance. I did a daisy globe that was inspired by your wonderful floral globes that you make with carnations!!! Have fun in Richmond, wish I could come, Miss you,xoxoKathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | April 27, 2011 at 02:05 PM
Your table came out gorgeous, and you answered my question! Yes you are in your new house!! Wonderful time of year to be enjoying it and decorating it together.
Posted by: amy@maisondecor | April 27, 2011 at 01:53 PM
Beautiful Eddie!
Cindy
Posted by: Design Love | April 27, 2011 at 01:49 PM
Eddie,
This is so Gorgeous! It's amazingly beautiful, classic and elegant.
Not exaggerating when calling this "inspiring".
Have a lovely day!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Posted by: Luciane at HomeBunch.com | April 27, 2011 at 01:49 PM
Gorgeous table as always, and of course I especially love the linens!
Posted by: French Basketeer | April 27, 2011 at 01:46 PM
Nice table setting. I am in love with the white and blue table linen. It's so beautiful.
Posted by: Jessie@www.mixandchic.com | April 27, 2011 at 01:46 PM
I have never seen such a beautiful table setting. Wow! I LOVE that you found the monogrammed napkins with "RK" on them...how cool is that? I think we had the same menu?!!
xo
~Suzanne in CT.
Posted by: suzanne spina | April 27, 2011 at 01:27 PM
Congratulations on the move. Know it must be fabulous! Beautiful Easter table setting as usual.
Posted by: Mimi | April 27, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Everything looks so pretty!! as always. Looks like a fun night. I love the monogrammed gold-rimmed plates. where are those from?
Posted by: manvi @ mochatini | April 27, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Oh la la... beautiful in every way :)
I can't wait to see this new house of yours unfold!
Have a great trip you two!!!
Lots of Love,
T
Posted by: Therese Long | April 27, 2011 at 01:20 PM
What a fresh take on an Easter table! I can't wait to see more of your new home, I heart CT!!!
Posted by: H.G. The Countess | April 27, 2011 at 01:11 PM
The table is wonderful, the blue and white is to gorgeous. The egg cups contain all of my favorite flowers, and the pops of apple green jelly beans keep it fresh and light. Loverly! as always!
Posted by: splendid Market | April 27, 2011 at 01:09 PM
No surprise , I love this table!!! Thanks so much for helping me to acquire this fabric last year when it was sadly discontinued:)
Posted by: Lizziefitz | April 27, 2011 at 01:06 PM
Love the pop of green the jelly beans add. So festive!
Posted by: Kelley | April 27, 2011 at 01:03 PM
So did you guys move? Or just purchase a new home? Congrats!
Posted by: Cher@NewburghRestoration | April 27, 2011 at 01:02 PM
Such a pretty setting for Easter! Gotta love those monograms too! Looking forward to seeing more peeks into your new home E & J. Oh, and those green beans count as veggies, even if they're jelly!
xo Cathy
Posted by: Stitchfork | April 27, 2011 at 12:55 PM