Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Tips from Eddie Ross's WOW Party

Spending the day helping out at Debra's house with Eddie and Jaithan was the equivalent of a crash course in party planning - but the WOW kind (without work) I learned so much and had such fun to boot! (is that still a saying?) Here's Jaithan carrying out a standing dolphin sculpture that would become the central focal point for the buffet table at the Dunham Riding Club.
Eddie used unexpected pieces at varying heights to create an interesting backdrop. The dolphin was elevated on a pedestal and attention was given to a symmetrical arrangement on either side. It was great fun to watch Eddie create the tablescape and I noticed how willing he was to try something one way and then make changes until the look was just right.
Hosta leaves picked and washed that morning were layered over the tablecloth and serving pieces to create a lush setting for the food.
You'll notice there's not one platter of food in this spread. Bread sticks are arranged in a faux bois planter, grapes spill from the sculpture and cheeses rest upon overturned garden planters. Also, all the different types of food are evenly distributed throughout the table preventing the need to line up at one end and proceed down. Plates were located throughout and the whole arrangement made for easy access for the 100+ guests.
This was my first introduction to purple cauliflower - so eye pleasing.
The WOW evening included a slide presentation and a demonstration followed by Q & A. I walked away with a ton of practical tips, a renewed enthusiasm for entertaining and the fondest memories of a day behind-the scenes with great people, including all of Debra's friends from Scentimental Gardens.

I know Eddie will be posting all the details from this event in the near future so be sure to watch for that. Chicago week continues - next post will be about Debra's 2 beautiful design stores.

(garden pieces featured are by Richard Taylor)

17 comments:

1 Funky Woman said...

Wow that table, just amazing! And purple cauliflower, how cool! I love the use of a cabbage head as a dip bowl. I've done that for the summer and pumpkins for the fall!

I would loved to have been there!

prashant said...

I love the use of a cabbage head as a dip bowl.
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Dumbwit Tellher said...

What a tremendous event. Eddie & Jaithan just 'have it'..enough said.

Thanks for posting, quite fun to see!

LindsB said...

Looks like such a fun event...then again any event with Eddie and Jaithan would be a fun event!

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

He sure makes entertaining look easy, doesn't he? Wish we'd get an event like this here in DC....before I move! Thanks for sharing...sounds like you had an incredible time!

Hello Lover... said...

I really enjoyed the wow event! It's great to get to see what that table looked like before it was covered with all the hosta leaves and delish snacks!

katiedid said...

What a spectacular spread!!!WOW is right!! I bet you had a blast.

AnneHH said...

Oh, you lucky woman!!!! Everything about your trip sounds perfect!! I wish that Eddie and Jaithan would come back to DC and do a party planning class here. But until then, I hope you took notes!!!!

La Petite Gallery said...

That will be a real fun event.
Great idea's. Good post.
Yvonne

Concrete Jungle said...

Lots of fun ideas...Thanks for sharing...still marveling at the purple cauliflower!

Anonymous said...

Michelle,
Jaithan and I can't thank you enough for all of your hard work!! Without you it would not have been possible! It was so much fun being able to spend time with you!! thank you again!! xoxoxo
Eddie & Jaithan

Thomas said...

so much fun...

AT HOME BLOG said...

WOW!! It seems to be at Medieval time!! So cool... but now you make me hungry...

Kathysue said...

WOW is right!! He is so detailed and makes everything look over the top special with simple and doable ideas. He seems to have the ability to make us all think we can do it and have fun while creating. What a talent and wondeful person he is. Thank you so much for sharing this,Kathysue

Abby said...

Wow is right! And from the King of tablescapes no less. Thanks for sharing!

BellaDezine said...

Hi Michelle! WOW is right! Next time, I want to come with you! We just got back from our cruise (met Patrick) to Italy, Greece and Croatia- I am completely energized and inspired to entertain... lets host a gala cocktail party before our next Reunion, si?

Caio Bella,
Love, Ann.

D. Bryant Archie said...

Beautiful & beautiful.. I just love the use of the hosta and natural elements that make the table so inviting. I wish I could have been there to soak up all those great tips.

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