Entertaining Eddie Part 2

 Eddie Ross..............well known celebrity lifestyle expert.........is coming to Chicago next week!

Here's the scoop/ schedule;

DAY ONE;   Eddie and Jaithan arrive Monday June 14th and are staying at my home.......YIKES.........YEAH.........OMG!

Remember the post where sister and I stayed at their home in upstate New York?

A warm and relaxed greeting in their countryside setting

This was breakfast on the covered porch

A view of the guest bath and the keeping room

As I sit here in a panic I wonder how to get the guest bedroom in shape since I will be out of town this week.
Well................not really mine, this is a photo from  A&E's the 'Hoarders'..................... but that one little used "I'll just throw it in here for now space", could be a candidate.

DAY TWO; Anyone's guess. Would like to say we are taking them antiquing as they did for us but I am in the process of opening a new shop in Chicago and the grand opening is later in the week. But maybe a small city tour with Marija of Holding Court, Marija???

that is sister hiding, and her new found fear of me wielding a camera

DAY THREE:  Start preparing for our event on June 17th, no doubt. 
Ever want help in hosting an event? Include E+J, everyone will help. I even have a friend, Joyce Scruggs....see previous post.......that drove up from Nashville! 

DAY FOUR;  All hands on deck! Tonight is our event, the WOW party (WithOut Work),we are hosting at Dunham Woods Riding Club.

We are throwing a party that will help you host better parties

Eddie will share time-saving tips and insider tricks for easy entertaining with style.

 As a graduate of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America and an ex-caterer (one of his first clients was Tommy Hilfilger..........how does that happen?!). You will know which corners to cut, in time and budget.

 And learn the insider tips for the ever important............ PRESENTATION!

• Get the recipes
• Get the secrets
• Get to dig in afterwards
• Get to meet Eddie and Jaithan
• Get the tickets! Space is limited

Oh, as an aside...........I will assist Eddie and share my love of utilizing the garden for tablesettings

  Using garden elements in unexpected ways

Sod.........not just for the lawn

And borrowing from nature's bounty

More Scoop...............Eddie has been filming a pilot for a television show, he has not said for what yet. My guess? He is headed for the BIG TIME............meet him while you can!!!

DAY FIVE

              

DAY SIX;

New shop open house, Randolph Street flea market

 DAY SEVEN;

May I highly recommend Eddie and Jaithan's flea market tour? REALLY recommend!        

As a twenty year antique veteran, I went along on one of their tours last year for fun. Fun it was! But, my eyes were opened in unexpected ways. All antiquing excursions since, are completely different.

  AND ON THE EIGHTH DAY...............

We hope you can join us! 
  And in closing another unintentionally........again........ long post, still with me? Here are some of my favorite Eddie Ross images.....................

                                         House Beautiful 

                                                            HGTV's 'Celebrity Holiday Homes'                                       

                 Winner of Bloomingdale's window contest. Sponsor.....Elle Decor Magazine

This is pure genius. Inspiration is all around us, but Eddie's is so finely tuned he found this photograph and created this tablescape.

Welcome to Chicago my friends we are very excited!
Debra

Down a country lane.......

A long time dream client, Robin, lives almost two hours away. Out in the countryside.

LOVE those back roads!

Everyone collects for our annual Spring visit to her "Gentleman's Farm".

Suddenly we are all transformed...........WE WANT TO LIVE ON A FARM!

We want to be farmers, have horses, chickens with fresh eggs, Jersey Cows, bee hives.............you know, the works! ( love that big lower lip)

We suddenly need long scenic views, total silence, privacy, and.....and.......the dreams are rolling in, all romantic and totally unrealistic

Envisioning total peace, calm and simple days of serenity with everything managed by a full staff
.

Guess what the girls are thinking on lunch break?  "Why don't we live on a farm?!"

 But since this is closer to my reality..............back to work it is

Ok, where was I........yes, wanting to share some of our projects here over the years.
This is the cutting garden. Someday there may be a fence but for now this vintage arbor/gate draws the eye and makes a statement.

Inside the cutting garden looking back towards the outhouse via the 'crazy quilt' path.

Outhouse turned potting shed. We added the 'L' shaped old street bricks to frame it's garden. Each corner is punctuated by my favorite crab apple trees, Malus 'Cinderella',  perfectly formed diminutive topiaries.

With the vast acreage we have created English "rooms", intimate settings that lead from area to area which allows for an element of surprise. By adding the concrete newell posts and bench it is creating a focal point that carries the eye deep into the garden.

Come up the antique street brick walkway, go behind a hedge and surprise! A checkerboard bed.

Playing with texture is critical. Above was set a burgundy leafed Colocasia into the silver Artemesia. If ever you have a bed that feels messy add a large leaved specimen.........instant order!

A developing parterre of Boxwoods in varying shapes and sizes

Hope you enjoyed a small peek into Robin's many gardens. But the best part is we get to come back and soon............next up, the interiors!

 Thanks for coming along...............

Debra