Magazines are precious gems these days, but the strong—or should I say smart?—shall survive. Among those I believe have adapted to the times is House Beautiful, a magazine I've held close to my heart for years.
It was there that I landed my first publishing job with a title, an office of my own, and the freedom (another precious gem) to create beautiful stories. As Associate Decorating Editor, I worked with designers, writers, photographers, and editors of immeasurable talent, like Doretta Sperduto, Samantha Emmerling and her mother Mary. For my article Weekend Shopper, I traveled to flea markets in London, Paris, and across the country, giving new life to old things. Now, years later, I have the tremendous honor of returning to the pages of House Beautiful for a holiday table setting that's festive, fresh, and fun!
It was a sweltering, mid-July morning when Style Director Newell Turner called. Both he and Editor in Chief Stephen Drucker had seen some of my other table settings here at the house and, I'm honored to say, liked them enough to have me do one especially for the magazine! At first, I was asked to do a table for the November issue, but in the publishing world, things shift at lightening speed, so December it was and all things holiday! Immediately, I knew I wanted to use some of the laced edge milk glass from our Etsy store. This is not the stuff from the 60s, but rather the good, old pieces with intricate openwork around the rim you simply don't find very often. Paired with a rich, ruby red, vintage milk glass feels graphic and modern, like candy canes on Christmas morning.

Now this is the table setting I intended and photographed myself before the editor and photographer from House Beautiful arrived. The centerpieces, you'll notice, are different. For the original table, I'd wrapped little jewelry boxes with red ribbon, then piled them in one of my favorite milk glass compotes. I liked the idea of setting a no-fuss table well in advance without having to worry about flowers for the occasion. And who doesn't like pretty packages tied up with string? But the editor on the shoot preferred something fresh on the table, so I made a snowball arrangement of white carnations in stacked compotes. Carnations may not be the most unusual flower, but they're inexpensive and readily available with surprising potential. Of course, an arrangement this tall you'd have to move to a sideboard when guests take their seats, but I honestly don't mind. That way, you still get the wow factor with plenty of room for food.

For the table setting, hotel silver chargers are topped with vintage laced edge milk glass plates and ruby glass footed cups, perfect for a first course of Shrimp Cocktail with a Tomatillo-Horseradish Sauce. The inexpensive dinner plates I picked up from the Christmas Tree Shop, the same set I used for Jaithan's birthday buffet last summer. The milk glass goblets are American hobnail with a graphic pattern similar to this unusual set. I mixed them with inexpensive wine glasses in a modern shape from HomeGoods. Finally, the flatware is a combination of sterling silver and mother of pearl with a subtle, opalescent gleam, like jewelry for the table.

I love beautiful candy at the holidays. Remember this story I did with Apartment Therapy last year? It was all about finding inspiration in vintage ornaments from the flea market for holiday table settings. Of course, candy played a sweet part in the story, as it does here as well. The peppermint pillows I placed in simple silverplate dishes around the centerpiece, while the sour cherry candies stand taller in Early American Pressed Glass cordial glasses with a pretty swirl pattern.
Bravo Eddie….I love both centerpieces, but particularly love how you used the carnations! Love the use of the milk-glass…simply charming tablescape!
LaurieAnna
This would be sweet to repeat at Valentine’s day too!
The red and white is so cheery!
pve
I’m always so impressed by your tablescapes… Totally inspirational and I LOVE all the milk glass!!!
Another lovely table. I’d love to know how many carnations are necessary to create the centerpiece.
I much prefer your original arrangement, with the beribboned boxes in the compote, the white candles, and the general low-altitude decorations. From a photographic standpoint the sphere of carnations is certainly dramatic, but takes away from the simplicity and Christmasy-circusy charm you first established (it’s like being inside one of those striped candies). My vote’s for the original setting!
A beautiful feature in a great issue. Loved the carnations, but the boxes of goodies are great for the flower-challenged. You know, me.
Congrats Eddie! Both tables are beautiful and fresh. I love that you are pragmatic when you choose items for the table. You are on fire these days!
Love them both – the colors are so great! The boxes tied up with ribbon are especially cheerful! They look great with the striped pillowmints!
They are super smart to include you!
I love your work.
xo xo
These settings are so lovely and pretty, and I love the centerpieces both!
Come by, I posted about Berlin and will so in the next few days, maybe you’ve got some time to browse…
My love to you both!
XX
Victoria
Beautiful and so well done as always. I love your place settings! Congratulations on the great article. Hope you all enjoyed the holiday.
It’s just so scrumptious! You can’t help but smile when you see this setting. Love ya.
A vote for the original setting with the gifts in a bowl — totally original and so fresh itself — and the whole table was gorgeous! I would LOVE that table setting for Valentine’s Day — what a party that would be! You are a true magician!
Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Eddie, this does look like a cheery candy-cane inspired tablescape. I do have to agree with other comments though. Your original idea of packages tied up with string was much more appealing to me. Flowers seem so expected and this option was a little outside of the box (pun intended). But having said that, I think in both settings you did a great job. I really love the milk glass against the red. Impressed as always,
{ Lindsey }
http://greatfullday.blogspot.com
This is also one of my favourite magazines and I have been subscribing to it for a few years now. Even though it costs a little more to get it sent to Australia it is worth every cent. I can’t wait to receive it in the mail soon so I can look at your beautiful tablescape in print. One of my favourite blogs in one of my favourite magazines…it must be Christmas!
Best wishes, Natasha.
Love your use of milk glass. the table setting is so vibrant, fresh and feels modern too.This year, i will be celebrating Christmas at home in Connecticut and my favorite part of being home for Christmas is of course to be with my loved ones but also to add the ephemeral beauty of the Holiday spirit. I spend hours styling the table and the house, enjoying every moment of it…
Ohh I love this magazine too. Both settings are so gorgeous. I love the little gifts in the bowl. very creative!
Hi Eddie! Ana Elizabeth from Interiorismo here. I just bought House Beautiful a couple of hours ago with no idea you were in it. (The same thing happened last year with the Domino issue!) Must be fate. =) I haven’t had a chance to look through the mag yet, but from what I see here, it’s gorgeous! Looks so clean and fresh, but christmasy at the same time. Congrats!
I loooooooooooove carnations. You are so right to say they are not understood. Really fresh carnations smell like cinammon, yum. Yay to carnations. My second favorite to daisies.
Ohh I love this magazine too. Both settings are so gorgeous
Saw the article, Eddie, when I opened up my House Beautiful for the month. It’s all beautiful, congrats on another great feature. Merry Christmas to you and Jaithan! xoxo
Beautiful choices Eddie! The little gifts are darling!
Can’t wait to get my copy! How fresh and fun!
I’ll have to pick it up! xoxo
SC
Thanks for once again inspiring me Eddie!
I have looked at many shops in Toronto to find something for the table….. after reading this post I’m getting candy canes, white carnations and a milk glass vase!
I love your combination of elegant tableware and candy! Very chic!!!
Merry Merry Christmas to you and yours!
You’re just trying to kill me with jealousy, aren’t you?! 🙂 Gorgeous stuff.
Eddie, You so talented!! All I want for Christmas…Is a visit to my home by Eddie.
Please, come two weeks before…(wink/huge smile)
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Maureen
Love House Beautiful! If it doesn’t survive what will we do?
this is simple yet SO lovely. i was extremely excited to see it in the issue, keep up the inspiring work! happy holidays!
xo,
cecelia