A Thanksgiving Table with Eddie Ross and Phoebe Howard.

I had the extraordinary opportunity to meet the famous Eddie Ross, Jaithan Kochar and Phoebe Howard last night.  Eddie was there to talk table settings for Thanksgiving and I was the one in the crowd staring intently and memorizing every last word. Here's what I learned:

1.  Mix and Match. You can pair your traditional plate with a more modern charger, mix around your silverware (antique and new) and glassware (size, shape, and color).  It's the differences that make it beautiful and interesting.

2.  No Such Thing as "Traditional Holiday Colors".  Orange and brown aren't necessarily the colors for Thanksgiving.  In truth they can be ANY color and more importantly should work with your surroundings.  For this table, Eddie took inspiration from the soft green of the room and added a punch of pink.  The green hydrangea relates back to the wall color and the pink roses offer up the pop.  A little chocolate brown is mixed in using the transferware plates and the candlesticks from Creative Candles.

3.  Make a Craft WITHOUT Looking Crafty.  Eddie and Jaithan found these beautiful holiday postcards at Metrolina.  They took them to Kinko's and copied them on to card stock.  Then they cut them out, embellished them, gave them a back support so they could stand up and added their guest's name.  Beautiful, easy and inexpensive.

4.  Small Details Count.  Don't forget about the small details.  Like the perfect votive holder, salt dish, pepper shakers and flowers.  You can also see the little candy dish above holding chocolate m&m's.  It's the small things that make your guests feel special.

WAIT THERE'S MORE!!  Not only did I learn great things from Eddie, but I also met some local bloggers!  Some of these names and faces are going to be very familiar!!

I met Mr. Goodwill Hunting himself!  The nicest fellow with more style than all of the runways put together.  We spoke of all the amazingness only Goodwill can provide and his famous finds (50 cents for those eye glass frames!!).  Please take the time to go over and check him out!

And then I met Bryn.  As in BRYN ALEXANDRA!!  She's is one of the nicest people you could every possibly meet.  She let me ask her random questions, she gave me some of her insider secrets (we're tight like that) and she's now following me on Twitter.  What up!!!??  Do you follow Bryn?  You must!

Here we all are with Jaithan.  Can I tell you how amazing he is?  Tall, dark and handsome.  Eddie you are one lucky, lucky fellow.  BONUS, he has the LONGEST eye lashes ever.  I couldn't stop staring.

Jaithan working the room.  Jaithan and Eddie probably have laryngitis by now. 

I also met the women behind Matters of Style and Southern Bourbon Mountains.  Sadly, I do not have pictures with them in my possession.  These girls are awesome and funny!  I hope you will go over and support them and their blogs.

And finally, Eddie and me.

If you are EVER in a position to meet Eddie and Jaithan in person, please do.  They are wonderful, talented and more than generous with their knowledge.  You will learn lots and you will make new friends.  Lucky for me, this was only day one with these guys.  I'm gearing up for day two tonight at Interiors Marketplace.  I'll be back to report ALL.  Have a fantastic day!

P.S.  You want to follow me on Twitter?  CLICK HERE.