What a fun morning! Eddie Ross was in town for a presentation organized by The Fine Arts Club of Arkansas. And At Home in Arkansas had a front-row seat as the lifestyle expert and former Martha Stewart Living editor discussed, “The Art of Entertaining.”

The Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock was a lovely setting, with its beautiful gardens, which were designed by P. Allen Smith, visible through the windows.

After being introduced, Eddie talked about his fabulous work with House Beautiful and Martha Stewart Living. (That’s Martha’s stable kitchen.)

And his project ideas had everyone ready to run home and plan a party. These pine cone cakes are made using sheet cake and slivered almonds, and those pine needles are chocolate. How creative is that?

Eddie also demonstrated a few projects for us in person. DIY wreaths, fancy floral arrangements, gorgeous gift wrapping… it was hard to believe how simple and budget friendly they are.

Our editor, Diane Carroll, caught up with Eddie, as well as his co-presenter Jaithan Kochar, in the gardens outside the mansion. All in all, a great way to spend the morning and get inspired for the holidays.

PS- If you haven’t, be sure to check out Eddie and Jaithan’s blog! And stay tuned for At Home’s Holiday Guest Blogger Series, when we show you how to create each of the projects Eddie discussed at today’s event!