The first edition of Ballard Designs was mailed in 1983, a two-page black-and-white brochure displaying a replica of an antique dolphin table that sold out in the first two weeks. In 1990, Ballard Designs took their first orders by a revolutionary new device - the fax machine. Since then, Ballard has partnered with Cornerstone Brands, a group of prestigious apparel and home goods companies that includes Frontgate, Garnet Hill, Grandin Road, and Travel-Smith. Ballard, its subsidiary businesses, and HSN were all purchased by QVC in 2017.