Simply Quirky- Champagne in a teapot anyone?

What is the company name?

Harrogate Vintage Tea Party

What is your line of business?

We have a beautiful collection of vintage china, crockery, glassware and accessories that we hire out for events such as: small weddings, baby showers, hen parties, tea parties and photo shoots.

How and why the company begin?

We are both sisters and have grown up sharing a love of traditional, pretty things! The vintage theme is hugely popular at the moment and so we thought that we would expand on our collection and start sharing it! We both love socialising and hosting events and giving them the vintage feel makes them extra special and exciting.

Are you married? If so tell us a little about your wedding….

Adelle got married to Matthew in 2010. They married at Aldwark church and then held their reception at Aldwark Manor; a traditional, English country hotel. There were hints of the vintage theme at the wedding with plenty of bird cages and butterflies! They were very lucky with the weather as it was a glorious, sunny day. Terri lives in Whixley with her partner James after having just bought an old cottage to renovate.

Why do brides come to you?

We offer something that is a little bit different and fun, but still very traditional at heart. We put a modern twist on beautiful, traditional items which gives stunning results. All of our bunting is bespoke and hand-made so we can help meet a bride’s overall vision perfectly.

What is the most popular item you supply and why? 

Probably tea-cups and pearls; who needs wineglasses? Breaking the rules slightly is much more fun!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Fashions and trends always go in cycles and at the moment the 1920’s – 1950’s are more popular than ever. We try to marry the old with the new and create an eclectic feel.

What is in store for you in 2012/13

As we are a new company this year we will be focusing on becoming established and well known. The upcoming Diamond Jubilee is proving very exciting along with summer weddings and garden parties!

Who would be your dream client, and what sort of design would you envisage for them?

Oooh, probably Johnny Depp! It would be fantastic for Harrogate Vintage Tea Party to re-create a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party just for him!

Tell us something super interesting about you or your business that we wouldn’t already know…?

We actually celebrated our web-site going live by pouring a lovely bottle of champagne into a teapot and drinking it from tea-cups!

Where are you based and where can you supply

We deliver and collect hired items free of charge within a 10 mile radius of Harrogate and York (North Yorkshire). We charge per mile thereafter.

How can I get in touch to discuss my requirements or place an order?

Please do visit our website for more information and ideas: www.harrogatevintageteaparty.co.uk.

There is a contact form on our website but we can also be contacted on info@harrogatevintageteaparty.co.uk

We would love to hear from you!

Why do you like to work with Simply Bows and Chair Covers?

They are professional, diverse and have lots of imaginative flair which pairs perfectly with what we are all about.

Simply Vintage Elegance!

Last month our lovely Joanne who heads up our Lancashire Office took part in a beautiful shoot we thought we would share with you...

The shoot was commisioned by Pure Weddings Magazine to a freelance journalist (aka Jan from Pretty Tellings), she wanted to show that vintage can be done with elegance in a classical way with out going over the top... The shoot took place at the lovely Etrop Grange Hotel.

Cakes by Cakes By Beth (www.cakesbybeth.co.uk)

Dress by Erica Stacey (www.ericastacey.co.uk)

Photography by Alex D Photography (www.alexdphotography.co.uk)

Staionary by Doodle Love (www.doodlelove.etsy.com)

Flowers by Laurel Weddings (www.laurelweddings.com)

Silver Horseshoe by Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe (www.silver-sixpence-in-her-shoe.co.uk)

Styling by Pretty Telling (www.prettytelling.wordpress.com)

Simply Unique: Fab vintage supplier showcase: Daisy The Vintage Ice Cream Van

At Simply Bows and Chair Covers we love to work with imaginative brides to create a truly unique wedding for them. Through us working closely with our brides and grooms we are often introduced to some fabulous and unique suppliers and we thought we would interview one of our favourites to share with you today....

What is company name? 

Daisy The Vintage Ice Cream Van

Tara in Daisy The Vintage Ice Cream Van

What is your line of business?

Daisy and I are hired for private events, parties, festivals, fetes and fayres stocked up with delicious luxury ice cream, sorbets, ice lollies, hot chocolate, Champagne or Hot Toddys, dressed in bunting and fresh flowers we cater and entertain in the best possible way.

How and why the company begin? 

The company grew out of a love for vintage and entertainment coupled with a having a chocolate company that suffered with an Easter heatwave.

Are you married? 

No still searching!

Why do brides come to you? 

Brides come to me for something a little bit different for their wedding which will be fun and memorable for them and their guests and adds to the feel of their special, personal day.

What is your favourite design and why?

I would have say 1950s designs and styles are my favourite.

What is the most popular item you supply and why? 

Ice cream cornets are my most popular Daisy treat and no matter what type of event or what area I am in the banoffee ice cream always comes out at the no1 choice, male and female, children and adults.

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

From books and magazines and music but mainly from my customers who have the best ideas and suggestions.  I love that as a small company I can adapt and personalise the service and products I offer to suit different people.

What is in store for you in 2012

This year has been all about getting Daisy up and running, renovating the bodywork and working on the mechanics so she is able to take bookings further afield.  I am currently renovating her interior, installing a generator, new electrics, freezer, chiller, water system, lighting and sound system. I’m also taking licensing exam so I can apply for an alcohol licence for her and she can be a Champagne and cocktail bar too.  Next year will be all about weddings, parties, events and festivals, she’s booking so incredibly fast it’s looking like 2012 will be a very exciting year.

Who would be your dream client, and what sort of design would you envisage for them? 


I love that all my clients are different they all bring their own stamp to their day and their Daisy booking, they are all dream clients.

 What would be your top tips for brides when searching for a supplier in your industry?   

Look around at lots of different suppliers to start with and then start narrowing it down, ask for quotes and samples if possible, ask as many questions as possible and go with your gut instinct, if a supplier is off hand or difficult to contact strike them off and move on.  You need to feel you can trust your suppliers and be sure they will deliver, you don’t need the stress of chasing them up or the disappointment if they do a sloppy job.  Always remember you are the client.

Where are you based and where can you supply?

I am based in Berkshire, Daisy can get to events up to 100 miles away under her own steam, further afield she has to hop on a trailer.

  
How can I get in touch to discuss my requirements or place an order? 

You can contact me through the website www.daisyicecreamvan.co.uk the Booking Enquiry page asks for a few details that enable me to put a costing together for your event.  Or you can email me at daisyicecreamvan@hotmail.co.uk or give me a call to discuss your requirements on Tel: 01344 005410

Why do you like to work with Simply Bows and Chair Covers? 

I think Simply Bows and Chair Covers' use of design and colour is well thought out and quality is second to none. I really enjoy seeing pictures of all of their different events and all of the fabulous ideas and original designs that are available from the Simply Team.

Simply Themed: Cath Kidson Inspiration

The Simply Bows and Chair Covers team are getting an increasing number of enquiries for Cath Kidson themed weddings so we thought we would bring you not only a few of our ideas of how we can dress your wedding for this theme but also how some other suppliers can help....

The Cake.....

Cath Kidson four tiered cake as featured in You and Your Wedding Magazine

Cath Kidson themed cupcakes boxed beautifully for perfect favours or bridal party gifts from Babycakes, Carlisle

Cotton and Crumbs Cath Kidson styled cake is fabulous

Another great Cotton and Crumbs creation

CAKE lettering available amongst others from The Finishing Touch Company


The Stationary....

Cath Kidson inspired menu cards from The Wedding Decorator

Gorgeous Fabric Table Plan Board for you to attach your guests names to from April Daisies in Northumberland

Place setting hearts to be personalised with guests names- come in a range of colours

Pretty and stylish table plan idea as developed by Pink Blossom

The Flowers.......

Bright spring flowers mixed with fresh herbs create a delightful Cath Kidson inspired bouquet

Jugs of fresh spring flowers set the scene much better than large elaborate displays



The Decor....

Simply Bows and Chair Covers stock a range of vintage inspired fabric to make in to sashes, runners or table cloths

Bunting can be used to create an English country garden feel- image from Country Living

Organza lace overlays can be put over the top of any coloured cloth to create a truly vintage feel- not eveything has to be bright and bold

Cath Kidson styled runners can add a touch of flair to your top table

We can supply the traditional spotted pink or blue Cath Kidson fabric and can again be made into whatever you like 

Our fab vintage lace range compliments a Cath Kidson themed wedding perfectly



The Wedding List....

Finally why not finish off your Cath Kidson styled wedding with the official Cath Kidson Wedding List! Cath Kidson Wedding List Website