So many of us are enjoying a day off from our usual busy work routines.  I imagine a few of you are relaxing at home with your morning coffee, reading through blogs and taking some time to plan your summer wedding.  

I thought I would post some window frame inspirations.  When you look at the HVR window frame inventory, please remember that we can customize the frames for your event.  Online, you will see our picture and window frames are free of glass.

The ideas are endless for what you can do with them (or what we can make for you!).  Think chalkboards, vintage materials, glass, ribbon and binder twine.  Frames can be adapted for any theme and that is why I love them!

Take a look at these pics and you will see what I mean.

Instead of having a guest book, this couple provided vintage tags for guests to write their well wishes.  The guests were directed to hang their notes on the twine that was wrapped around the vintage frame.

Frames can easily have chalkboards inserted.  Looks sweet with a menu written in chalk. Think Dessert Bars.  Think Coffee Bars.  

Vintage Photos and Vintage Frames make great companions!

Frames are a great way to display seating charts.  Oh so pretty.

A pretty seating chart with vintage fabric on a door frame.  LOVE!  Happy Spring!

My Mom reminds me that I use to like to play 'office' when I was a little girl.  I had a desk in my room and my Great-Grandfather Hill's typewriter.  I use to type note after note after note on that thing.  I knew which keys stuck and how to fix them, I knew how to change the ribbon and I always put it away in its carrying case to prevent dust build-up.  Yes, I was a good little 'office' worker.

It came as no surprise to me that my son enjoys using the typewriter now.  He isn't so much drawn into role-playing but loves the mechanics of how the machine works.  He is very excited to come with me and visit the typewriter mechanic in a couple of weeks.  Yes, the machines are going in for their spring tune-up.

A little cleaning, fine tuning and new ribbons for all.  Two of the beauties are available for rent.  They are sweet and charming in their own individual ways.

By now, using a typewriter at a wedding is almost standard.  It is a great conversation piece, a classic prop and is very handy for producing a unique guest book.

Martha Stewart Weddings suggest using a single long piece of paper for guests to type out notes.  After the event, roll it up in a scroll and secure with a ribbon.

I like the idea of providing a stack of multi-coloured paper.  Each guest selects a colour, types out a note and hangs the note on a clothes line strung between two trees.  Afterwards the notes are collected.  They can either be scanned for a digital book, placed in a scrapbook or kept in a pretty display box for future reading.

If you don't want your guests using the typewriter (or it isn't in working condition), simply use it as a prop to display the seating plan.  Sweet and simple. 

Typewriter:

1.  Decide if you are buying or renting a typewriter.  Think about whether or not you want to have the typewriter after the event.  

2.  Whether buying or renting, ask if it is in working order.  i.e. keys do not stick and does it have a new ribbon.

3.  Do not let the typewriter get wet.  Ever.   Even dampness can cause issues.  So if you plan to have it displayed outdoors be sure someone brings it inside when the sun sets and evening dew arrives.

4.  If you buy a typewriter that isn't in perfect working condition, it will cost you a minimum of $75 to have it looked at and cleaned.  If other problems are discovered, there are additional fees.

Courtesy: Life Arranged

Word is that it is snowing out there.  I am afraid to look.  I have my nose nestled into a stack of magazines.  Dreaming of warmth.  It will happen?  Won't it?  Someday?  Soon!

I fell in love with the terrarium-inspired window display styled by Morgan Michener in House & Home's May edition.  It is a nice DIY project that I am going to take to the next level.  Check out the DIY video.

Over the next couple of weeks I am going to put together a collection of canning jars that will be ready-made terrariums available for rent.  I think they will make lovely accent pieces at a garden party.  Maybe add a fresh dimension to a table center piece.  Or just add some greenery to a boring ol' bathroom.

Courtesy:  My DIY Wedding

Courtesy:  Rae's Little Garden Blog

Yesterday's Talk & Shop was so much fun!  We cozied up in the Games Room at The Little Inn to TALK.  We chatted about inspiration, how much is too much and learned a lot from each other.  It was such a lovely day that we couldn't stay inside much longer.  After a quick refreshment break we headed out to SHOP. 

What a day!  Absolutely perfect weather, sunny and no wind.  Left-over puddles for kiddies to jump in.  And most important, fantastic finds.  Lets just say one person's vehicle was over-flowing.

A bride found some gold and white creamers for her growing collection to be featured at her July 1st nuptials.

A groom started envisioning how this vintage schtick can come together to create beauty under a tent (Although I knew he had it in him all the time.  This guy knows his vintage!)

His bride was inspired by a letterpress drawer and will be packing it in her car for her wedding in Newfoundland in August.

I found more tin scoops for the vintage candy bar that I'm putting together (soon to be unveiled).  And a little something for my guy.  Will have to wait to Father's Day because I don't want to spoil the surprise.

Katie Day Photography

Morrissey Photography

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Or all of the above?
I'm never sure which term to use but I found this handy bit that clarified it for me:

Escort Card / Table Card:  The term 'escort card' is traditional and formal.  The term 'table card' brings clarity to the purpose.  In any case, these cards are used to let each guest know what table they are assigned to. The classic escort card is a small envelope with the guest name on the envelope and the table assignment on the card inside.

Place Card:  The place card is on the table at the seat where the guest is assigned.

O.k. now that we have that figured out, here are some wonderful ideas for displaying them at your party.  I must admit I absolutely adore these ideas!  I have all the props in stock for any the looks featured below.