Every celebration needs some sweets.  A little indulgence.  Choice is always nice.  Tarts.  Cupcakes. Squares. Pies. Cheesecakes.  Chocolates. Cookies.  And, cake.  Always cake.

Word on the street is that a lot of people are trying to create the fabulous displays they see on party and wedding blogs.  It isn't as easy as it looks.  I have heard that some of you are struggling with pulling it all together.  So lets go on a sweet journey together and get this figured out.

Clearly, the focus is vintage (as if I had to tell you that) and I'm also focussing this post on desserts; we will look at candy bars some other time.  First lets look at some of my favourite displays of desserts.  I suspect you will be familiar with them since these tables are popping up on Pinterest so much.

Craving cake yet?

I know, all of these displays are gorgeous.  The reason why they present so well is a mixture of height, texture, colour, back drops and of course yummy treats.   From pretty to rustic to themed, there are ways of creating an interesting display.

Things to keep in mind:
- Does the display create a conversation?  i.e. are people going to stop & look at it or are they just going to grab a dessert and walk away?

- Will the props hold the weight of the tasty treats?  Test and re-test, you do not want a disaster the day of your party.  i.e.  If you are having the suit case open, how do you know the lid will stay up?

- With the exception of the last photo, take note that none of the above displays include an 8 foot table with a white table cloth.  Generally, you need to take things a step or two further for a true vintage display.

- Talk to your caterer, pastry/dessert/cake creator or your event coordinator about the ideal time to place the desserts on the table.  In the heat of the summer, icing melts quickly and things can go soggy.

- Determine who is going to replenish the display as people select their desserts.  Sometimes these displays only allow 12 or 20 pieces at once.  i.e. a tray with 12 cup cakes is going to go fast, so make sure you have lots and someone to put more out.

- If you have a display of cakes, think about who is going to cut them and how the slices will be served.  Will guests do it themselves?

- Add 'photo of the dessert table' to your picture list for your photographer.  Set a time so it coordinates with when the treats are nicely displayed.

- And my final tip, if you are a bride & groom, ask to have a sample of the treats packed away for your departure.  Often you forget to savour the sweets that you have selected. Have some champagne chilling and dig into the treats together to reflect upon your great day.

No need to feel left out of all the vintage fun if a wedding isn't in your plans.  Vintage themes can be threaded throughout any celebration.  Take a look at some of these lovely ways vintage was incorporated into parties for kids.

All these party pictures come from Kara's Party Ideas.

Last week, on one of those absolutely perfect autumn days, I ventured to a beautiful ranch near Cambridge.  As I drove up the laneway, I was greeted by horses and stocky buffalo.  I was about to meet the owner of Weddings In A Barn.  Danielle and I have been chatting back and forth via email for months.  I was dying to get inside the barn and see what it was all about but first she treated me to tea in her stunning home, overlooking rolling hills.  It was a dream!  Having lived in Alberta it reminded me of Rocky Mountain homes with stone work and lots of beams setting off cathedral ceilings.

Danielle and her husband retreated from the bright lights of the city for a more peaceful setting.   BUT, I can tell Danielle enjoys celebrations and has a great energy for making people laugh and have fun in life.  This is where the barn comes in.

Danielle recently started Weddings In A Barn, a place for wedding ceremonies.  The barn is new, built on a sturdy cement pad with bathrooms, a bar area, a stage and a great seating hall.  Huge chandeliers hang from the beams and additional lighting creates an intimate setting.

On Sunday October 16th, Danielle will be able to tell you about the place herself.  She has a display at The Gay Wedding Show.  The Show is taking place at the Delta Chelsea from 11 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.   

And now for the reason I was at Danielle's in the first place!  I have been working with Danielle to create and style her display for the event.  It has been fun and I can honestly say I am up to my eyeballs in bunting, barn board and saddles!  So if you are in Toronto stop by & say hello.  She will be one of the first people you see when you step off the elevator.

The wedding season is wrapping up for HVR.  What a season!  Thanks to all my clients.  As your wedding pictures start to trickle in I am amazed at the beauty that is created.  

Corporate Christmas party and trade show requests are increasing every day.  It is going to be a great late fall and winter season at HVR.  If you are seeking props for retail visuals or your trade show booth, please give me a call or email.  

I am busy in the shop, sorting chairs (10 more in stock last week) and painting a couple of fab pieces of furniture that I think will make great dessert bars and candy bars.  Those will be coming your way in November.

In the meantime, take a look at these recent finds.  I will add them to the inventory pages soon.  

Art Deco is returning thanks to the hit show, Boardwalk Empire on HBO.  If you haven't watched it, take a look and snuggle in for some nasty Prohibition laced story lines.  So you might start seeing more smoking stands and furniture from that era popping up in inventory.  

And what would be an inventory update without some cozy knit blankets for winter?  The blanket on the left is wool and the other four are knitted.