It is a whirlwind of activities at Hazlitt Vintage. This is our busiest few weeks yet and we are loving every minute of it (o.k. to be honest, we would like a sunnier forecast for our event days). Yesterday, we set a HVR record for loading up the truck after an event. 90+ chairs in 14 minutes! We closed the door just as the drops of rain started (again).
There will be some amazing event photos coming in later this fall and winter. Hopefully some features too so that you can see the couples, read their perspectives and see more details. In the meantime here are some HVR shots of all the beauty that surrounds us each week. We are so blessed.
The couple ordered dahlias and hydrangeas. Over 100 mis matched canning jars covered the tables.
Featured centre piece in the lounge area.
More canning jars at a September park wedding. Blue, white and green hydrangeas ordered by the couple and place in canning jars and sap buckets.
Some salty treats for the guests.
There are never enough photos of striped paper straws.
Our custom vintage handkerchief strands for a memory table.
We really had nothing to do with these flowers. The couple ordered them and arranged them in vessels they collected. I just loved the assortment of flowers used and I thought it might serve as inspiration for some of you.
The chairs. 93 mis matched chairs for another park wedding.
The door entrance adorned with wreaths from Luann's Flowers. This was an engineering masterpiece against the strong wind coming directly west off the lake. We had triple reinforcements so that the couple would never have to worry about it blowing onto them during the ceremony. Usually the doors are open a bit but the wind was not cooperating. Glad to say it held up well.
Bunting
as defined by Hazlitt Vintage Rental
A light cotton cloth, made into flags - square, rectangle or traditional triangles - grouped together to create a row of colour and texture. I adore bunting. I must say that it is one of my favourite things. I never really knew about it until a couple of years ago. It quickly captured my heart. I simply love it.
Bunting isn't new to the party circuit. It is such an easy way to continue the colour theme, add texture and fill the eye with a sense of celebration. Originally created during the 17th century as a type of material used to create flags. Today, bunting is simply a string of fabric.
HVR was asked to create custom bunting for an event this spring. Although I love to sew, I certainly do not have the talent to create perfect double sided triangles strung together. I enlisted the creativity of a wonderful local sewing talent who pulled together an amazing assortment of fabrics and sourced another great company to create the perfect lettering as per the client's specifications.
We had so much fun creating it and the client adored it that I decided HVR should offer custom bunting. We need a bit of lead time to create these beautiful strings of fabric. I am partial to the fabric rather than paper and let me tell you, bunting knocks those tissue paper pom-poms out of the park (don't get me wrong, I love those Martha Steward inspired tissue pom-poms).
To order, just send me an email. info @ hazlittvintagerental.com We need total length of the space you want to fill, colours and a few more details that we can discuss over email. HVR will produce a quote for you to review and we can proceed with booking. Bunting can be mailed!
We can produce bunting of any size, shape and length.
Fabrics are sourced, we try to use vintage, when available. Let us know your colours and we will start the search.
All HVR bunting is double sided.
Custom printing, in almost any font and almost any colour, is available.
Take a look below at how the different fonts are display on the flags.
Here are a few more pics of some bunting that was recently created and how it was used at an event.
Is the music putting you in the mood for some #Draper?
Some of us are most excited about Sunday March 25th. Don Draper, Betty Francis and the rest of the characters will be back on AMC gracing us with witty dialogue, a plethora of props from the '60s that we will all swoon over, ladies in fab dresses, gentlemen(?) in tailored suits and of course, Canadian Club.  AMC official poster In celebration of the upcoming premiere, the Mad Men web site is encouraging fans to host themed parties and they posted a fantastic party guide. Needless to say there are many cocktail recipes plus 60s inspired menus, music and more. I love the character masks that can be printed although I can't say that I will be wearing one that night. I suspect you have already figured out how to host the ultimate cocktail party or office party a la Mad Men. BUT, there is so much more to Mad Men than cocktails and pigs-in-a-blanket. Lets not wait for the evening party though, why not start earlier in the day with a picnic. (You all know I love a good picnic!) There is nothing easier than setting out some quilts with wicker picnic baskets, a plaid thermos and grillin' some hot dogs. Add some devilled eggs and tuna-filled cherry tomatoes and you have a swinging '60s picnic. Add in some fun lawn games like lawn darts (they weren't outlawed then), potato sack races and three-legged races. Play rummy while downing a cold beer.  Cast Photo from http://calitreview.com/11660 Throw on some clam diggers and ballet flats with a pretty sweater set. You could wear a dress, add an apron and some cat-eye sunglasses for that 'oh its nothing to make devilled eggs and still look this great' type of look.  from http://adore-vintage.blogspot.ca/2011/02/how-to-wear-vintage-vintage-1950s.html  HVR props for a picnic Pop over to the HVR Facebook page. I shared a video from a Mad Men inspired wedding shoot. This is also a fun site for '50s / early '60s wedding inspiration: http://fiftieswedding.com/ And don't think for a minute that I would forget to post a picture of HIM. May all your Don Draper (or Betty) dreams come true on Sunday night.  Michael Yarish/AMC From esquire.com
This cloudy weather is starting to bring on the winter blues. I figured I would take a look back through my files and my Pinterest boards for some of my favourite things. Take a peek.
Our Wine Barrel Buffet * Photo: A Simple Photograph
Astilbe and Sweet Peas * Photo: Life Images
Pinterest
From citified.blogspot.com
Looking ahead I can't wait to see these on a client's tables this fall. Photo: from Ruffled
Ribbon Wands make me happy. * From iloveswmag.com
Please start doing this. I think it is lovely. * From 3.bp.blogspot.com
Wrapping up our week from across the Atlantic, we can't forget the biggest party of the summer. The 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
I think the Olympics lend itself well to corporate events as well as parties with the kids. Any event with an Olympic theme needs to be bright and colour (Just think of all those flags!) So many options when it comes to invitations, incorporating rings and circles. A variety of activities from cycling to running to light the torch (or a camp fire would work too). The spirit of friendship and the challenge of competitiveness. Soccer, swimming, rowing and more.
As I try to find inspiration pictures I start to realize that there is an opportunity here to pull of a fabulous Olympic themed event. Other than a big group gathered in a pub or huddled around a t.v. there really doesn't seem to be too much out there to inspire us to host a great event. Looks like this one is wide open for interpretation.
Hmmmm, I'll have to give this one some more thought. If you end up hosting a great Olympic party, let me know. Send some pictures. I would love to share them.
from style me pretty
This is Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee. Yes, diamonds! I certainly do not think that tiaras are coming back any time soon but I do think there is going to be some sparkle at parties this year. Those huge crystal dripping chandeliers will light up everywhere this year.
from anastasiamariecards.com
photo by Thayer Allyson Gowdy
Onto flowers! No matter where the Queen goes she will be handed bouquets of fresh flowers with lovingly written notes from her admirers. Hand picking single flower arrangements wrapped in kraft paper is such a treat. I know I would love to go to a party and be able to walk away with a pretty bouquet.
photo from lifeimages
photo from lifeimages
Our final theme from the Royal Jubilee is the flotilla on the Thames. The floating party will be over 7 miles long and feature the Queen on a handsomely decorated barge that will be converted to look like something from the 18th century. I'm intrigued to find out what that will look like. Be sure to tune in on June 3rd.
The flotilla ties in nicely with another celebration that is setting party trends this year: the sailing of the Titanic. Yes, April 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic. No need to focus on its demise, the grand ship provides us with lots of wonderful decor ideas.
The Titanic anniversary also lends itself well to the growing art deco (thanks Boardwalk Empire) decor trend. So those chandeliers will cover you off on the this trend too, along with flowing champagne and cigars. I think this theme would be fab for upcoming product launches or corporate events.
Of course there was a whole other side to the Titanic. Away from the glam there was the storage of precious cargo and stowaways. Think, luggage, trunks, crates, whiskey barrels and if you really want to fulfill your Titanic movie dream, find a vintage car to complete the look.
More to come later this week.
 from The Royal Jubilee web site This week I am going to take you on a journey across the pond to jolly ol' England. I'm a gal with Irish roots but England served my family well during the potato famine. I grew up learning about the monarchy from my Great Aunt who was an active member of the British Ladies League in Detroit. I was also part of that generation that woke up early one summer morning to watch Diana marry Prince Charles. It truly was almost every little girl's dream to wear a gown like Diana's at the time.
2012 is gearing up to be a spectacular year of pomp and ceremony in England. This year is the Queen of England's Royal Jubilee. The Queen is celebrating 60 years at the throne. Will and Kate's wedding really was just the beginning of striking vintage that shimmers and pays tribute to classic styles.
So what lies ahead for party and event themes as it relates to the Royal Jubilee? Many, many glorious things. Here are my predictions for a few themes that encompass the spirit of the Jubilee that takes place early in June.
 from kittynkitsch.blogspot  from cookeatshare.com
There is always time for a cuppa tea. Always. Combine it with a lush green garden and you are all set for a lovely tea party with friends. Big girls and little girls love tea parties. Finger sandwiches, lemonade, bite size desserts and linens - oh my. Perhaps there is an Imperial Order of the Daughter's of the Empire (IODE) organization who will be hosting one in your home town.
But wait, what about the lads? If you have been to England you know you can't walk more than 10 feet without running into a fine English pub serving up beer and fish and chips, or better yet, curry.
Combine the ladies afternoon tea party with a good ol' pub for the evening. The party can go all day. Set up dart boards, saddle up to a bar of sorts with lots of beer and maybe throw some Union Jack themed blankets down for a fish and chip picnic served up from a food truck. (Gosh, this one is sounding so good that I might host it this summer)
 from runawaycoast.com  fish & chips? yes please.
The Queen will spend part of her celebratory weekend at the Epsom Derby. Oh how I love me a good Derby. Big hats, lovely frocks, roses, spirited cheering, green grass and horses!
 from popsugar.com  from snippet and ink Top row from left: bridal hat from Martha Stewart Weddings, ribbon seating card and trophy both from Wedding Style Guide, bouquet from Well WedRow 2: mint juleps via Brown Turtleneck Sweater, dessert buffet from Well Wed, tent from David BeahmRow 3: wreath via Real Weddings, d.Sharp cake topper and confetti both from Martha Stewart Weddings, photo by Leigh MillerRow 4: seersucker suit photo by Liz Banfield, horse photo by Punam Bean, bluegrass musicians photo by Jose Villa, horseshoe invitation by Greenwich Letterpress  from decktheholidays.blogspot
Stay tuned this week. More to come on our 2012 British theme week. Part II of the Royal Jubilee and more. Cheerio!
Let me just precursor this trend report with these two statements:
ALWAYS ask yourself if you LOVE it and if it MEANS something to you.
Trends come and go but what triggers your HEART and PASSION will be with you forever.
Now, onto the 2012 predictions for all things celebratory: anniversaries, birthdays, engagements, weddings and more.
 from elizabethannedesign.com  from zentique In Canada, mismatched wooden chairs, harvest tables, upholstered settees and chairs, milk glass, silver and frames will hold the spot light for vintage fetes.
There will be an increased demand for strings of globes lights at outdoor parties. Pretty chandeliers, dripping with crystals, will draw attention to head tables and special seating areas.
 from vi.sualize.us Rustic vintage will brighten up this season with splashes of trendy colours such as tangerine tango, cabaret (think, fuschia) and sodalite blue, in line with Pantone’s Spring 2012 colours. Yellow (solar power) and charcoal (driftwood) are still hot too. In my opinion they are just a bit darker, not so cheery or silvery.
 from thebridescafe.com Lace and a more Grace Kelly-esk approach to vintage will grow throughout the season and will hold ground throughout 2013. A finer approach to vintage is trending in Europe and to the south of us as people aspire for the Kate & Will’s look of what old is new but in a very clean and crisp manner.
Lace doilies are filling in where burlap left off. Whether it is bunting, table runners, lighting or guest gifts; lace is everywhere. Those not wanting to give up on burlap will find it combined with lace, buttons and sheet music or printed pages.
Vintage linens and/or patterns will be ever present too. Mismatched napkins for a casual party and crisp white linens for a more formal event (and when I say ‘linen’, I mean ‘linen’).
 Harvest Tables are a must. Vineyard theme continues to be trendy. Coloured bottles are taking over from canning jars or at the very least being added to the mix.
 from intimateweddings.com Ever present props such as luggage, keys, typewriters, canning jars, burlap, bird cages and crates will continue to hold a prominent place at Canadian weddings this year. That being said, these types of props are starting to give way and will only be used by party hosts if the items have true meaning to them.
For a recap (in no particular order):
1. Coloured bottles, milk glass and silver (mercury glass too) containers
2. Lace, burlap, buttons, sheet music and printed pages from books
3. Harvest tables and mismatched chairs a la vineyards
4. Crisp white linens, handkerchiefs
5. Settees and chairs
6. Chalkboards (so handy) and frames
7. Globe lights and crystal dripping chandeliers
8. Spring Pantone 2012 colours
 Isn't this little gal adorable? I have a few things to share with you today. I know you are busy running to school concerts, office parties, grocery shopping, stopping in at the butcher shop & bakery, wrapping gifts... (Oh wait a minute, that is my to-do list. Although I imagine yours is similar). Well, lets take a break. Yes grab a hot chocolate and settle in. First off, there are a few photos starting to roll in from the styled family Christmas shoots. Today's pictures are from Stacey at VdK Photography. I'm sure there are some very happy grand-parents and parents who will be receiving these pictures for Christmas. Thanks to Stacey and the families for letting me share them. Up next is a short one-day contest. TODAY. I just received two tickets for The Wedding Show in January (thank you Catherine). I will be giving them away via the HVR Facebook page. Any new 'likes' from today will be entered into a random draw for two tickets to the show. Only enter if you can attend the Show sometime between January 13th - 15th at The Carlu in Toronto. If by chance you don't win the tickets, pop over here and purchase them. A couple of weeks ago I posted some photos on the HVR Facebook page of some Christmas decor in our home. One of the photos of pink glass ornaments struck the heart strings of a HVR fan.  Pretty Pink from Woolworths For whatever reason, I decided to pack up a dozen and mail them to Juanita in Saskatchewan. I was thrilled to hear they arrived intact and surprised to find out she blogged about it. Pop over to Little Juan on the Prairie and give it a read. (I cried when I read it. I get sappy about these kinds of things) I think we both found the true meaning of Christmas and I'm thankful these wee pink ornaments brought us together. The part that Juanita doesn't know, is that I too remember the windows at our local Woolworths store. My Grandmother use to work at the local Woolworths restaurant counter. I spent a lot of time with my Grandfather when I was a little girl (he truly was my hero). One of my favourite memories is Grandpa and I dropping in to visit Grandma while she worked. We would sit on those awesome, now vintage stools and drink hot chocolate, of course served by my Grandma. Sometimes I would get a milkshake. The one thing I know for sure is that I drove my Grandpa crazy with all my spinning on those stools but he never said a word. My Grandpa died when I was 8 but I am still able to cherish this memory with my 90-something Grandma today. In any case, who would have figured that two women from different parts of Canada would be drawn together by their memories of Woolworths? Good things happen during this most wonderful time of the year. It isn't just the celebration of Christmas that makes this time of year special. In particular this year, as tonight Hanukkah begins. We celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah in our home too. To all those celebrating the Festival of Lights, I wish you a Happy Hanukkah.  Our son lighting the menorah in 2010.
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