Darby & Joan Vintage

In February we featured a company here who provide organisation, styling and vintage crockery for events in Sussex, Surrey and Kent, now for those of you looking for gorgeous china & crockery of times gone in Derbyshire we're delighted to welcome Darby & Joan Vintage.

Darby& Joan Ltd is a Derbyshire company passionate about the enduring beauty of china & crockery from years gone by. We love that vintage pieces have a story to tell & can add a little personal magic to any setting or event. Everyone loves to be individual & to create a wedding or party that is a little bit different.  If you love the idea of a vintage themed event then maybe we can help. Modern vintage means classic, elegant & timeless style. Those thoughtful touches will add a touch of glamour & bring a talking point to any table, room or garden party.

If you don’t want to embrace the whole vintage theme then why not have a more traditional day with elements picked out which are undeniably vintage? Darby & Joan can work with you to help you achieve the style you are looking for. We have collected a stunning selection of English vintage china, glassware, table linens & vintage props & accessories for any kind of event where a touch of vintage glamour is required.  We have styled and co-ordinated photo-shoots and have worked with retailers on their visual merchandising.

We also offer a bespoke Afternoon Tea menu and service. You don't have to be having afternoon tea at Claridges to add a touch of refined elegance to your special event.  There is something indulgent about having a tea party, especially if you include a glass of something fizzy....

Whether you are planning a vintage themed wedding, a relaxing afternoon with the girls, a summer tea party in the garden, a treat for mother’s day or a baby shower, afternoon tea is a lovely & indulgent way to celebrate your occasion. For you to buy - we source gorgeous vintage pieces to create bespoke items, unique cake stands, hand-poured natural wax teacup candles & candles poured into delicate glasses. The perfect gift or a stunning addition to your wedding tables. 

What's not to love!  

As well as visiting their website  you can connect with them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter

Horses for Courses

The week before last I had the pleasure of spending time individually with both of my sons. On Thursday I was getting to know the pony my youngest son has a half share in, a not so young grey gelding by the name of Rupert. We happily got grubby grooming him, and as I used to teach riding I ended up giving Toby an impromptu lesson. This coming Friday has his first dressage test and I'm looking forward to spending a few hours with him at the stables beforehand helping him to get rid of the inevitable grass stains on Rupert's legs!

On Friday I spent the morning with my eldest son with a different kind of horse! Charlie passed his driving test at the end of December last year and afterwards attended a county council subsidised skid pan course. Part of the incentive to do this course, which after the icy roads this winter is a brilliant idea, was to have a drive in a Ferrari around the circuit at Goodwood. After registering and signing all the relevant paperwork we were led out to the car he would be driving, and I watched my 17 year old drive off in a hugely powerful left hand drive car! I managed to completely muck up the video function on my mobile phone so unfortunately I don't have that to show for our morning out, although we did get some good photos.

What's this got to do with weddings? Well both activities got me thinking about hen and stag do's. Some do's are held over a weekend, quite often abroad, why not do something different in this country instead? If clubbing and drinking to excess is really not your thing then do something different and memorable! Find an activity that everyone in your group of hens or stags will enjoy (or at least will agree to have a go at!) and get booking!