30.7.13

VINTAGE TEA CUP PLANTERS

                    Photo by Emma Connolly.

Hello everyone I just wanted to share this cute pic with you.
I picked up a set of 6 cups & saucers today from 
A charity shop and thought what pretty little planters
They would make for the masses of self set violas I
Have in my garden at the moment.

They look great and would also make a pretty gift
For a friend, simply finish with a small luggage gift tag
Tied to the handle with some lace.

Emma x
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24.7.13

THE VINTAGE DRESSER

Hello everyone, the sun is still shining and my daughters are breaking up from school today so I'm soon to have a rather messy home for the next six weeks!
Before this happens I just wanted to share some pics with you of the gorgeous display of peonys on my vintage dresser. I'm mad on them and are really making the most of it as the buying season is just about over :( these have been the best by far and cost just £5.00 from Waitrose.
I just love the huge pompom heads!


If you like my humble little blog then please subscribe so you never miss a post.

Emma x

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23.7.13

HITCHIN LAVENDER FIELDS

A real treat for the family... A trip to Hitchin lavender fields is always a must for this time of year.
I've spent many a happy moment watching my girls running through the fields and collecting armfuls of gorgeous fragrant lavender.

    My eldest daughter running through the field.

Admission to the +Hitchenlavender is just £4.00 per person with free admission to children under 14.
You are then given a bag and a pair of scissors to snip away till your hearts content.
There is also a beautiful old barn that has been converted into a tea room and I can recommend the cream tea!
Also available for weddings and I really couldn't think of a lovelier venue... You could be mistaken for thinking your in the French countryside. www.hitchinlavender.co.uk


Returning home with bundles of beautiful lavender I decided to make a summer time wreath for my newly painted front door.

To make one you will need: a large bunch of lavender in bud.
                                           Gardeners wire.
                                            Wire cutters & scissors
                                            Ribbon for tying.
                                            Glass of wine optional....

It's so simple start with small handfuls of about 5 sprigs and wrap around the wire, keep adding in the same quantity a little further up each time and continue wrapping around the wire until it is long enough to start bending into your shape, you could have a hoop, I've gone for a heart.
Fill in the gaps with extra lavender trimming off any stems as you go.
Leave to dry out for a few days, this will make it firm and should then hang nicely.
Finally add some ribbon and hang on a door.


Emma x







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20.7.13

VINTAGE TEA PARTY

VINTAGE BRIDAL SHOWER TEA PARTY
A vintage tea party by Chintz 'n' China

Photo by Emma Connolly

The sun had its hat on and the garden at The Haven looked beautiful
If I do say so myself.
One lucky bride was in for a real surprise... Organised by her sister
And kept quiet by all our bride Lucie couldn't of been happier with her
Lovely vintage tea party.

Photo by Emma Connolly

At the top of the garden beautiful antique china set the scene
All laid out on a lovely chintzy table cloth.
Miss-matched Lloyd loom chairs and gorgeous vintage linens
To settle down to enjoy an afternoon tea.

Photo by Emma Connolly

A tranquil setting amongst the cottage flowers, shaded by an ivory linen gazebo trimmed with
Old bunting. On the menu were non alcoholic pimms, a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones
With clotted cream and jam, petit fours and a choice of tea.

Photo by Emma Connolly
Happy bride to be with her mum, sister and best friend. A lovely idea for a girly get together.

Photo by Emma Connolly

An afternoon of crafting in the garden. Fun to be had on the sewing machines with a lesson
In bunting by Sarah. Other classes include flower arranging by Christine our local florist and
Cup cake decorating by our very talented Lisa of Lisa's iced gems www.lisasicedgems.co.uk
And an intro into vintage home and garden styling by myself.

Photo by Emma Connolly

Look what we made.... A fun afternoon had by all!



"I just wanted to say thank you so much for such a lovely afternoon, I think I can speak for everyone
When I say how perfect it was. And from a business point of view all your little touches made the day
E.g tiny paper straws, non-alcoholic pimms and rose petals in the wash basin! We all had a very relaxed but fun afternoon, and I'm sure the bunting will remind us of the hen do whenever we put it up
All the best.
Genevieve"
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19.7.13

BARNSDALE GARDENS


                                    
                                       Photo by Emma Connolly of The Vintage Good life.

It was a real birthday treat yesterday to be taken to the old home of gardeners world that used to be hosted by Geoff Hamilton. We got lost in the most gorgeous cottage gardens! I can tell you I may not even bother with Chelsea next year! 



                                     
                                Geoff Hamilton rose by David Austin. Photo by Emma Connolly.

It really is no secret that above all flower the rose is my absolute favourite! And everywhere you looked featured this rose pictured above named after Geoff Hamilton.
We came away truly relaxed and very inspired. I particularly loved the vintage tea room serving afternoon tea on vintage china. 


                                     
                                            Trailing geranium. Photo by Emma Connolly.

Everywhere you looked crept beauty and even with this hot summer sun their raised allotment beds looked fabulous and healthy, not a nibble from a slug or caterpillar in site although I was a little shocked to see a rather large grass snake sneaking past my feet! I never knew they got so big..



                                     
                                           A tranquil space with the heady scent of roses. 
                                                          Photo by Emma Connolly.

Barnsdale garden also run some lovely courses, there are the obvious garden ones.. Looking after roses, putting a garden to bed, planting etc but I think I will register on the painting roses watercolour class and the photography in the garden... Ahh bliss!

          Emma x
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17.7.13

VINTAGE PICNIC

 
We do love a good picnic in our family!
Weather its the whole family getting together for a feast and then a game of rounders,
or just hubby & I sneaking off for a romantic lakeside picnic I always get out our
beautiful old hamper and fill it with scrummy food lovingly prepared by Mr C,
and some beautiful vintage china.
 
 
Packing our picnic the other day got me thinking that you can't really buy hampers this pretty!
So I had a small moment and as I run Chintz 'n' China, a vintage china hire company
I always have lots of extra china.....
actually I have a china obsession... I can't hide it! It's everywhere!
I thought I would make up bespoke vintage hampers for gifts.
 
 
I am currently setting up The Vintage Hamper company
where I will be soon selling my beautiful hampers from £70.00
Please also contact me should you wish to choose colours or items to make up your own bespoke hamper.
 
 
Choose from traditional wicker hampers or (my favourite) wicker baskets.
Keep watching this space as I introduce my stock from lovely hampers to handmade and vintage picnic blankets and picnic games.
New website under construction.
 
 
I would love to hear all about your picnic days and where your ideal spot for a vintage picnic is.
 
Emma x
 
 
 
 

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8.7.13

VINTAGE AFTERNOON TEA


I've been very busy getting my garden ready for an afternoon tea party this weekend. I really hope the sun keeps smiling!
The roses are looking lovely and I'm praying we don't get a hose pipe ban!!
I've been thinking of the perfect afternoon tea with scrummy sandwiches and luscious scones with clotted cream & home made jam all washed down with pimms out of tea cups.
I will be serving delights on my beautiful cake stands that got hired out last year to the London Olympics.
Pretty vintage plates and antique bud vases will set a lovely table.
Hang bunting in trees and around the garden and gather miss-matched chairs around your table.
Now invite your girls and add plenty of laughter!
 
To hire vintage china for events from 10 to 80 people
or to book a tea party up to 5 people
Please contact Emma at
 
Please take a look at my vintage china website
 
Emma x
 
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4.7.13

VINTAGE SHOPPING BY THE SEA.


 
Lyme Regis
 
Move over Brighton... theres a new (well, old) place for vintage!
 
I havent been to Lyme Regis since I was a child, so when Mr C and I ventured to Dorset last weekend
in search of our perfect move I just had to return to this place of my childhood.
Better known for its fossil finding on the beach this lovely little town is not only picture perfik it just may now be my favourite place to shop for vintage ever!
 
 A true vintage shoppers paradise! Every other shop holds a beautifull story of days gone by!
Honestly, I lost count!
 
The beauty of a vintage shopping holiday to Lyme Regis...
Well, one.. it's so lovely
Two, there are some lovely places to eat looking out to the sea.
Three, the locals here are some of the friendliest I've ever come accross!
Four, theres vintage shops aplenty + they are not overpriced (like you would find from other sea side towns... I mention no names).
 
Best for... Everything... from kitchen ware to gorgeous china and beautifull industrial pieces to pretty dresses it has something for everyone!
 
What are you waiting for? theres a B&B with your name on it...
 
Emma x
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