Well, even though my blog page tells me that I only have one follower, I just know that is not the case because people tell me they have read it, looked at the pictures etc. So I will continue to hang on in there and add a new post every now and then...
Actually it is really late (11pm) and I am filling in time while waiting for my latest e-bay purchase time to finish, so I can race for the last bid on yet another entirely unnecessary item!!
Ruby (incase you're interested!!) escaped into the field and who knows what she got up to, so had to have the 'just-in-case-termination-jabs' so sadly no pups this time.
Now for some marquee related info... I met a friend in the field this week and he said "how's the business going? What is it you call yourself, disheveled chaos??" I did laugh and had to correct him and explain that "shabby chic" is the more commonly used term!! Although I do think the definition of disheveled "hanging loosely in disorder" is totally apt for me most of the time!!
Ha, ha, I have just read suggested labels for this post..'scooters, holidays, autumn' mmm, not sure which one of those is most apt!!
So.. to business.. today I attended a hand tied boquet course, so with a few hundred hours practice I will be able to offer that as another service next year... actually it is an amazingly skillful process and I now really appreciate the time and costs involved.
I am looking to buy a bell tent to add to my collection for next year, and have now committed (at vast expense) to buying an extra section for the Big Top, so it will seat up to 80.
Well, that's all for now folks, didn't win on e-bay this time, sniped at the last moment..and I really, really wanted that whateveritwas???!!

Well, it has been a while ..so now for an update on life in 'vintage marquee world' haha.
I seem to have been hiring out lots of chairs recently! No one else has the rustic garden chairs and they seem to be popular, especially for weddings. I am actually looking to buy more, particularly old folding church hall chairs, so if anyone hears of any, PLEASE get in touch.

I have one more hiring for the Big Top this year, for a wedding at The White Horse in Biddestone. I hope to work with lots more local pubs and small hotels next year, perfect venues for weddings with a lovely relaxed feel.

Now that the garden party season is over, I am busy booking stalls at christmas fairs etc to sell my shabby chic homewares (and promote the marquees at the same time). I hope to have a link to my website with an on-line shop ...eventually!

Till next time..my dilemma of the moment, do I let Ruby my mad cockerpoo have puppies!!?

I have just made six table cloths and four hanging panels for Jo and Mike's party next month. Bunting is soon to follow!
This is a fab modern take on my rather traditional vintage style fabrics.
I am always looking to add another dimension to the decorative ideas that I can offer, so thank you Jo for this inspiring new look.

A lovely picture of Adam, Lucy and Emma enjoying fine dining(!!!?) 'supper in a tent'

We had a party in the garden at the weekend.
36 seated in the vintage marquee.
Very thrilled with bare trestle tables!
This is a look no one else has used yet, everyone
prefering to use cloths, but perrsonally I love the rustic look. Very practical too, with no table cloths to wash ( just 36 napkins instead!)

Cakes for Gill's birthday. The big one on the top was locally made by a brilliant baker who makes fantastic and delicate sugar-craft flowers. Not a great aerial shot, but they did all look very pretty, with all the fairy cakes decorated with flowers too.

Here we were at the Beaufort Polo event near Westonbirt. We were selling shabby chic homewares and we also had our little coffee shop selling home made cakes etc.

pictures!

Oh yes!!! wehey!! At last I have managed to upload a picture onto this blogger thingamy!

This is the new, old 'baby' tent, the perfect addition to a garden party that needs a childrens corner! This tent, like the others, is about 50 years old, cream canvas with brass sleeved poles, very, very sweet!

June summary

Well, it's almost July and June has been FRANTIC!
I would like to post some pictures on this blog, but so far have only worked out how to post existing ones..I will keep trying!
Lots of great parties this month. The Big Top has been in hot demand. I may try to purchase an extra roof section so we will be able to seat up to 80 (very ambitious!) My erection team have been brilliant. Big thanks to John, David and Caspar in particular. A very physical job this one!
The best bits for me are making everything look beautiful. Lots of flower arranging, garland draping and bunting hanging! Alchemilla is a fabulous filler with all the lovely garden roses, lavender etc, exactly does the job of gypsophelia in the winter; pretty and frothy and enhances any arrangement.
Mustn't waffle on though, 'my boys' and I have just had a hasty pub supperr after yet another evening of tent activity! On to the next one....

Well, life is very busy on the Vintage Marquee front! We have just been exhibiting at the Beaufort Polo event near Westonbirt. A frantic weekend selling 'shabby chic' homewares, selling delicious home made cakes and tea and coffee, and of course promoting the beautiful old marquees. Lots of interest ( the tent did look beautiful, I have to admit!) and lots of jolly pictures taken with morris dancers jigging about infront of the marquee! Will post those when I learn how!!

June news

well, I still haven't quite got the hang of this blog malarky, and forget to add to it!
But very exciting news (if you are keen on tents!!!) I have just bought 3 more!!
All very small and very pretty. A 12' x 12', central pole and removable sides, great for a band tent, or drinks serving. Also a 16' x 16' traditional. A great catering tent. Then the baby!! A 50yr old cream canvas tent, perfect for the children's area if you are hiring a larger tent for a party.
Will try to do a photo shoot when the sun shines, then you will see a few pics.

Hi to anyone who may chance to read this!! Probably only me next time I look! Just to say there have been some exciting new additions to 'vintage marquees' stock this week, ie some original old wooden trestle tables. So after much sanding and filling etc they are now ready for rent WOO!

I have also bought some old (antique actually!) wooden folding benches which need serious work on them before they will be ready for hire.

Also hoping to add to my tent collection...watch this space!!

Vintage Marquees goes online!!

Our website has now gone live. See www.vintagemarquees.co.uk
for shabby-chic inspiration.