Sell, sell, sell at the Christmas Market

Hello, my wife is working hard making up more arrangements and wreaths so I am deputising for her.  Why is she working hard this evening? Because we had a busy weekend on the Christmas market at Tunbridge Wells and have very little left to sell; as we are due to be at the Pantiles again next weekend, it would seem that she will have to wait a little longer for what will be a well earned rest.

For me it is a chance to re-charge the batteries as I was down at the Pantiles at 8am on Saturday setting everything up and then remained on the stall for much of the day.  It was a cold day, but that didn't put off the customers, who came well wrapped up and ready to embrace the Christmas spirit.

At next week's market we'll be concentrating on festive table arrangements especially for the Christmas table.  They'll be more bulbs in china cups and bowls too; people really liked these and the feedback was positive.  Some more pictures will be up soon so let us know what you think.

That's all from your guest contributor today (though I have enjoyed this so maybe my wife won't get a chance to get back on!) .

Friday Wreath Party

Well it's Friday already, so here is my luxurious wreath for the party over on Modern Country Style

Don't forget, if I can tempt you with a wreath pop by and see us at The Pantiles Christmas Market this weekend.

The weather has won this weekend, the market has been postponed until next weekend as we have had so much snow. Instead we have our very own grotto; who would have thought that this was in Kent, looks more like an alpine scene!

Here is a taster as to what we have been creating for the market. Huge selection of festive wreaths, planted china, as seen before and table arrangements, all accompanied by huge amounts of snow!

That's enough playing for now, still learning all the different functions on the camera.

Winter's here

Well these pics seem a bit late now, seeing as everything is now covered in snow!
We had beautiful frosty mornings which meant I was able to play with our new Christmas present - Yes we are worse than children and couldn't wait to open it and get snapping!

The last of the roses in the garden for this year. Off to photograph bulbs that are ready for a snowy christmas market this weekend.

52 days to go.....

Preparations are under way for the big event!

I am currently drying hydrangeas and also preserving some with glycerin to compare the difference. Does anyone have a preference? I've not tried hydrangeas in glycerin before, so not sure whether they are going to keep their colour?

The Farrow and Ball paint colour has been chosen and terracotta pots are going to be painted for table arrangements.

Cones in various sizes and shapes have been collected and are drying ready to be wired for Christmas wreaths.

The vintage china collection is on going! Photos to come soon...

Our wedding continued...

The tables were all named after flowers, naturally. And hung bunting style from a tree at the entrance to the marquee. All the art work for the invites, tables etc were designed by a very talented friend!

Another couple of pics to follow, as and when the computer allows me to upload!

Pics, as before, all from the wonderful Vicky.

Now where was I .......

Adding more pics of both our wedding and others was put on hold as we headed up north for a couple of weeks. We spent a beautiful week in the stunning surroundings of The Lake District. Plenty of walking, climbing, fresh air and nature is everything I need to refresh and inspire me ready for the manic build up to Christmas! (sorry is it still too early to mention that word??)

Back to focusing on flowers again.
It is coming to the end of the flowering season in the garden but in the polytunnel a new growing season has already started, with plenty of little seedlings coming on nicely, ready for early spring cut flowers.

And now it is time to plan Christmas wreaths, arrangements, market stalls, plant bulbs the list goes on ....

Happy Anniversary to Sally & Sean

Happy anniversary to the two of you, how quickly 2 years have gone!
xx

Photos by Kenny Hickey

It's all in the details...

We had such fun planning all the little details that made our day personal to us!

Of course the flowers were a big focus for me, some of which were even home grown.

I spent ages collecting vintage glass celery vases for the tables, each one was different and grouped with smaller vases of roses, scabious and sweet peas.

And more collecting, this time vintage tea cups and saucers, I became totally obsessed with collecting these, only the prettiest will do!

Images by Victoria Fordham.

Our Wedding!

Wow time has flown! All the planning and creating came together and we had an amazing day.

Photos by our wonderful photographer Victoria Fordham.

Details of the day to follow.

The beautiful bride and groom.

Finally here are the beautiful bride and groom...

Tea is served

Tea was served with the most delicious miniature cakes and scones, hopefully the photographer managed to get some pics, I on the otherhand was too busy eating!

Photos of the beautiful bride to follow...

Buttonholes on the go...

The problem with being the florist at a wedding you are attending is having to juggle wiring flowers, curling tongs and applying makeup all at the same time (somethings gotta give and on this occasion it was the curling tongs!)

I'm sure the staff at our hotel thought I was a total diva who always had to have flowers in my room!

Anyone for afternoon tea...

The bride has a bit of a soft spot for afternoon tea and so naturally this was served at the wedding in vintage china. I therefore continued this theme for the table arrangements.

Vintage tea pots were brimming with roses, tulips, ranunculus and jasmine.

A Chelsea Wedding

I will be bringing a touch of the country to the glamour of Chelsea tomorrow; the bride has chosen a vintage theme so I will be filling china tea pots with arrangements of stunning cream and antique roses, ranunculus, tulips and jasmine.

The arrangements were safely stashed in the back of the car this morning and made their way from the quiet of my country garden to the hustle and bustle of the city, all without suffering a single broken stem...or teapot!

What a weekend!

Finally managed to come up for air after an extremely crazy Mother's Day! 

Now it's time to focus on the garden, preparing for our wedding and hunting for vintage china and glass.

Let the preparations begin...

Valentines already!

Can't believe it is Valentine's already! Hoping that the threatened snow stays away long enough for us to get all our deliveries done, fingers crossed.