We recently had the great honor of hosting a fundraiser dinner for a very special person at our Lakeside Venue. The weather was beautiful so we were able to serve appetizers outdoors with a view of the lake, and a family-style dinner was served indoors. We wanted to share some photos from the event, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. 

The tables were set with white damask linens, burgundy floral vintage plates with chargers, gold flatware, crystal candleholders, sparkling glassware, and fresh flowers. 

A salad course was served first, which was organic mixed greens lightly dressed with a champagne vinaigrette and served with warm rolls.

The pie table tempted everyone and encouraged guests to save room for dessert! We offered homemade strawberry rhubarb pie, cherry pie (made from cherries grown in Cadie's backyard!), as well as a gluten-free blueberry cobbler. Freshly whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream were offered on the side. 

Here is the dining room all ready for guests to come inside after enjoying their appetizers.

We absolutely love hosting these gatherings at our Fort Collins venue. The intimate setting is perfect for dinners, tea parties, showers, and luncheons. If you would like us to help make your next event stunning, reach out to us today and let's plan the perfect celebration! 

In time, I began to see a pattern develop. Most of my cherished pieces came from England, although I had never traveled there. I felt a deep connection to the country, as a teacher of literature at the high school level, I had studied the works of great writers and poets from all over England, but I only dreamed of what it was truly like. ​
​When my vocation started to blend with my passion for entertaining, baking, decorating, and antiquing, I started to dream of what I could do with my passion. I'll jump ahead to where we are today and leave that tale for another time. For today, I want to tell you about a recent trip that Cadie and I made....both of us...the Pine Hollow Vintage girls!

The art of tea most certainly is at the center of English daily life. So, doing it 'right' was quite important. The many books and magazines I have read about the serving of tea can only do so much. One must experience it firsthand, and so we did!
​In September of 2016, we flew into London/Gatwick Airport. It was a gorgeous Autumn day! We had many places to visit and a rather brief stay, so we gathered our belongings and off we went to a charming bed and breakfast set amid acres of sheep, cows, kittens on rooftops, and green rolling hills as far as we could see. The owner was a wool gatherer, who made sturdy warm blankets from the finest wool throughout England. We were told that Kate Middleton herself purchased a blanket! And, so when we finally got our weary bodies into bed that first night, those blankets were wonderful company indeed! 

The next morning, we were served a scrumptious breakfast...fruits, eggs, everything beautifully presented, and of course, tea! We chatted with the owner for quite awhile, listening to her stories, learning about the area, and anticipating the day ahead. We walked in the fields with the sheep, breathed in the morning air, and tossed dog toys for the playful pups on the farm.  ​

This was to be the beginning of so many amazing experiences in England...from the most delightful time ever at Stourhead, having a picnic with some friends, old and new and a favorite artist and author of ours, Susan Branch. Susan has inspired us to find joy in homemaking, to find peace in a cozy spot near a warm hearth, and to bring joy to others by making events so very special with delicious food, beautiful spaces, and pretty china. We'll be doing future posts about Susan and our wonderful experiences with her over the years...she certainly nudged us toward England in more ways than one!

We wanted to see every single factory, but we chose the factory tour of Emma Bridgewater and it did not disappoint! From the making of the molds and the sponges that stamp on the designs to the women painting the mugs and plates and the men shaping bowls and cake plates, we were in dish dazzling delight! After the tour, we had afternoon tea right there in the lovely shop, with pottery pieces from her collection as our serving pieces...all mismatched, colorful, and adorable, just as we like it! Scones, pots of tea, and soups satisfied our tummies as we were wide-eyed like children at Christmas....yes, it's our passion!  ​

England is so unique and special, but you must venture into the small villages, take walks on paths where sheep tread, and listen to the history all around. See the bunting that is strung across the village roads; imagine the great writers who were inspired by the landscape, have fish and chips in the many small shops that offer it. Savor it all.... ​

London will be there for another trip, but the countryside and its charm captured our hearts. Chatsworth House amazed us with its incredible gardens, grand staircases, baroque furniture and tapestries, history, and grandeur. But our most cherished moments came from walking through the smallest of towns, scavenging antique shops, and sitting down for tea. England served us well and we can't wait to return!