Thursday, February 23, 2012

Babies on the Brain!

In searching for vintage pieces, I ended up with a great "baby item" collection.  I'm just waiting for a baby shower to use all this stuff!

 



I just couldn't resist this little guy!























A vintage doll blankie makes a great tablecloth, while old baby bottles double as vases.










  
These little zoo babies started my obsession with baby items. 
Next time you're planning a baby shower, head to your local antique shop and let your imagination run wild!  Vintage decorations are economical because they're reusable -- they've already stood the test of time. 

Who's ready for a baby shower?!

- Julie
The Odd Willow | Unique Rentals in Saint Paul

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Unique Rings for Unique Brides

I have been loving the new trend of brides going for non-traditional wedding rings.  Not every bride loves the silver band with a diamond.   

This one from Sundance Catalog is so sweet.  I haven't seen anything else like it. 





Loving the "checkerboard cut" on this ring from bhldn 






Something very simple can make a huge statement.  This simple gold band is from Sundance Bridal.






I'm thinking I might need to have an "alternate" ring for those days that I'm feeling a little different. 



- Kristy


The Odd Willow | Vintage Rentals in Saint Paul

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

We're hearing it everywhere.  Reduce.  Reuse.  Recycle.





Revisit the past and go green at your event by using vintage bottles and jars to display flowers. 






Bottles are easy on the budget too -- the small openings require fewer flowers. 



Leave a few bottles empty.  Vintage bottles are beautiful statements unadorned. 
  

- Julie and Kristy

The Odd Willow | Vintage Rentals in Saint Paul

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Guest Book Envy


I fell in love a few weeks ago with this guestbook on BHLDN.



















I was at a wedding over the weekend and they had this guestbook in gray!  Stunning.  Their colors were a gray-ish purple and white, and this guestbook went so well with everything.  I was so excited when I saw it I think I let out a squeal.  Luckily, we were among the first people there, so I don't think anyone heard!











I thought about buying this book just because I love it so much.  They also have a photo album available in this style.  The photo album is a little more spendy, but after seeing the guestbook in person, I think it's worth it!

If you're planning your wedding and haven't done so yet, you really must check out BHLDN!  It's owned by Anthropologie, and has everything from shoes to centerpieces.  


  

- Kristy

The Odd Willow | St. Paul Event Rental

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

A Few New Inventory Photos

We had our camera out recently and took a few photos of some recent finds and some floral ideas.





- Julie and Kristy

The Odd Willow | Twin Cities Event Rentals

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

No More Table Skirts!

When planning my wedding, I wasn't feeling table skirts.  Although they serve a purpose, table skirts are just too traditional for my taste.  Don't let anyone tell you you have to use them -- you don't!

We tossed around a few ideas to replace the traditional table skirt, and finally settled on garland created with muslin and fabric.  My mom went to work collecting muted fabrics that fit our our minimal color scheme.  Then she began ripping and tearing!

We wanted to share with you a quick how-to on making muslin and fabric garland:

Start by making a small cut in the fabric to start the strip.


Then quickly rip the fabric.  This will create a somewhat frayed strip.  You can make the strip as wide or narrow as you'd like.


Note -- muslin will naturally rip along the nap forming a straight edge.  If you begin and the fabric isn't naturally ripping in a straight line, try ripping the fabric from the adjacent side. 

A combination of muslin and muted fabrics were used to create the garland pictured below.  Pinning the garland to a standard banquet tablecloth did the trick.  We used this garland on the head, buffet, and dessert tables in place of table skirts.  We think this casual garland fit the overall comfortable feel of the wedding. 


Crystal buttons added just the right amount of sparkle to our garland.  


Contact us if you're interested in purchasing or renting our muslin and fabric garland.

- Kristy


The Odd Willow | Unique Minneapolis Event Ideas

Thursday, September 29, 2011

An Old Twist on Shopping at Home!

Not finding what you're looking for at your local antique shop?  Try going online. 


 
 

We currently have our eyes on this adorable little vintage bread cabinet, available at The Petite Market.






Jody, owner of The Petite Market, really has an eye for beautiful old things.  We just love her shop! 

 












Check back early next week for a new post about table skirts, and why you don't have to use them!


- Julie and Kristy

The Odd Willow | Saint Paul Event Rentals