Something New for Vintage Christmas

Earlier this year, I went with my friend, Nona, to an event in Napa that paired wineries with emerging musical artists for a weekend tour that  brought people together in a really cool way. I liked the approach so much I decided to try something similar in my own little neighborhood.

I created a Vintage Holiday Shopping event with three local vintage/gift shops- Dream, Willa Home, and Apt 46, and Sophia Cunningham, a designer who offers Holiday decorating, landscape, and interior design services. The event became a Passport to Vintage and really was a fun trip!

[caption id="attachment_3567" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Passports provided a map to the stores, a pocket for our business cards, and notepaper for passengers to keep their purchases and ideas organized. The booklets were designed and created by Brown Pigeon at http://www.etsy.com/shop/brownpigeon"][/caption]

We all brought our clients and customers together and invited them to my home to see how I decorate with vintage finds...

...Sophia added her Holiday touch with vintage and vintage inspired pieces curated from both our personal collections and goods from the stores...

and with passports in hand, 'passengers' headed out on a tour of the boutiques for refreshments and exclusive Holiday specials.

[caption id="attachment_3583" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Megan Lewis, creator of Brown Pigeon also provided custom stamps that we used at every stop. Stamping the guests 'passports' qualified them for prizes and gave us an opportunity to meet and greet everyone. That was my favorite part of the day. Megan Lewis is a San Francisco artist. Meeting with her in person and adding her passion to this event was a great bonus!"][/caption]

Then we headed out on a 3 hour tour of shopping, snacking, and visiting with everyone...

[caption id="attachment_3571" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="That's Sophia Cunningham to my right. On the other side is my best friend, Krista, and Willa Home owner, AnneMarie Hogan. She's a superstar business woman with big vision for her amazing boutique."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3572" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Next stop was to Apt 46 with owner, Melisa Bleasdale, who's shop is always overflowing with beautiful and delicate things"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3573" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Our final stop was at Dream, where owner Stacy Rhodes turns her gorgeous store into a vintage Holiday wonderland every year."][/caption]

There were so many highlights; my Dad came! so did some good friends, and hanging out with these talented, smart women over the weeks as we organized everything was just really fun and cool.

[caption id="attachment_3568" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Teaming up complementary businesses is a great way to expand business and create a sense of community for everyone vendors and customers alike. Why work against each other when it's so much more fun to work together?"][/caption]

We all brought our distinct touches to the same passion- bringing new life to beautiful old things. What a great day! I'm thinking about doing it again in the Spring, so stay tuned...