Hobnob Occasions Blog - Farm Tables and Decor Rental Raleigh

It’s All In the Details Part 3–The Bar

JohnnaJuly 22, 2015InspirationLeave a Comment

The Bar
Photo Credit – Libby McGowan Photography

Travis is a craft beer lover, so we knew that creating an incredible bar area was going to need to be a top priority. We found the perfect spot for it, next to the barn. There was a great overhang on the building, but nothing else in the space; so we were able to start from scratch. Using some reclaimed wood flooring, we built the face of the bar, but knew we wanted the bar top to have a more finished look. Some leftover ipe (pronounced ee-pay) decking gave us just the look we wanted. Ipe, sometimes called Brazilian walnut, is one of the densest hardwoods available, three times harder than cedar. Fitting the pieces together, we were able to create a smooth, durable, finished top to the bar.

Photo credit – Libby McGowan Photography

An old, rusty cot frame and some market lights came together for a unique “chandelier” in the bar area. Stringing additional lights across the ceiling, provided the exact lighting we needed.

The Chandelier over the Bar Sign
Photo credit – Libby McGowan Photography

The Bar sign gave all of the information about what was offered, as well as some clever quips to entertain.

Using some of the western red cedar left from our farm tables, we built a jockey box cover for beer on tap. (The jockey box cover is now available for rent.) The jockey box houses 4 taps.

Jockey Box
Photo credit – Libby McGowan Photography

Photo credit – Libby McGowan Photography

Every detail came together to provide a welcoming and festive atmosphere for the guests.

It’s All In The Details Part 2—The Bride’s Room

JohnnaJuly 21, 2015InspirationLeave a Comment

Photo Credit-Libby McGowan Photography

A frequently overlooked detail in weddings is the Bride’s Room. What is often forgotten is how many photos are taken of the bride and her bridesmaids as they hang out and get ready for the day. Just taking a little extra time and energy to create a really beautiful environment can make such a difference for documenting this special day.

Kelsey and her bridesmaids
Photo credit-Libby McGowan Photography

Kelsey and Travis’s venue was the home and property of some family friends. We were fortunate enough to have the master suite as our canvas (as well as some very gracious home owners). Removing and rearranging furniture was step one. Bringing in some beautiful and functional pieces for the day was step two. Having the fabulous creative team of Adrianne and Cheri add their magic made everything come together for the perfect Bride’s Room.

Something as simple as covered dining room chairs add a special touch to the seating areas.

Photo credit-Libby McGowan Photography

Candles and chocolates--always a special touch.

Candles, flowers and chocolates–always a special touch.

Hobnob has some unique pieces for rental that Kelsey was able to use.

One of those is the antique vanity. It provides a beautiful backdrop for photos of the bride.

Photo credit-Libby McGowan Photography

Wherever girls are getting ready, an abundance of mirrors is always necessary. So, we brought in a few extras and made use of all that were available in the home.

Simply adding flowers makes an ordinary space special.

Photo credit-Libby McGowan Photography

Every little detail helped to create the perfect space for making memories of a lifetime.

It’s not just about the ceremony and the reception. The festivities begin when the day begins, so it’s important to think through every part of the day and sprinkle details and special touches throughout.

It’s All In The Details

JohnnaJuly 20, 2015InspirationLeave a Comment

Kelsey and Travis at First Look
photo credit–Libby Mcgowan Photography

We’ve all heard this, maybe even sometimes believed it. It’s all in the details. But, Hobnob got to put this principle into practice recently at Kelsey and Travis’s wedding. The day was beautiful, the location was beautiful, the bride, of course, was beautiful. But what put this wedding over the top were the details—little surprises that demonstrated a well thought out plan for the most perfect of days.

Kelsey is an old soul. She loves things of the past; so vintage was the underlying theme. Travis loves natural elements. He also leans toward a more industrial edge. “Marrying” the two styles, was our goal. Threads of both can be found throughout.

Rather than write the longest blogpost ever and cover everything at once, we’ll break things down into categories and spend time unpacking each section of the joyous event.
Today’s post is all about lavender.

Mezza Luna Lavender
photo credit–Libby Mcgowan Photography

We are fortunate to have Mezza Luna Lavender Farm very close by.
An interesting fact about lavender is that it has a very short blooming season–around 2 weeks of the year. Kelsey loves lavender and her wedding just happened to fall within that two week window. Most brides using lavender opt for dried lavender bouquets that can be used year-round. But Kelsey wanted fresh lavender, which meant that it needed to be cut the morning of the wedding.

Each bridesmaid carried a bundle of lavender, embellished with a vintage brooch.

Bridesmaid bouquets
photo credit–Libby Mcgowan Photography

photo credit–Libby McGowan Photography

Lavender sprigs were added to Kelsey’s bouquet of succulents.

The groomsmen wore a small boutonnière of lavender and dusty miller.

Lavender boutonnieres for the groomsmen
photo credit–Libby McGowan Photography

Mezza Luna Lavender Farm grows several different varieties of lavender. One of those is culinary lavender. We made a simple syrup with the lavender and added it to lemonade for a delicious lavender lemonade. That, along with the popcorn bar, gave the guests a little something to enjoy while waiting for the reception to begin.

Popcorn Bar
photo credit–Libby McGowan Photography

Custom napkins for the bar and lavender lemonade area.
photo credit–Libby McGowan Photography

In the Victorian language of flowers, lavender is an ancient symbol of devotion, loyalty and undying love. Tossing lavender as the bride and groom leave the ceremony is a tradition that represents blessings from the guests to the bride and groom for a happy and long-lasting union.

Pouches made from vintage sheet music held lavender to toss.
photo credit–Libby McGowan Photography

Throughout the day, lavender could be found adding fragrance and beauty.

photo credit–Libby McGowan Photography

Small jars of lavender were scattered throughout the environment.
photo credit–Libby McGowan Photography

Lavender added the perfect touch to the simple but elegant wedding cake.
photo credit–Libby McGowan Photography

Doors and Transom window with lavender detail.
photo credit–Libby McGowan Photography

Forever Bridal Show

JohnnaJanuary 18, 2015InspirationLeave a Comment

What a treat for us! This past weekend, Hobnob joined hundreds of wedding experts at North Carolina’s largest and longest running wedding show: Forever Bridal.

We felt like little fish in a big sea. Who knew that there were so many talented florists, photographers, caterers and bridal experts right here in the Triangle area.

But, for farm table seating–enough for at least 200 guest, Hobnob stood alone. We definitely have something to offer that no other rental company has–beautiful, identical, locally made tables and benches.

We had so much fun talking to brides and hearing all about their plans for the big day. We absolutely loved helping them see how our farm tables, benches and china could fit perfectly into their plan.

In addition to our booth, we set up a table in the Style Gallery. We used chairs around the table set with mismatched vintage china. The beautiful flowers on the table were provided by our friends at MEWS Designs.

We are excited about the weddings and brides we get to serve this year!

We’ll keep you posted with all the latest in wedding trends in 2015.

Photo credits–Travis Hinton, Two Suits Films

Not Just Your Grandma’s Country Farm Tables

JohnnaNovember 20, 2014InspirationLeave a Comment

When you hear the words farm tables, it may evoke a certain image in your mind. One of burlap, lace and cowboy boots. All those things come together to create a beautiful occasion, there’s no doubt about that. But this type of event isn’t the only place you’ll find our farm tables. Farm tables can be really versatile and fit a wide range of needs.

We recently had the opportunity to participate in an event at NC State University. It was the Celebration of Philanthropy, where many of the friends of NC State were honored for their generosity. It was a lovely evening and we were honored to be a part of it. NC State University has deep, rich roots in agriculture, but is at the same time a university on the cutting edge of science and technology. Ellen, the event coordinator for the Chancellor’s Office had a vision of marrying the two. The Hobnob Farm Tables were dressed beautifully and simply with red table runners and sleek, contemporary flower arrangements. The result was stunning.

These aren’t just your grandma’s country farm tables.

A Love Letter to Life Around the Table

adminOctober 25, 2014InspirationLeave a Comment

A couple of years ago, I read a book that changed the way I think. It changed my life actually. The book, Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table, was written by Shauna Niequist. She put into words what had been simmering around in my heart for years. She talked about the sacredness of gathering your people around the table and sharing a meal together. I get that. There is nothing that stirs my heart like the connectedness I feel when my family and friends come together over a simple supper and share the details of our lives. I love cooking, I love eating and I love the people in my life. There is no greater way that I show my love for them than by feeding them. And feeding them feeds my soul.

—Kris Stoner