Hard to believe it is now over. After many months of
talking, planning, more talking, worrying and every other thought and emotion
you can think of the day of the planned Yankee Candle garden party at my house
finally arrived.
And so did the weather – big time! Probably the heaviest
rain we’ve had since the storms of winter, the heavens opened from late morning
and well into the late afternoon.
So the thought of holding a gentile gathering in my garden
was scrapped and my wife and I hastily did what we could to set up the party
indoors.
Here’s a pre party shot with the large jar we had on all day
– the lovely Ocean Blossom. We also had Garden Hideaway in the hallway, Sweet
Pink on the conservatory and Meadow Showers giving an impressive showing in the
teapot melt warmer.
After a few hours of mad panic and sorting things out our
lovely guests started to arrive. The ice was soon broken with a lovely chat and
what better to settle the early nerves (with many meeting for the first time)
than a Yankee Candle TV show with Rosa (and Simon Biagi)
Things soon livened up as our party got mentioned on screen
with cheers going round the room as photos were flashed up by Simon. We really
missed lovely Rosa being with us, but it felt
like we were all together especially as sitting on the other side of the room
was none other than our special guest for the day – Yankee Candle Brand
Ambassador - Steven Corfield!
Steven soon had the fans enthralled with his tales of Yankee
Candle and he was happy to answer all questions put to him.
After the first show everyone moved into different rooms for
two Yankee Candle quizzes – one a sniff the yankee powder game put together by
Ann and Ben (who no doubt had been plotting this into the wee hours) and the
other a written Yankee Candle knowledge test created by yours truly.
Here’s everyone hard at work trying to guess the scents that
Ann and Ben had hidden in Ann’s beautifully designed miniature Yankee Candle
boxes!
Here’s Steven and Ben getting to grips with my written quiz.
Kate and Phil consult on answers at our hastily arranged
indoor party setting!
After a tie break for each quiz – Julie won them both! She
won a lovely Yankee Candle T-shirt donated by Steven Corfield and here’s her
prizes, along with swaps and other goodies she picked up from the day.
During a gap in proceedings, Mark takes a look at our
collection..
Then a surprise for all as little did the fans know but
Yankee Candle had a little treat for all attendees. A box of votive happiness
featuring the new Q3 scents – Ginger Dusk, Amber Moon, Wild Fig and Honey Glow
was given to everyone. These fragrances aren’t officially available in shops
until next week, so it was a really lovely gesture from Yankee Candle to
support the Yankee Candle fan VIPs in this way!
Here’s a pic of everyone enjoying some votive happiness!
Steven then kindly took the time to have his photo taken with
every guest and he also signed and gave away photos. Very kind of you Steven – thank
you!
Time for cake next and Ann had very generously brought some delicious
Red Velvet cake for everyone to enjoy. Here’s my wife serving up the cake with Steven
and Phil already enjoying their slices!
Unfortunately it was at this time that some of our guests started
leaving but a few of us remained a while longer for a continued chat and some tea
and coffee.
And then, that was it – the house was very quiet as everyone
made their trips home or off to their hotels. We were left to reflect on what a
fantastic day it had been and one that we’ll remember fondly for many years. I
sincerely had one of the best days I can remember for a long, long time and it
was all due to my very special guests. So thank you all for whatever you brought
and most especially for your company - Tina, Eve, Marie, Carly, Kate, Mark, Jane,
Jon, Julie, Ben, Ann, Phil and of course the most special ‘special’ guest Steven
Corfield from me and Debbie and Alex.
Thanks also for all the well wishes from Yankee lovers around
the world – it was really appreciated!
Finally here’s a pic of Steven surrounded by his passion!
More photos from this wonderful day soon!