Any good writer knows that the art to drawing the reader in is to show them, not tell them.

The same rule applies when trying to get your business noticed among all the other’s competing for customers. So in the midst of all the Canberra Birthday celebration madness Belinda Garfath of Belle Photography and Kartika Medcraft of Swish Vintage came up with a unique idea to promote their small businesses by hosting a Swish n’ Belle vintage tea party last Sunday.  The ladies came up with the idea to celebrate the first birthday of Swish Vintage, showcase a collection of Belle’s photographs, thank existing clients and promote their businesses to the community.

Here I must stop and make a confession – I am addicted to high tea – I’ve been every high tea place in the city. When my best friend recently asked for recommendations for her birthday I was able to rattle of a list of my top three including the pros and cons of each without breaking a sweat. So when I was offered to chance to attend a free, child-friendly vintage tea party I jumped at the chance. And my expectations where well and truly meet. Yummy frosted cupcakes, strawberry macarons, pink lemonade, scones with jam and cream, chocolate slice – all accompanied by vintage china and table linens in the beauty of one of Canberra’s many public parks.

But I digress….I’m here to talk about the genius of two fabulous Canberra mums.

Kartika is a Canberra mum of four who left her job in the public service of 11 years to care for her eldest son who has a spinal cord tumour. She started her own business a year ago, Swish Vintage Canberra, which specialises in bringing vintage High Tea Parties to you – all the linen, china, glassware, silverware, cutlery as well as plenty of yummy food and of course…. tea, right to your front door or a location of your choice. Perfect for your next hen’s night, kitchen tea, birthday party, or mum’s n bubs group get together.

Swish’s party packages a reasonably priced and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. They also have special kid’s birthday packages starting from just $15 per child – a total bargain, especially when you consider that all the cleaning up is included too. Kartika also makes her own Vintage cake stands using antique plates and cups and saucers for those who would like a keepsake or are searching for that perfect mother’s day present.

Belinda is a mum of two who works full time as a design and innovation specialist in government and is a big believer in collaborating and sharing. Her experience in photography and design goes back around 20 years with a Bachelor of Arts, Fine Arts and a DipEd Secondary (Art and Photography) as well as running her own boutique graphic design studio.

How often do you find ‘creatives’ moonlighting as public servants (or the other way around)? So many of us in the Capital are working seemingly ‘normal’ jobs and following our passions out of hours, Belinda is one of these women…she refers to Belle Photography as her ‘passion job’ and specialises in natural lighting with a relaxed, whimsical style that is perfect when working with kids and families. Belle dreams that one day her passion job will become a full-time career.

Sunday’s tea party was a simple, joyous event – it’s easy to see why high teas are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. There’s just something so appealing about vintage tableware, ‘pretty’ things and sweet treats…add them to an afternoon of good company on a beautiful Autumn day, and you have all the ingredients for the perfect girlie occasion. Even Alice in Wonderland would be impressed…