Dish & Décor Vintage Rental
Crystal Lake, Illinois
815-444-1710 • dishanddecorvintagerental.com
Leaving the mortgage industry to begin a vintage party-rental company does not sound like a natural transition for most people, but for Janet Mathews, it made perfect sense. In her years of working in various trades, including interior design, mortgage origination, and retail, Janet learned how to use her attentive-listening skills to help people with decision-making and finding happiness. She re-invented herself three different times to follow her mission of “seeking joy” in all things. Over time, she realized that what truly brings her joy is providing people with joyful experiences, and what could be more joyful than a wedding?
With a small china collection of her own, Janet was inspired by a dear friend to start Dish & Décor Vintage Rental in 2016 to serve the Chicago Metropolitan area and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. She started acquiring her inventory by attending various auctions and estate sales looking for specialty items of forgotten tableware from days gone by. Today the rental company’s portfolio includes dozens of teapots in mismatched patterns, hundreds of teacups in every hue imaginable, colored glassware from goblets to coupes, several cohesive china collections, and much more. Through Janet’s many acquisitions and by offering a tab on her website for people to sell their china to her, the business has evolved greatly since its inception.
“My unique collection of rentals adds individuality and pizzazz to weddings and events,” Janet notes. “The pieces chosen are customized to the client’s personality to let guests learn more about the couple. The event comes to life and often captures their special story through the beautifully decorated table settings.”
Beauty and elegance in tableware are easily accomplished with the use of Dish & Décor’s numerous products. Though often overwhelmed when stepping into a packed showroom brimming with antique treasures, clients are quickly comforted by Janet’s warm demeanor and inherent desire to make the customer happy.
“It’s a personalized service when people go to a specialty rental company,” Janet explains. “I listen to their ideas and watch to see what pieces catch their eye. We work in collaboration to customize a table setting that reflects their joyful occasion.”
Planning/styling and Flowers by Kensington Florals and Events. Venue provided by Evanston Golf Club. Cake and desserts from The Quintessential Cake. Decorated cookies from Ivrys Delights. Cart from Sweet Carts Rental.
