CONGRATULATIONS!

You (or your child) has graduated high school! Where to throw an amazing shindig? Here’s 5 venues that will transport you from those hallowed halls in style…

THE APERTURE ROOM

Aperture Room is a stylish event space located on the third floor of The Thornton-Smith Building in downtown Toronto. The name is derived from one of the building’s most prominent tenants, Toronto Camera, which occupied all four floors in 1966. The space features original exposed brick walls, three magnificent skylights, hardwood floors, plaster ceilings, LED lighting throughout and a refined heritage flare. Aperture Room also offers built-in AV equipment including state-of-the-art screens, projectors and architectural lighting, lending itself to all types of social and corporate events. The space can accommodate 120 guests for a seated event and 180 guests for a standing reception.

DISTRICT 28

District 28 is a boutique events company located in Toronto's iconic studio district. You can choose from three unique studios, an in-house screening room, restaurant, and reception area. The white, blank canvas of the event venue allows for your own creative input into hosting your own corporate event, high-end fundraiser, and more. 

GEARY LANE

Toronto’s hub for culture and creativity. Nestled away on a seemingly industrial stretch of Geary Avenue at Dufferin & Dupont, the Geary Lane studio is centrally located in an area of the city that is ripe with creative drive and youthful energy.

Housed in a 3000 square foot professional film studio and former recording studio, Geary Lane is a multi-purpose space that can magically transform to suit the needs of your creative projects. Whether you are looking for a state of the art location to shoot film or photography projects, a comfortable and accommodating space for intimate music or theatre rehearsals, or to educate the community through workshops, exhibits, or screenings, Geary Lane is the ideal space to let your creative ideas run wild.

THE COSTUME HOUSE

The Costume House is another venue situated in the Geary Avenue arts district. Originally built in the early 1900's by the Eaton family as a horse stable, this newly restored, turn of the century hard loft features a 13ft ceiling, original post and beam construction, textured brick, east-facing windows, and original oak flooring. This epic blank canvas provides the ultimate space for bringing your bespoke event creations to life. 

LONGBOAT HALL

Located in the uber hip West Queen West area, LongBoat Hall is part of The Great Hall. This lower level space offers over 5000 sq. ft of event space with 20 foot ceilings and cast iron beams. Grand, modern and classic all at once, this is a great venue for those who need to accommodate a larger crowd.

It’s hard to tell given the almost freezing temperatures but it’s actually spring in Toronto!

If you’re finding it as hard as we are to relinquish the grey winter weather, why not add some colour and texture to your surroundings with flowers from one of our Toronto Top 5 flower shops? We’ve picked these shops based on personal experience. If you’ve got some great florists to share, we’d love to hear about them! Put a comment below or send us an email…

CROWN FLORA

Photo courtesy of style democracy @styledemocracy

Crown Flora in Parkdale is hard to miss. I’d say it’s one of the most Instagramed flower shops in the city if for no other reason than it’s pretty pink exterior. But that’s just a great reason to check out Adam and Davis’ amazing collection of seasonal shrubbery. Always in style, Crown Flora expertly chooses plants and flowers that are both on, or ahead of the trends and still stylish and functional.

SWEETPEA’S

PHOTO COURTESY OF @BLOGTO

We could come up with some great praise for this West-end staple florist or take a note from their own website. After all, when you’re regarded by almost every Toronto publication as being the best flower shop in the city, how much more can we say? Do note their commitment to eco-friendly and socially responsible flowers; that seems a business decision ahead of it’s time…

Sweetpea's is dedicated to quality, design and service. We offer some of the most unique, custom floral creations in the city.  

Focusing on eco and socially responsible floral design isn't always easy, but something we feel is the responsibility of an industry based in nature and used to express emotion and caring of others.   

Sweetpea's offers same-day fresh flower delivery throughout Toronto & the GTA.   Our retail boutique is filled with beautiful gifts and cards, perfect for that special someone in your life.  

CORIANDER GIRL

PHOTO COURTESY OF @make_Something

We first became aware of Coriander Girl after a friend recommended them for Mother’s Day (how fortuitous!). What struck me about their arrangements was the inclusion of more a subdued, dustier palette of colours and floral styles. If you’re looking for something a little different, we highly recommend this one-of-a-kind shop in Toronto’s West-end.

YANG’S FLOWER MARKET

PHOTO COURTESY OF @BLOGTO

What this store doesn’t have in modern branding, it more than makes up for in selection and service. I’ve never had a better experience buying flowers than at Yang’s. Located at Avenue and Davenport, Yang’s offers up a huge selection of beautiful blooms.

SUMMERHILL FLORAL BOUTIQUE

PHOTO COURTESY OF @summerhill_FLORAL

Located directly across from famed Summerhill Market, Summerhill Floral Boutique offers arrangements and accoutrements for the whole home!

Whether you’re looking to do some last minute staging, get greater curb appeal or just adding some more colour to your home’s palette, we’ve got you covered!

This week’s Toronto Hot Spot continues to focus on the Ossington strip, in the Queen West area

I love all locations of i deal coffee and must be honest that I'm particularly biased as I worked there for sometime. BUT, they in fact do have some of the best coffee in the city, lovingly made by baristas who are expertly trained.

One of the reasons the coffee is so good is that it’s roasted locally at The Merchants of Green Coffee in Toronto’s East End so any coffee served or packaged to go is perfectly fresh.

BONUS the Ossington i deal coffee location now also serves wine along with delicious food! The Ossington strip has so much to offer these days but for coffee, this is my go to.

PRO SNACK TIP! The chocolate dipped coconut macaroons are TO DIE FOR

Have you been to i deal before? What was your favourite drink choice?

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