I think Chateau du Gateau covers rooms to sleep as well as tea rooms. Two names will just confuse the issue.
Our TROC does beds and mattresses so check those out and usually has some garden tables and chairs. If you go for plastic tablecloths they'll be easy to clean and care for - no laundry costs or ironing. You can also get clear plastic tablecloths by the metre from places like Leclerc and that would protect linen or cotton tablecloths or lace that you may also find in brocantes, vide greniers etc.
Be inventive with plant containers - old boots, old tins, old boxes lined with plastic. Keep it simple this year so you're ready for the high season in July and August and then you'll have more time to think about and source things as well as a better idea of what works and what doesn't.
I'll happily let you have plants next year but haven't done any sowing as yet here so have no spares. I'm nurturing cuttings of English roses too and van let you have spares of those if they carry on OK but it'll be for next spring.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
It's great news, DD! You've worked so hard and deserve to make this a success. Don't hesitate to say if there's anything traditionally English you're trying to source - lots of us have things like napins and table cloths stashed in our attics, inherited from grandparents, which we'll never use, and if you have an address in Britain from which you can collect things, that might work...
The photos show so much promise.
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
Kitty, a Troc is a second hand furniture and household items place, usually in a big bare building. Our local one sells stuff for other people. They don't swap. I know of a similar place in Norwich which is called an emporium.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
Raining here but good for the garden and making it a bit cooler. I seem to be spending all my time on the internet researching stuff for the cafe when all I want to do is get out and garden, but must prioritise.
Trying to find 'pretty' serviettes but not too expensive, wondering if 'real' are better than paper, but weighing up costs too and also don't want to be too formal. Choices choices. Also looking for pretty bunting, again not too expensive as it is to go inside and out and I just can't quite find the pattern I'm looking for, think Cath Kidston, and definitely material. I don't do sewing, and haven't the time either so the search must go on.
I have got a lady making some table cloths for me, mix and match, patterned and white, runners down the centre or white squares on top, I just want the 'wow, how pretty' factor when you walk in. Runnybeak sent me a gift of a special tablecloth last year and that will be in a prime location, my lucky charm, all those positive thoughts and well wishes got me through a lot of dark days.
I found some good tables Ikea, for inside and out, good prices and perfect sizes to be able to push together easily if needed. Also, I will be able to get more of the same when I can afford them. The cutlery was also well priced and nice, with cute cake forks, but the cups and saucers were all too chunky and bulky. I have found some on an internet site that look quite nice, but all the 'trocs' near here seem to just have very small cups or coffee cups. The porcelain factory did have loads but when it came down to it the really nice ones were way too expensive. Anyway, I am not complaining, I am in a strong position and will get there slowly, open with the basics and add to later as I get more cash flow and more time.
Here is my first draft of the signage, what do you all think, it's not finished yet, needs a bit more detail but a starting point.
I am still thinking of a name for the B&B, purely for internet listing purposes, I am worried if I advertise as a 'chateau' they might arrive expecting a chateau. As much as I adore the house and will make it very pretty, it could never be described as a chateau.
Anyway, back to trawling the net for bunting and napkins. xx
“Coffee. Garden. Coffee. Does a good morning need anything else?” —Betsy Cañas Garmon
Posts
Lots of potential there DD and a lovely big garden area
I think Chateau du Gateau covers rooms to sleep as well as tea rooms. Two names will just confuse the issue.
Our TROC does beds and mattresses so check those out and usually has some garden tables and chairs. If you go for plastic tablecloths they'll be easy to clean and care for - no laundry costs or ironing. You can also get clear plastic tablecloths by the metre from places like Leclerc and that would protect linen or cotton tablecloths or lace that you may also find in brocantes, vide greniers etc.
Be inventive with plant containers - old boots, old tins, old boxes lined with plastic. Keep it simple this year so you're ready for the high season in July and August and then you'll have more time to think about and source things as well as a better idea of what works and what doesn't.
I'll happily let you have plants next year but haven't done any sowing as yet here so have no spares. I'm nurturing cuttings of English roses too and van let you have spares of those if they carry on OK but it'll be for next spring.
Congratulations DD, you deserve a break. I'm sure you and Charlie will make a success of it.
It's great news, DD! You've worked so hard and deserve to make this a success. Don't hesitate to say if there's anything traditionally English you're trying to source - lots of us have things like napins and table cloths stashed in our attics, inherited from grandparents, which we'll never use, and if you have an address in Britain from which you can collect things, that might work...
The photos show so much promise.
So excited for you DD. The place looks fabulous
Can I ask a silly question (from the UK)? What is your Troc? I googled it and it and got a translation for "swap". Is it like Freecycle and Gumtree?
If I'm right it sounds like the perfect place to find vintage pieces for your tea room DD.
Sending you my best wishes ?.
DD I have just seen this, well done! Your tenacious spirit has won again!
you will live the dream and we will all be with you if you need us, onwards and upwards!
A A Milne
Kitty, a Troc is a second hand furniture and household items place, usually in a big bare building. Our local one sells stuff for other people. They don't swap. I know of a similar place in Norwich which is called an emporium.
Raining here but good for the garden and making it a bit cooler. I seem to be spending all my time on the internet researching stuff for the cafe when all I want to do is get out and garden, but must prioritise.
Trying to find 'pretty' serviettes but not too expensive, wondering if 'real' are better than paper, but weighing up costs too and also don't want to be too formal. Choices choices. Also looking for pretty bunting, again not too expensive as it is to go inside and out and I just can't quite find the pattern I'm looking for, think Cath Kidston, and definitely material. I don't do sewing, and haven't the time either so the search must go on.
I have got a lady making some table cloths for me, mix and match, patterned and white, runners down the centre or white squares on top, I just want the 'wow, how pretty' factor when you walk in. Runnybeak sent me a gift of a special tablecloth last year and that will be in a prime location, my lucky charm, all those positive thoughts and well wishes got me through a lot of dark days.
I found some good tables Ikea, for inside and out, good prices and perfect sizes to be able to push together easily if needed. Also, I will be able to get more of the same when I can afford them. The cutlery was also well priced and nice, with cute cake forks, but the cups and saucers were all too chunky and bulky. I have found some on an internet site that look quite nice, but all the 'trocs' near here seem to just have very small cups or coffee cups. The porcelain factory did have loads but when it came down to it the really nice ones were way too expensive. Anyway, I am not complaining, I am in a strong position and will get there slowly, open with the basics and add to later as I get more cash flow and more time.
Here is my first draft of the signage, what do you all think, it's not finished yet, needs a bit more detail but a starting point.
I am still thinking of a name for the B&B, purely for internet listing purposes, I am worried if I advertise as a 'chateau' they might arrive expecting a chateau. As much as I adore the house and will make it very pretty, it could never be described as a chateau.
Anyway, back to trawling the net for bunting and napkins. xx
P.S. By the way, can anyone remember who came up with the name, I want to say thank you properly but can't quite remember who it was?