CHRISTMAS DIARIES DAY 18: TIERED PLATES & AN ATTIC TREASURE!

Philip and I cajole Cat into helping us make some tiered plate stands with the promise of celebratory mince pies, and Philip transforms an ancient trunk found in our attic into the perfect Christmas decoration storage chest, making some fascinating discoveries about its history along the way...
It's that time of year again - CHRISTMAS AT THE CHATEAU has begun! Happy Advent!
Here is the eighteenth video in our daily Advent Calendar series. Each day will bring a different surprise - but you can expect a mixture of exuberant decorations, seasonal florals, delicious food, gift ideas, musical treats and even a little Christmas carpentry...
***To download this year's Lalande wrapping paper designs, based on my father's medieval paintings, the link to the shop is***:
sellfy.com/chateau-de-lalande...
They are available at €5 per image, or €10 for five colours.
I had hoped to have the papers printed in order to sell them ready-made, but with all of the Covid postal delays that's proved impossible. I had mine printed by Zazzle, and scaled the pattern up online so that I have both regular and large scale versions here for Christmas. You're all welcome to do the same in order to have large rolls made, or to simply print them on your home printers for very small parcels! But please only use them for private (not commercial) use.
To see last year's 2019 Day 18: • THE CHATEAU ADVENT CAL...

[@Claire-dq8xm]

The ‘yellow person’ in the bank was hysterical 😂

[@kathrynschumann5254]

He wore quite an astounding cod piece! Lol!

[@dragonbry67]

Agreed

[@clorinda.]

Yes! Laughed so much!

[@consideredwhisper]

Rooting through those dusty attics would be my idea of heaven X

[@mindakahn9964]

I can’t imagine the chateaux without Kat. She has to come back, her laugh is infectious. (Oh, maybe that is not a good expression right now.)

[@candicechristian7344]

I agree... going to be a hole left open... hopefully she'll be back soon

[@hollyssimplelife1634]

Yes she always makes me laugh.

[@jess-sorandom828]

Lol

[@NoOneHere2Day]

Sometimes it seems like she's over everyone, especially Marie.

[@endeavouringit]

what a great infection to have at La Lande though, I think, she's great. I'm going to be sad when Phillipe leaves, he's just so brilliantly talented and a great addition to the La Lande family

[@carolyn8320]

Never let Kat and Philip leave! They add so much with their playful mischievousness.

[@candicechristian7344]

Definitely.. they add so much to everything there.

[@hollyssimplelife1634]

I love their honesty.

[@dragonbry67]

Are Stephanie and Phillip an item?

[@chasethecat3839]

Kats out this week, sadly. 😭

[@carolyn8320]

@@dragonbry67 I’ve been thinking the same thing.

[@chrisbeckstrom6182]

Stephanie could probably create a channel about rummaging through the finds in the attics at Lalande.

[@michellehaynes7055]

I think that would be amazing but I think stephanie is busy enough with the chateau diary's, Sundays at the chateau and the gift opening vlogs, but I love the idea.

[@benisturning30]

Omg! A Moynat trunk just lying around? Stephanie you’re lucky.

[@aleta5873]

Cat: "It sounds like a dream you once had".

[@FolkFaninMA]

Philip that trunk pocket/lining thing came out great. And Kat “Would you like to tell me about this yellow human?” made me absolutely roar. 😂🤣😂 Also Stephykins. 😂🤣😂

[@jobskiblah3510]

Stephanie your chest is an antique MOYNAT! Hope you realize how precious and rare that is! Moynat and its contemporaries- Goyard and LV

[@judydennis1242]

Might help pay some bills🤔

[@jourdainjardin846]

It’s only worth around £60 to £150.

[@endeavouringit]

That bank worker in your drawing had a very big third leg, I almost wet myself, too funny

[@sarahyates6055]

With the cup tops you could put a little posy of flowers in

[@jmk1962]

Great idea

[@sofi_wanderess]

Moynat is a very high end brand!!Like Louis Vuitton.. Although the history of the trunk that it once belonged to the marquis of La lande..can't put a price on that

[@Burbankelly]

Though I like the fabric and lining job Phillip did, stapling holes in it made me concerned about the value dropping. A Moynat owned by a marquise! Amazing!

[@NY1999.]

Yes, I think this should be restored by a professional. I would love to see how the trunk would look like!

[@jourdainjardin846]

@@Burbankelly this trunk doesn’t have much value, around £60-150 pounds. The high end trunks go for £1,500 to £4000 depending on year and condition.

[@mariac.6425]

OMG...!!! That Moynat trunk is a treasure!! My Sis works at Moynat in Paris ..!!👜

[@juliefrench1594]

Love Kat's face as they are talking about how lovely the plates are 😄

[@cate4338]

how is the hard-working Selmar - is he feeling better?

[@chasethecat3839]

He said yesterday on his channel, he was a bit better but taking holiday until the 1st of the year

[@selmarduinofficial]

@@chasethecat3839 And I am much better today :)))

[@laurieedeburn2449]

You could put an upside down bowl at the bottom of the wonky three tier plate

[@endeavouringit]

that's a great idea !!

[@33piolin]

or use small rubber (silicone) bumpers.

[@JeanineMarieCompassion]

I am so happy to see you all here! CD is my happy place. Isn't amazing how talented these people are! Kat, Phillip, Selmar and Stephanie are next level!!

[@annettewyatt1433]

What an absolute joy to wake up at 4.15 in the morning for....with the calls of the morning birds, the sun just announcing its glory with its glow for another sunny hot summery day in Perth, Western Australia......with a cuppa in bed viewing my favourite premiere vlogs...just the ticket to kickstart my day...Lalande personalities, fun, history, inspiring renovations, and enjoyment!

[@katehobbs2008]

Does this mean we don’t have a life? 😁🇦🇺

[@udlove09]

That makes me think of Benedict Cumberbatch saying ‘penguins’! 😂😂

[@jess-sorandom828]

I just posted the same comment lol

[@helenascribe210]

Cat, you keep us laughing!

[@tatijana4682]

Hello to all Lalanders from Croatia! 🤗

[@TravelStephanie]

My family is from Croatia 🇭🇷🥰 I was lucky enough to spend the summer there and started my vlog there. My husband and I are working on moving there!

[@endeavouringit]

Hello from Australia

[@saraviegas2141]

will we ever get a tour of the elusive gardeners cottage?

[@curiousmom1958]

Kat you are so delightful!!!! ❤ you're the bestie that every gal dreams of! Fun...funny...thoughtful...game for adult beverages or just hanging out chatting...you make me laugh thank you!!

[@ineldafitte5797]

The intro with Steph and Phillip is adorb.

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

This is the best Xmas I have ever had, b/c of Chateau Diaries. If I ever went to the chateau, I'm not sure that I could bring myself to leave.

[@monikastuckey8737]

Love the tiered plates and the trunk liner!

[@MagnumPI_2018]

I'm really interrested in the rooms we never see on camera ! so that was interresting, you should film those more :)

[@TheAccidentalViking]

I'm planning on how I can move into one. *giggles

[@djw6666]

There is a video tour of exactly those rooms!

[@mariak9727]

@@djw6666 🥰You are right, early last spring - it was called “Discover the secret attics of the chateau” 🥰

[@djw6666]

@@mariak9727 Yes. I looked it up too. It was a fun episode 😘

[@bellaluna321]

"Pauline Moynat, a visionary and the only woman trunk-maker in history, founded Moynat in 1849, and soon made the house the most Parisian among the French leather goods and trunk makers of her time."

[@Helenross]

Ryan collects trunks. He made a little video about them.

[@shellypala8497]

Growing up, we kept our Christmas decorations in two perfect steamer trunks that my parents found at the dump in the ‘70s. They were perfect. Love this.

[@deezahm9143]

🎄You will be truly missed, Kat. Merry Christmas and God Bless. 🎁🤶🏻👏🏻❤️

[@aprilhammet4560]

That drawing of the people in the bank! Hysterical.

[@bettyrush3651]

Those tier trays are beautiful.

[@ccoeurjoli]

In french, the name is « serviteurs » 😉

[@lisaakinlabi]

PLEASE do a treasure hunt in the attics on video for us one day! That would be so fun.

[@nata3467]

I would seriously just want to come to clean and organize the attic. That would be so much fun

[@ShipCreek]

"Was Australia invented then?"🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@Jayrose59]

If it is, they did not do a very good job. 🤣😂🤣😂 Disclaimer: I am allowed to make a comment like this because I am a New Zealander and we have a friendly rivalry with Australia.

[@mavep2855]

More than one good belly laugh today 😂😂😂. The tiered plates looked lovely as did the food on them. Thanks for a most entertaining Stephanie, Cat and Phillip.🙏🏻❤️

[@traceysseasidestudio8357]

OMG the yellow human - i couldnt stop laughing - Stephanie liked yellow even then lol

[@kimphilpin1062]

Oh how nice, cake plate sets or high tea sets . Great for sarnies and small cakes. The cup does hold short cheese straws wonderfully. It makes me think of high tea at the Ritz.

[@cagarden8808]

Yes.Tea at the Ritz!

[@pamyh.37]

I thought that last year's advent videos were superb but I'm afraid these have been even better. You are lucky to know such creative and imaginative people.

[@Marykguise]

So fun!! I love Philip’s “pinguin”. And beautiful tiered stands!! Love seeing the older places in the chateau!!

[@karleinegraham446]

Thanks for the alert about the beautiful article on Stephanie and the whole team at Chateau La lande. It is on CNN and the writer confessed to binge watching the vlogs. You deserve all the accolades!!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

HI Cat. Australia's European history began in 1788 when Captain Phillip began the first convict colony in Sydney. Prior to that, the indigenous Australian culture is thought to be around 40,000,000 years old, though that time-frame is arguable. Having said that, Tilley is an old company by Australian standards. I use their soaps all the time and they are much nicer than the standard multi-national options. Moynat is a company which is a year younger than Louis Vuitton, belonging now to the same parent company. They still make bags, though I don't know if they carry on making trunks (which you can still buy from LV to this day). Pauline Moynat was the first woman to qualify in France as a trunk maker, so she was very much a pioneer. The company is part of the great French tradition of immaculate craftsmanship. Your trunk has great cultural value and I suspect it also has some financial value as well. Thank you for the video. It is an epic installment!

[@laurag2112]

Stephanie, I just watched a new Channel by where she constructs stunning 16,17,18,19 century gowns step by step. I am positive you will find it decorations. Her name is Bernadette Banner. Merry Christmas and all of you, keep safe and healthy!i love you all and am obsessed with yours and Michael’s vlogs, all of the lovely talented people you have been living with you is a credit to your kindness and constant joy and curiosity! Love you from Vancouver 🇨🇦🥃

[@beefrench3554]

Hello Laura, do you mean Bernadette banner?

[@mariak9727]

🥰I love her channel!🥰

[@lunayahwitch]

What a fantastic idea for those mismatched plates!❤️ I don’t have any of my own but a local thrift store has a great section of dishes that would be perfect to make into these!🤗

[@sandfly60]

Bloody glorious trunk! 😍 And Philipe and Kat did a very sympathetic lining for it. Well done.

[@theceramicrepairstudio]

Well done on the china plates.😃

[@FrugalOverFifty]

The bank drawing made me choke on my coffee I was laughing so hard 😂

[@janetcorey5102]

I especially love going into the attic and those mysterious rooms. Let’s go there again🎄

[@hw476]

OMG. I do love Kat. She has me in stitches. Her sense of humour is just hilarious 😂 💖

[@deanneferguson4494]

How lovely to make those beautiful etagerie. I love Kat's sense of humour. She is truly an asset to the house

[@janismacvicar9637]

The yellow human lol lol

[@robinchurch5658]

Well, two of my favorite things (exploring attics and projects) with three of my favorite people! What are going to do without Cat and her wisecracks? No wonder CNN wanted to do an article about the goings on at LaLande after the author binge watched it. Now the world will know why we love it so much. Congratulations, Stephanie and company! You so deserve it🤗

[@jennyhonda9642]

It might be an idea to quilt the fabric inside the chest.

[@marymcandrew7667]

that's a great idea, it would give it more structure and soften it for things put in!

[@margamoons-filip5205]

I love Phillip's ring on his right hand. It ✨calls to me every time!

[@nicolemiggin8358]

I've always just used e6000 glue and candle holders to build plate stands. The drilling is so scary 🤣

[@TheAccidentalViking]

Agreed. I bought drill bits to drill out metal rivets this summer to take old handles off an upright steamer trunk. It's not that easy, even with the right drill bits.

[@pats8219]

The good thing is the detachable piece allow for it to break down easy for storage

[@fast800journeylifebeyond5]

I had a shop and my son and I made the cake stand plates to use as a window display and people wanted to buy them so we ended up making heaps and sold them in my shop, I had a small side business as well selling vintage so had a massive amount of vintage plates as well

[@kristyrash927]

That’s it. You’ve inspired me to pull out my tiered plates for Christmas. I bought a set from Burleigh Pottery and had them ship all the way to California but they shipped the wrong one. They shipped me the correct one eventually and told me to keep the other one. Now I have two sets!

[@jess-sorandom828]

The penguin part reminded me of an interview Benedict Cumberbatch did on Graham Norton go KZbin it it is hilarious!

[@Jayrose59]

I have seen that vlog too.

[@corinnegreen4765]

Is there a ‘Cadeaux’ tonight or Sunday? Brilliant vlog tonight. You’re famous now and even more so since the CNN article viewed all over the internet xx hope we don’t lose you Stephanie xx I think interviews with you are going to be very much sought after here in UK, America and internationally xx think the world will be your oyster xx well deserved xx you’ve opened our world through lockdown and may it continue xx love to you all at Lalande xx🥰🎅🏻🥂🏰

[@Jayrose59]

I was expecting a cadeaux as well so i am not sure what the story is and no message has been left so we will just have to wait and see 🤣😂🤣😂

[@chasethecat3839]

Cadeauxs are Monday nights

[@corinnegreen4765]

I know they are on a Monday but Stephanie said she was going to do two a week to catch up on the backlog of gifts 🥰

[@cagarden8808]

Also, Nati isn't feeling well. Hope Stephanie and the Lalande team have a much needed R&R after the holidays.

[@gingermele3111]

I love the tiered plates with the teacup on the top! I can see filling that teacup with raspberries in the summer and for me it would be pecans in the autumn, all kinds of magical things in the winter

[@rainbocatz6376]

And it's great for makeup on a dressing table.....

[@sharynhughes1061]

The Traveling Box LOOKS AMAZING too..color goes with the Bag..

[@karinbergman1646]

Lovely! Drilling the plates was a tad tense!!! I loved exploring the attic--so much space! The zachuskis look delicious! 🙏🏻💗⚜️💜⚜️💗🙏🏻

[@christineatkinson1425]

Love the cups on top of the plate stack great idea

[@sandrajewell5288]

Love the old Stephanie findings!!

[@xaxmac1948]

Super vlog! But...how on earth will Lalande survive without the wonderful Cat? To hear her low cadence laughter then extended by Stephanie’s irrepressible giggle is pure joy in our house. Cat is an absolute joy at Lalande and whilst she will no doubt have so many plans for her future...what a total foil she is for everyone at Lalande. She is the epitome of organization with a smile joined by Philip,; then the perfect leveller for Marie...and the most fantastic partner for Stephanie. Dont go Cat...the crockery pantry needs you!😘😘😘😘😘

[@tarbhnathrac]

@@ethelgrabbins9383 Why snarky?

[@xaxmac1948]

@@ethelgrabbins9383 ghastly comment...trolling

[@salt8661]

Amazing, loves it! I especially enjoyed the exploring bit...I expect that attic has many treasures hidden within 💖💖💖😊💫🦋🌱💖💫

[@sarahofer4368]

If you make a trunk liner of carton/cardboard and cover that with fabric, then you can insert it into the old trunk without risking the integrity of the antique materials. No staples needed. No hammering of old tacks or nails. You guys are the best! Thoroughly enjoying all of your xmas vlogs.

[@anneronco9343]

I am so listening to 9 lessons and carols this Christmas Eve!

[@saraheschweiler4939]

Loved this wonderful Day 18 of your Chateau Diaries' Advent Calendar! Absolutely delightful! 🎶⛄🎶☃️🎶💚🎶☃️🎶⛄🎶

[@jf1a8x1]

How can you make an ordinary table of snacks look so amazingly elegant??!! My mouth is watering and I wish I could jump through the screen and try everything! The tiered plates are beautiful!

[@charlotteortiz1233]

Can you talk to me about this yellow human 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TallieBear]

Philip your plates are stunning! Marie, the garlands are lush and beautiful. I hope Natti and Selmar will be feeling better soon. Sending love and healing energies to you all.

[@sharoncarley6102]

Just watching last years Christmas advent and see Mason. I hope he can come back soon, and i saw David on another vlog from last year, i miss him too xxx

[@AvaT42]

What an exciting fabulous find those trunks were!! Phillip did a great job lining that trunk.

[@araven231]

Thank you for such a good laugh. Do we need an update on bank workers? and Philip: “I really like raisins”. Seriously, you bring such joy.

[@rose-marie7351]

That was the best craft projects ! I looooove these tiered plates « etageres » ! Now the Chateau is complete! 😊☺️💖 and.... now I want a tiered plates! Lol

[@ccoeurjoli]

In french, the name is « serviteurs » 😊

[@rose-marie7351]

@@ccoeurjoli merci!!!

[@lauraineblack6572]

I made several of these tiered trays years ago by glueing glass/crystal candlesticks between the plates.

[@Randy8923]

Enjoyed. Beautiful tiered trays. Love the old trunks and attics. Love to all ❤

[@nicolethijs5428]

You could have fitted a piece of foam or wadding on the base of the trunk before fitting the fabric.

[@jennelynnatividad464]

oh Moynat, Ryan (from Life of Ryan,) mentioned that Moynat is special because it was founded by the only female malletiere at the time, Pauline Moynat

[@Helenross]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJfTiHVoitSNiKc

[@metropcs7560]

Thanks Stephanie, tell everyone they make my day!!! Love all the clothes and changes, everything!!!

[@curiousmom1958]

Use little oil or water & plate won't crack, keeps plate from getting to hot

[@cagarden8808]

Good tip. I want to try making the 3-tiered tray.

[@anneduigan4933]

The gorgeous table bedecked with floral arrangements and pretty plated tasty eats looks good enough for a tea shop.

[@bonniebriggs1338]

The tiered plates make a beautiful presentation for goodies! Loving the Christmas diaries!

[@anthonylewischurchill-theg233]

Another fab episode Guys, Love you loads, so funny

[@endeavouringit]

yes sewing a lining in the travel trunk is ideal, and job well done Phillip. wow the bathroom in Nicks place is beautiful, I just love the floor tiles. And not to forget those brilliant tiered plate stands, I love them

[@joanzabarsky2200]

Love the repartee. Great humor. Love Kat’s facial expressions,priceless! And all very creative great team.

[@eleshaburgess8567]

I could watch you guys just exploring and finding treasures everyday!

[@edsamson8916]

Great vlog!

[@amppma7302]

kat was such a treasure to the chateau. some of your funniest vlogs feature her. hope she comes back. the yellow human really needs a bit more of an explanation..... as always, thanks for brightening the day!

[@Burbankelly]

You guys have made me laugh with tears streaming so many times! You help keep our spirits up regularly! That was quite the art, Stephanie! 😂😂😂

[@hildat1907]

Love you all! Merci for all that you share with us adding beauty and warmth in our lives too. Wishing you all a blessed and safe season. 🎄💖

[@nancyalford8056]

The plate stands really look great. I really like the one with the cup on top🎄❤️

[@marydenisemartin8903]

Simply LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Stephanie and the Lalande team! You spread inspiration and JOY! Cat is hilarious and Philip is so talented! Congrats Stephanie for your acknowledgement on CNN Travel! Bravo!

[@susandolan5497]

You are all so personable and your talents are amazing! My favorite vlog of all time

[@ashwonders16]

I feel ya, Philip! in Indonesia, we also say 'pingwin' 😂😂😂

[@kathytoy5055]

Put a bit of food-grade epoxy resin in the bottom of your top-tier cup. It is self-levelling and will cover the metal etagier bracket. Then you can use the cup for dips as well. It's available on Amazon but you might find it locally.

[@lindairving3475]

Fantastic let's see more I the treasures in the attics x

[@emeraldmayer24]

Kat and Philip are a good team👍👍👍😘

[@sharonpiatek5084]

Firstly...thank you! I cannot fully express how much joy this vlog has brought to me since I found you and your amazing family of LaLanders this past March. Many times over...thank you! 💜💜 Secondly...how is Selmar? Hope he is well and back up to building, dancing and fun quickly. Also I truly hope that Kat returns soon. Her laugh and spirit are wonderful. And thirdly...I have just read the most wonderful article about you and LaLande online CNN Travel. Beautifully and so aptly written. All the best to everyone! Happy Holidays. 💜💜💜

[@annepain-davis968]

Loved this vlog just a note that if you stick some masking tape in a cross where you want to drill it will make it much easier & possibly prevent cracking the plate. Merry Christmas luv Annie🎄🎄🎄🎄