HOW THE GARDENER SAVED CHRISTMAS

THE CHRISTMAS DIARIES: 9th day of ADVENT!!!
Why it's impossible to have a snug Christmas fire at the chateau without a very good gardener...
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It's that time of year again - CHRISTMAS AT THE CHATEAU has begun! Happy Advent!
Follow all of us as we get the chateau ready for a spectacular French Christmas.
Each day will be filled with decorating, cooking, gift buying, carol singing and discovering ancient Christmas traditions from around the world.

[@stephaniewaters4931]

I’m so scared that the valance is just going to WHOOSH up in flames!! Especially when Dan was standing there with a stick of FIRE right in front of it! 😳

[@baylorsailor]

I was thinking the same thing! I hope it's safe hanging there. 😕

[@MariaM-yn9tl]

Tooo dangerous! 🤯

[@Elise-bh4rg]

My thinking exactly 😲

[@douglastunnell6992]

Exactly A Piece of Fabric over the fire?? NO common sense.

[@gglydie4242]

Same!!! Yikes!

[@lilkirsche]

We are being spoilt with two Diaries today. THANK YOU! I really appreciate the work and love you put into these. ❤️

[@barbaraboyce6269]

So glad Stephanie found the battery operated candle lights for the tree. My sister and I sent those last year and they’re so pretty on the tree.

[@peggyvick935]

Where did you find them❓ I love those, but haven’t seen any in years. I have never ordered from Amazon. 😬 I hate the idea of Walmart & Amazon getting all business.

[@NatiHerron]

I am wondering the same. What is the brand/maker, I would love them for my tree.

[@jdee2482]

Sorry I accidentally pressed the finger down button when scrolling

[@mariapetras5835]

Yes indeed ! ✨They look o beautiful! Bravo

[@barbaraboyce6269]

@@peggyvick935 I bought them at Michaels several years ago after Christmas. We put them away because it was after Christmas and forgot about them for a couple of years. When we found them, we knew where they would be perfect at.

[@janetg1691]

Please change the cloth flammable fireplace decor to non flammable metal, so you all live longer.

[@JH-sp5my]

If you feel the fabric valence is helping. Change it out for sheet metal, a sort of Hood. You can paint it with high temp spray paint for grilles. To take it up a notch, make the hood out of copper. And you could have it curved a bit in front, and even better, hammered copper. Oh and add rivets.

[@kristing9154]

HAHAHA. Phillip with the extinguisher. Actually the valance above the fire place was freaking me out.Of course it is hard to tell on film just how close it is to the fire.

[@christinevr7698]

I had the same thought! Especially when Dan was pointing the flame thrower at the fireplace before he lit the wood- but from our perspective it looked like he was almost touching the toile valance. 😨

[@karenbrunton6529]

Yes! One spark and...shudder!

[@beefrench3554]

. If Stephanie’s home insurance adjuster Saw that Footage, she might have problems renewing her policy in the future. Good thing philip is thinking safety first with a fire extinguisher on hand

[@42apprentice]

Dan’s got some cracking corrugated iron that could reduce the gap! 😂

[@nikishazechiel6848]

And that would save the valence!!

[@suehall3298]

I agree. Love❤ Sue 🎄🎄🎄🇬🇧🎄🎄🎄

[@grannyontheplane]

my first thought too! second thought- the poor woman who sent the valance? her nerves are probably as frayed as Philips!

[@nikishazechiel6848]

@@grannyontheplane I completely agree!!!

[@beefrench3554]

Corrugated iron will be ugly but if it works

[@deborrastrom8559]

Dan, You have become such a joy & addition to the Chateau family. I remember when you first arrived you were so quiet & shy ..but funny whenever you had a moment to express yourself. Happy Holidays to you & family this holiday Season. Stephanie is a genius when picking people out for the Chateau because they always become part of a family..no matter their unique differences.

[@piper6541]

Thanks for Nati's character perception. She screens them first, I think, then, it is Stephanie's final decision 😊

[@mariapetras5835]

Yes now , but a lot have happened before beautiful Nati came along😉

[@lisakilmer2667]

Yes, true, but the way they tell it, they got Dan by word of mouth report that he could help out. So Providence plays a big role as well!

[@marshawargo7238]

U can tell a Big Difference in Dan at the beginning of his channel too! Annaliese did All the talking & would have to practically drag words out of him!

[@Franceses98]

Totally agree. Thanks Dan. Merry Christmas to you and your adorable family 💚🎄

[@MAC-op5fc]

I fully support Phillip's plan of keeping the extinguisher on hand.

[@claudiawoodman9431]

I was so nervous seeing Dan holding that weed burner lit next to that toile de Jouy, but in the end he has done an amazing job as always 🤩

[@marionchanson5479]

Same here, I was about to faint!

[@mariak9727]

🥰 I guess that wasn’t his 1st rodeo! 😆

[@annettesharrock1236]

Dan the Man at the rescue again . Loved the food. Philip did make me laugh with the fire extinguisher, mind you I am thinking not so safe having the toile up there. Loved watching x

[@squirrelswithpearls]

I love when Dan said "How did I get roped into this?"

[@richc1259]

Be careful and don’t burn the place down by hanging fabric that close to the fire!!

[@taitweigel64]

Dan is running back and forth doing projects, cooking, and trouble shooting. What a man! Then there's Philip with the fire extinguisher, symbolic of his personality trait of observing and making intelligent observations, as well as caring for those around him. You, Stephanie, attract the nicest, and most talented group of employees, work away folks, friends, and family.

[@sandraroe2070]

Was anyone else holding their breath while the torch was near the fabric valance? High anxiety 😦!!

[@carolinebcollier]

That fabric near the fire is triggering my anxiety. Glad y’all have everything under control!

[@billtodd999]

I feel as if I know all of you. You are making yourselves and all of us so very happy. Thank you!

[@lynnpetti3817]

Family comes, they know. Friends come they know. Volunteers come , they know. Dan took a gardening job, he had no clue the impact on his life. Fun times.

[@karenbrindley7170]

I would love to see Amaury should spend a day helping Dan in his studio.

[@charliebrown5755]

Dan is so smart to warm the flue before lighting the fire. Old trick

[@michelebourke4340]

yes...cold air falls, creates a down draught, that fireplace is built for a huge fire, big logs, enough heat necessary to create an up draught

[@nt313]

Love that Dan still has his sunglasses on his top at night

[@nikishazechiel6848]

Best gardener ever!

[@garnetj69]

I am Canadian but I think the English have contributed a lot of great food to society, roast beef and yorkshire pudding. Fish and chips, puddings and cakes and desserts just a few of the things, I absolutely love. I can't wait to go to England so I can have fish and chips. Literally first meal planned. Dan ,Philip Stephanie and Amaury thank you for your continued presence such a pleasure as usual. I hope Amaury is better soon , honey , ginger , sage and cayenne boil it up add to water or take on spoon it will truly help. It was great to see Ian he is a good guy.

[@lizbignell7813]

That is the second sneering thing she has said about English food. Rather impolite.

[@garnetj69]

@@lizbignell7813 agreed. Merry Christmas to you.

[@lizbignell7813]

Garntj69, and to you.

[@karenbrunton6529]

Fabric in front of the fireplace? As in a combustible material??? Have you all lost your minds? I can't bear to continue watch, but I can't turn away.

[@jfs59nj]

The toile makes me nervous!!

[@autodidactin]

Another festive and warming Advent vlog. Dan comes through, as always. The carol at the end was heartwarming. Thank you!

[@Tracy_R]

I was watching Maplerton they have similar problem They had a glass installed 3rd way down from the top. As soon as fire started they used the bellow to get the fire going to prevent to much smoke. .. looking good DAN!

[@mariahoulihan9483]

back in the 1950s and very early 60s, I recall my irish Granny had a big fireplace. Shehad a beautiful set of green velvet bellows, built into the side of the wall on one side of it. I wish those bellows were still int he family because they would look fantastic in this room in the Chateau. They were antique when I knew them.

[@cherylmason3340]

Absolutely love the Intro the Chateau is totally charming and beatiful and is making me feel super Christmasy 🤶🎄🎅🕍⛄😇

[@thickernell]

LOL. Just as Dan was starting the fire with that fabric hanging down I thought, gee, they better have a fire extinguisher handy. And then Philip to the rescue. But it's a good excuse to conduct fire extinguisher training for everyone at Lalonde. Every staff and volunteer needs to know how to correctly operate every type of extinguisher at the chateau. I'd volunteer to conduct it myself, but I'm stuck in Chicago. ;)

[@beefrench3554]

In the meantime, one can watch the training videos available in KZbin

[@pennytemple-watts4083]

I would be buying a bigger fire extinguisher and a fire blanket.

[@freesimorgh]

Dan is officially the caretaker of the chateau while Steph is it's curator...

[@junealyea6761]

Good thing she has a couple of dependable men around the chateau - Dan and Amaury. Unfortunately, she lost Selmar. 😕

[@freesimorgh]

@@junealyea6761 oh Dan and Amery bromance is the best thing that has come out of lalande in a long time!

[@junealyea6761]

@@freesimorgh I totally agree!

[@grannyontheplane]

I have metal plaque in the garden shed- "Gardener- because freakin' miracle worker is not a proper job title". I think I should take it down and send to Dan!

[@jasondubey8251]

Dan saved the day again with that flame thrower!

[@claudettemutch2906]

Lovely people. So much happiness. Please do not use the cloth above your fireplace. It will eventually dry and become a fire hazard. Merry Christmas to all.

[@melissamohr8985]

So excited that Chateau Diaries will hit 45 million views this Advent!!!!! Yay, congrats Stephanie et al!

[@barbibutton9619]

MILLION??? WHOA. THATS A LOT!!! 😊🌺🌸

[@candicespencer2021]

I think that is the prettiest tree ever!

[@Eric-kf6dy]

Methinks there is another romance afoot at Lalande.

[@jmk1962]

Methinks the same A&N

[@marthathomas1660]

Absolutely delightful Stephanie🎄omg the cake cute! And Dan the Gardener now fire place expert lol The forage from your grounds looked great! My favorite song 🌟🎄🌟❤️

[@jenannetif]

Dan the man in his van can do any plan.

[@ibosquez5238]

Stephanie has a phenomenal voice. Could listen all night.

[@theadultpantry7219]

What's going on? Double Chateau treat?? Can't believe my luck!

[@johnwilliamtuckey2796]

Wonderful! So are Amoury and Natie together; it's been a few mouths I've been wondering? LOVE you guy's! ❤

[@lrlasvegas6427]

I have been wondering too... 💘🙉🙈🙊

[@anna.l8829]

Been thinking the same thing for a while...🤔

[@susuontheblock]

me too, me too! 🤗

[@jimkrauscreative60]

Once I got over my paranoia that you would burn down the chateau with your "fireplace valance" I could really enjoy the spirit of the Season. Good work, team La Lande!

[@wendy-moore]

Sweet! I ordered a piece of thin, flat sheet metal for my Rumford fireplace, and it took care of the smoking issue. It came black already so it looked fine mounted on the fireplace. Thanks again for all the video work.

[@rebeccasherwood5522]

Gosh it looked a bit dangerous with that fire, glad Philip was ready for anything !!

[@waltercook4868]

I'm no expert on starting fireplace fires but I watched a KZbin video from a guy in Siberia demonstrating how to start a fireplace fire. Basically, you start a little tiny flame which serves to heat the air in the flue. The weight of cold air in the flue holds the smoke down. So, you warm it up. Once you get a good flow, build a bigger fire.

[@jenniferrayhill2000]

Lovely. Dan reminds me of a dear friend whose motto was necessity is the mother of invention! Well done!

[@myownlittlehouse471]

A metal screen of some sort, hanging there instead of the fabric, would serve the same purpose. It looks good!

[@amyschneidhorst1384]

My thought too

[@JH-sp5my]

To raise the big grate up, use a long iron bar. Put it under one side and lift the grate up adding fire brick under feet, go to other side and repeat. The long bar will be a lever and make it seem lighter.

[@coletteretif6316]

The loaf was adorable with its candies and gingerbread men at the base.

[@myhappynest6125]

The best part was at the end. Singing Holy Night. Beautiful.

[@douglastunnell6992]

WHAT the HELL? A piece of Fabric Over the fire?? You do NOT think a Spark from the fire Will NOT catch the Fabric on fire and Burn you chateau down?? Hello?

[@donnanancekivell9430]

I love twig lets, remind me of my Dad who was British.....can’t find them in the stores anymore but I found them on Amazon........what the heck would you do without Dan...............Donna in Toronto

[@fabricofthesky1169]

As always, Dan is here to save the day! 🙌🏻

[@isabellejarvis7805]

Brilliant idea to warm the flue

[@fabricofthesky1169]

@@isabellejarvis7805 definitely! A brilliant idea from a brilliant man 😉

[@mariak9727]

@@fabricofthesky1169 😍Thats why he’s Isabelle’s favorite😜 (💕💕I’m sure they miss each other!!💕💕)

[@fabricofthesky1169]

@@mariak9727 haha yes! 😄 and I’m certain they do!

[@stephjezo6470]

Dad always taught me to heat up the air in the chimney before using it. It makes sure air will draw and also lets.you check for blockages.

[@carolcarmichael2677]

Hmmm. Is Amauri and Nati an item? Hmmm, been wondering for a while now.

[@pats8219]

Same here. He moves in, they sit next to each other at meals, Nati gets her own appt., now gone at same time. How wonderful would that be!

[@debbiewaterworth2396]

I’ve had my suspicions for a while! I do hope so! ❤️

[@christinevr7698]

I love them both… it would be so lovely if it is true. ❤️

[@jmk1962]

Would not be at all surprised. They would make a lovely couple.

[@claudettep212]

Same thoughts here.

[@CathyMiller0711]

The toile valance looked pretty but it surely made me nervous! Maybe it wasn't as close to flame as it appeared? Glad Dan could come to the rescue once again. The food and drink looked very festive and the singing at the end was lovely.

[@kendallricker9633]

You may want to have a copper piece commissioned for the fireplace to replace the valance. You could have your own coat of arms stamped onto / into it. Just a thought. Very charming Christmas room

[@corinnetippit9969]

These Advent videos just get better.

[@Theteresamaria]

Yea!! Two Diaries in one day, I'm in heaven!! TY Stephanie!!🥰🏰🎄

[@nattersar77]

We had the same problem with our fireplace and the fireplace man said to do exactly what Dan did- warm up the flue gradually beforehand and it works like a charm! Happy it worked for you! That room is so cozy:)

[@donnacooper75]

Did you say Amaury and Natti were away? Like together? Something going on? Tell us? We all would love to see them together, I’m sure!!! Love from cold California❤️☃️🐾🎄

[@pariisabella5521]

Beautiful Christmas carols to end the episode.😃

[@anntaylor1811]

I felt really well assured seeing Philip with the fire extinguisher at hand, must say that did worry me a little! It looks so cosy in the room with the beautiful tree and now the fire. the singing at the end brought tears to my eyes, I love the atmosphere you have created.

[@WillowTreePottery]

Lovely video. I fire kilns all the time and the recommendation to increase the updraft in akiln is to build a bagwall , any fire brick will do. Love the banana cake idea perfect. The valence freaks me out, can u get some fireproof fabric.

[@pennytemple-watts4083]

Pure wool, and coat it in fire retardant

[@kshudson4285]

The song at the end... lovely. That tree wasn't too shabby either. The room is transformed. Love the reds and pinks together.

[@beefrench3554]

❤️ the singing

[@mennoniteeh7889]

Thanks for sharing Silent night! Beautiful song and Beautiful people!

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Dan the hero and all for a Twiglet🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Love the new table decoration (fire extinguisher)🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Great banana Christmas tree. The singing at the end was amazing 😻😍😘

[@sarahburton3110]

Love DTG 😊

[@andreadern4463]

DTG/. DAN THE GARDENER

[@probstnatalie]

Dan has so much fun with his toys. hahahahaha :)

[@maritapersdatterolufsen5174]

In Norway we drink gløgg with raisins and choppet almond. 🥰

[@jonathantoole1]

Dan and his big tool it's got a lot of power

[@arabellacameron7620]

Beautiful peaceful film. Clever Dan sorting the fireplace.

[@trinahayden747]

So beautiful hearing the Christmas singing ..Brought tears to my eyes…Dan is the real superman…🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@eileenlane787]

Good man Dan . So handy . Thank God Philip is sensible . My nerves with that pelmet next to the fire

[@amyschneidhorst1384]

When I heard your plan to hang fabric, I thought something _fire retardant_ fabric, not a toile valance. Relieved to see Philip with the fire extinguisher.

[@marilynmcpheron3231]

The bouquet was not a feature of this diary, BUT it is magnificent...I thought it really lovely!

[@TheChateauDiaries]

Philip made it!

[@TravelStephanie]

That valance is terrifying especially next to the very expensive wallpaper!! Please replace with a piece of metal!!

[@Fred317]

I always warm my flue to help start the draft. Great 👍work Dan.

[@sharongruener6078]

Wow, I am impressed with Dan the Gardener that is a beautiful fire. Magical room and table. Blessings.

[@oanyc]

So much more than gardener... He's more of a Groundskeeper or even Groundsmaster (funk)...

[@deborrastrom8559]

You Two are Such a delight to watch Stephanie. I have never seen you happier, than with Philip you both are a perfect Couple indeed. Happy Holidays to all this holiday Season & to all missing, whom we 💘.

[@alaine57]

I love your genuine personalities working together

[@kirstenolsen6853]

Nati and Amaury...I knew it:-D

[@kerryannestevenson6099]

Dan really is The Man!

[@jerridavis6462]

Enjoyed from Texas! Thanks Dan!

[@johne.coughlan6824]

Two songs come into my head: "Come and light my fire," and "Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella."

[@catherinem9204]

Hi we had the same problem lighting our fire in the drawing room. Huge Inglenook, so much so, one Christmas my great grandfather walked into the room and said in his best Yorkshire accent, "By eck, its foggy in 'ere!" We all fell about laughing . Open the windows!! 🎄🎅💋💖

[@Jinjerella]

The song was wonderful. The flowers were beautiful. Dan did an excellent job. One of my favorite Advent videos this year.

[@debbierudolph9489]

This was the best so far.

[@richardhathaway2901]

Hello folks. Don't forget I have a gas powered fan heater in my barn. You are welcome to use it if you want. In fact you can keep it. It will need a gas cylinder and somewhere to plug it in (an extension lead is fine). Someone will need to fetch it as I'm not in France at the moment but It's only up the road from you. I'll email Natti with the address. It will soon heat the chapel and might be useful in the grand salon too. We have to keep Amaury cosy y'know. Although I was quite poorly when I knocked a doorway through my old cottage wall too. I think there might be something nasty living in those ancient walls!

[@locutorest]

Findersmith, just another of Dan's talents!

[@jennifercampbell7698]

That was wonderful! Good on Dan for the fire works! Although Isabelle is due some credit for the ‘raise it up!’ with the second grate which I think helped as well. And the gluhwein and festive cake were great also. And to top it off with the rendition of Silent Night was pure bliss! Thank you all for creating Christmas joy on a daily basis for us all 🥰🥰

[@allankarenbayne9835]

We were whaching the valance like a hawk hoping it woulding go up in smoke lol

[@tiffytattoo2450]

Insurance companies love fabric in immediate distance to an open fire... how does one come to such an idea 😲😵🤯 it's just not worth it...

[@Kels0423]

That material over the fireplace makes me really nervous!

[@sarahburton3110]

The Christmas carols at the end was epic 💕

[@virginiabelt6753]

Thank you for Silent Night and to the cracking good gardener! You are all gifts to us!

[@pattiearehart118]

Dans the man with the plan! Great fire!

[@carolz5090]

Today we got a “two-fer” as those in the USA 🇺🇸 can say, meaning two videos for the price of one. Then I realized why I’m doing so much better than some of the people here that are down about stuff that’s happened, it’s because I’m not really here at all. Mentally I’m spending gobs of time in France. Ironic for someone who did so poorly at French in school they had to switch to Spanish. Somewhere my old French teacher knows about it all and is laughing her ass off at me.

[@okienana11]

Another great Advent diary. We have a very tall chimney 38 ft and we heat the flume before starting a fire just like Dan did. UT we have 1 huge difference we put black metal across the top of the firebox where you put the fabric. Beautiful voices singing my favorite hymn.

[@trinitystarclararose7118]

That is so beautiful 👏, Silent Night, ☃️now it’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas🎄Dan the man has done it again👋