Becoming a Tea Room - sinks and plumbing



We are happy to announce that the Town Selectmen approved our request, and Fancy That is now a "Common Victualler" (i.e., we can now serve food :))!

Next, we tackle the required commercial plumbing!  We are going to need the following sinks:  (1) a three-bay sink for "ware washing" (to wash, rinse and sanitize); (2) a hand-wash sink, to wash our hands before plating food; and
(3) a utility sink for mops, et cetera.  If we were going to prepare food on site, we would also need a prep-sink, but because we are working with a local caterer who will prepare our tea sandwiches, we only need the three sinks I mentioned above.

PVC is not allowed in a commercial setting; copper pipes and cast iron drains must be used.  This means that having the required sinks installed is going to be a much larger expense than we anticipated, but we are hopeful we'll find a way to make it work.  We are still in the process of studying code, working with plumbers, and town officials, but we'll keep you posted on our progress! 

NOTE to those preparing to become a tea room:  when preparing your budget, be sure to plan on a large expense for commercial plumbing.  Talk to commercial plumbers for an estimate in advance so there are no costly surprises.  Also, before buying any equipment, check with your town's board of health to determine what they will require (3-bay sinks must be a certain size, for example)

More soon!  Thanks for stopping by!

Wadsworth Mansion Wedding Show - We've been invited and will attend

Middletown, CT Sunday, February 24, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate in Middletown, CT is hosting their annual Wedding Show on Sunday, February 24, 2013. The Show will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The fee for guests will be $5.00 a person.

The Wedding Show has been designed to help brides plan their special day. There will be vendors representing different services, each of whom have worked at the Wadsworth Mansion and are familiar with designing unique weddings. There will be caterers, florists, photographers, videographers, rental companies, wedding cake bakers, as well as vendors who provide transportation and hotel accommodations in the area. A complete listing of participants can be found at http://www.wadsworthmansion.com/weddingshow.php. Please RSVP to events@wadsworthmansion.com or 860 347 1064.

Executive Director, Deborah Moore, stated that she is optimistic about the 2013 wedding season. For nearly half a decade she watched budgets shrink and last year she began to see brides splurging on embellishments for their weddings. "We began to see fabulous lighting packages being purchased by couples to enhance the ambiance, including fireworks. She is also encouraged by the number of couples looking at 2014 dates. "It won't be long before the Saturdays in the 2014 wedding season will be gone." 

"For planning unique and beautiful weddings the Wadsworth Mansion Wedding Show is the show to visit. The vendors represent the best in the industry and it is an enjoyable experience for brides," states Event Manager Anne Robida.

For more information call 860 347 1064.

Fancy That is thrilled to have been invited, and will attend this year at the Wedding Show at the Wadsworth Mansion.  Please stop by and say HI!  :)

Vintage Plate, Cup and Party Rental Photos

Fancy That's Shoppe was the site for a wonderful photo shoot by Cara Brostrom of Cara Brostrom Photography - a Boston based photographer.  (All photos courtesy of Cara Brostrom and Wonder Bliss Wedding Photography.)

The vintage china used in the shots are plates, cups and saucers, and vintage flatware in Fancy That's inventory....ready to rent. 

You can view more of the photos from the photoshoot here!

These shots capture the timeless beauty and elegance of the china, the atmosphere the vintage china creates, and the warmth.  Our signature rose (pink!  :)  ) crystal goblets pictured here, while not vintage, add a subtle, sublime color to any table setting. 

Fancy That's Shoppe, as the backdrop for the shoot, appears in a few shots here and there!  Stop by our Showroom and Shoppe in Walpole, MA to a first-hand view of the pristine vintage china - no shabby china or flatware here!  :)

Thanks for stopping by!