Shopping with the pros

Cathy and Peter Bullen are well practised at buying antiques and vintage pieces from Provences flea markets. Here, Cathy talks to Katie Pike and shares her top tips...

- Katie Pike

As a former ballet dancer, Cathy Bullen knows a thing or two about the importance of a well-designed stage set. All of which is evident at the thrice-yearly Boule-in Fêtes that she and husband Peter co-host at their home in Suffolk. For each event, Cathy selects the themes and designs a series of beautiful room sets, while Peter is the chief boss when it comes to all things practical', she explains.

Each pop-up fête is staged across various outbuildings including a greenhouse, barn and garage and the themes change with every event: 1920s French Riviera for last summer, and a forest glade and 1950s garage this Easter.