Discover the Magic of Trés Jolie: The Perfect Setting for Date with a Trope

Some venues simply host an event. Others become part of the story. Nestled in the heart of Muldersdrift, Trés Jolie Boutique Hotel is more than just a beautiful venue—it’s a destination where elegance, nature, and timeless charm come together. On 29 August, it will become the enchanting home of Date with a Trope, transforming into an Alice in Wonderland-inspired world where readers, authors, and storytellers gather for an unforgettable literary afternoon. A Hidden Gem in Muldersdrift Surrounded by lush gardens, towering trees, and tranquil pathways, Trés Jolie offers an atmosphere that feels wonderfully removed from the bustle of city life. The moment you arrive, you’re welcomed by peaceful surroundings that invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in the experience. It’s easy to imagine Alice herself wandering through these beautiful grounds, discovering curious corners and unexpected wonders along the way. A Venue Made for Wonderland The whimsical beauty of Trés Jolie makes it the perfect setting for an Alice in Wonderland celebration. Its picturesque gardens, charming architecture, and elegant indoor spaces provide the ideal backdrop for our themed décor, creating an experience that feels as though you’ve stepped straight into the pages of a beloved storybook. Every pathway, every garden corner, and every beautifully decorated space becomes part of the adventure. A Paradise for Book Lovers At Date with a Trope, you’ll spend the afternoon surrounded by books, authors, and fellow readers while enjoying everything this stunning venue has to offer. Imagine strolling through beautiful gardens with a newly signed novel in hand, discovering unique bookish treasures from our vendors, chatting with your favourite authors, and capturing magical photos in a setting that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. Whether you’re attending with friends, your book club, or on your own, Trés Jolie offers countless spaces to relax, explore, and enjoy every moment. The Perfect Place to Make Memories One of the greatest joys of any literary event is the memories you create. Trés Jolie provides endless opportunities for beautiful photographs, quiet conversations, and unforgettable experiences. From elegant walkways to blooming gardens and charming outdoor spaces, every corner feels like the perfect backdrop for your next favourite photo. Bring your camera—or simply your phone—and prepare to capture moments you’ll treasure long after the day is over. An Afternoon of Relaxation Unlike busy convention centres or crowded exhibition halls, Trés Jolie offers a relaxed and intimate atmosphere where you can truly enjoy your time. Take a break with light refreshments, browse the bookish vendors at your own pace, meet incredible authors, and spend the afternoon surrounded by people who share your love of stories. It’s an experience designed to be enjoyed, not rushed. Why We Chose Trés Jolie When planning Date with a Trope, we wanted a venue that felt magical from the moment guests arrived. We weren’t simply looking for a function hall—we wanted a place that could transport readers into another world. Trés Jolie offered exactly that. Its natural beauty, elegant surroundings, welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional setting perfectly capture the spirit of Alice in Wonderland and everything Date with a Trope represents: imagination, curiosity, adventure, and the joy of discovering something extraordinary. Join Us at Trés Jolie Whether you’re coming to meet your favourite authors, discover new books, browse unique bookish goodies, or simply enjoy a magical afternoon with fellow readers, Trés Jolie Boutique Hotel provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to welcome you through the gates and into our very own Wonderland. Venue: Trés Jolie Boutique Hotel, Muldersdrift Date: Saturday, 29 August Tickets: R600 per person – On sale now This isn’t just another book event. It’s a journey into Wonderland, and it all begins at Trés Jolie.
What’s Inside Your Wonderland Goodie Bag?

One of the questions we’ve been asked the most is: “What’s in the goodie bag?” We’re delighted to finally give you a glimpse into the magical surprises waiting for every guest at Date with a Trope. Inspired by the curious world of Alice in Wonderland, each goodie bag has been carefully curated to celebrate readers, writers, creativity, and imagination. Please note that all goodies are subject to availability, so exact designs or colours may vary—but every bag will be filled with Wonderland-inspired charm. Wonderland Library Cards Every great adventure begins with a library card. You’ll receive beautifully designed Wonderland Public Library cards, perfect for use as bookmarks, journaling accessories, or keepsakes. These vintage-inspired cards are sure to delight every book lover. Book Annotation Kit For readers who love highlighting favourite quotes and unforgettable moments, your annotation kit includes: Whether you’re annotating your latest fantasy romance or your favourite classic, you’ll have everything you need to make your reading experience even more magical. Alice in Wonderland Playing Cards Take home a charming deck of Wonderland-themed playing cards, perfect for reader games, collecting, or adding a whimsical touch to your bookshelf. Mad Hatter Collectible No Wonderland adventure would be complete without the Mad Hatter. A delightful collectible figure brings one of Wonderland’s most beloved characters to life and makes a wonderful keepsake long after the event has ended. Romance Road Sign Every reader has a favourite destination. Our exclusive “Romance Rd” miniature sign is a fun addition to your bookshelf, reading nook, or writing desk—a little reminder that every great story begins with a journey. Fairy Dust Bottle Add a little magic to your shelf with a colourful bottle of Wonderland Fairy Dust. Because every reader deserves a sprinkle of enchantment. Vintage Wonderland Key Could it unlock the door to Wonderland? Perhaps… This beautiful antique-style decorative key is inspired by Alice’s search for the tiny door leading to an extraordinary world. It makes a lovely keepsake or decorative addition to your bookshelf. 3D Secret Book Box One of the most exciting goodies is our 3D printed Alice-inspired book box. Designed to look like a storybook, it opens to reveal a hidden compartment—perfect for storing jewellery, bookmarks, notes, or tiny treasures. It’s both practical and a beautiful display piece for any bookshelf. Wonderland Signed Book Your goodie bag also includes a beautifully wrapped Wonderland-themed–paper, sealed and decorated with vintage-inspired details. Inside, you may discover special surprises waiting to be revealed. More Magical Surprises And that’s not all… There may also be additional bookish treats, decorative keepsakes, and exclusive surprises hidden inside your bag. We don’t want to spoil every secret—after all, Wonderland is full of delightful surprises. Every Ticket Includes a Goodie Bag Your Date with a Trope ticket includes one exclusive Wonderland goodie bag filled with carefully selected treasures celebrating books, reading, and imagination. Each item has been chosen to make your day even more memorable and to give you something special to take home after the event. Because the best adventures shouldn’t end when you leave. Please Note Goodie bag contents are subject to availability. While some items may vary in style, colour, or design, every bag is carefully curated to provide a magical and memorable experience for every guest. We can’t wait for you to open your bag and discover the little pieces of Wonderland waiting inside.
Welcome to Date with a Trope: An Alice in Wonderland Bookish Experience

The rabbit hole is open… and you’re invited. Whether you’re a passionate reader searching for your next favourite novel, an author eager to meet fellow book lovers, or a vendor bringing unique literary treasures to life, we’d like to warmly welcome you to Date with a Trope—an unforgettable Alice in Wonderland-inspired bookish event taking place on 29 August at the breathtaking Trés Jolie Boutique Hotel. Prepare to step into a world where stories come alive, friendships are forged over shared books, and every corner holds a little bit of Wonderland magic. A Celebration of Books and Imagination Date with a Trope was created with one goal in mind—to celebrate the incredible community that exists between readers, authors, and creators. This isn’t simply a book signing. It’s an immersive literary experience where you can spend the afternoon surrounded by beautiful Wonderland décor, discover exciting new books, meet talented South African authors, browse unique bookish products, and make memories with people who love stories just as much as you do. Whether fantasy is your escape, romance is your comfort, thrillers keep you turning pages, or historical fiction captures your imagination, you’ll find something waiting for you here. Meet Incredible Authors Throughout the day you’ll have the opportunity to meet a wonderful lineup of authors representing a variety of genres. Chat with them about their books, ask questions about their writing journeys, and have your favourite novels personally signed. There’s nothing quite like putting a face to the stories you’ve fallen in love with—or discovering a new favourite author you’ll be reading for years to come. A Warm Welcome to Our Vendors We’re also thrilled to welcome our incredible vendors, whose creativity helps bring this magical experience to life. From handcrafted bookish merchandise and literary gifts to unique collectibles and reader accessories, our vendors offer treasures that every book lover will want to take home. We encourage you to explore every table—you never know what Wonderland-inspired gem you’ll discover. The Perfect Wonderland Setting Few venues capture the spirit of this event quite like Trés Jolie Boutique Hotel. With its lush gardens, elegant architecture, charming pathways, and enchanting atmosphere, Trés Jolie feels as though it was made for an Alice in Wonderland celebration. It’s the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon surrounded by books, laughter, and magical moments. Bring your camera—you’ll find plenty of beautiful spots for unforgettable photos throughout the day. Goodie Bags, Refreshments and Magical Moments Every guest will receive a specially curated Wonderland-themed goodie bag filled with delightful bookish surprises. Throughout the afternoon, you’ll also enjoy light refreshments while browsing the event, meeting authors, shopping with vendors, and soaking up the enchanting atmosphere. It’s an afternoon designed to celebrate stories, creativity, and the joy of reading. Tickets Are On Sale Now! Tickets are officially available for R600 per person. Your ticket includes: We Can’t Wait to Welcome You Whether this is your very first book event or you’ve attended many before, we hope you’ll join us for an afternoon filled with laughter, imagination, and unforgettable memories. Dust off your favourite Wonderland-inspired outfit if you feel like embracing the theme, bring your reading list, and prepare to discover your next favourite book. The White Rabbit is waiting… Date: Saturday, 29 August Venue: Trés Jolie Boutique Hotel Tickets: R600 per person – Now on Sale! Come for the books. Stay for the magic. Leave with stories you’ll never forget.