It’s been more than two months since the Norway workshop at Melgården with Krissy, Liv, Kati and Sam. After workshops and travel, I need a lot of time to digest before I can write about the experience. There’s just so much to take in, so many new experiences and friendships, resulting in so many memories and photos to edit.
Last time we visited Melgården was back in December. Needless to say, it looked completely different then, all covered in snow. This time, everything was lush and green (perhaps a little brown and beige too from the lack of rain) and instead, the lilacs were blooming and there was heaps of rhubarb in Live’s garden.
Our journey began in Sweden, with our van filled to the brim with food, cameras, props and fresh herbs and flowers from Liv’s garden. We had a 5-6 hour drive ahead of us so of course we took every opportunity to stop at random flea markets on the way. One of them was absolutely lovely and I found some great things, like the cake stand from my previous post.
We arrived a few days ahead of the guests to prepare everything – Bake cakes, make pie dough, pick rhubarb and flowers, set tables and make sure everything was in order. We stayed at a nearby farm hotel, Søndre løsset, which was so charming, set in the most peaceful location.
I had an unexpected challenge at this workshop, the sun was shining all the time. And I’m not talking about how the sun never really set (which is also the case), no, I mean the sun was out all day every day! That’s lovely and all, but for outside photography in the middle of the day? Not so much.
We greeted our guests Hazel, Aniek, Birgitte, Kiri, Didi, Ida, Stefania, Andreea, Eileen and Sarah with welcome drinks in the greenhouse. You could already tell that this group consisted of the most fantastic women. Really, we couldn’t have asked for a better group! Thank you to each and everyone of you.
Liv prepared the most amazing dinner as always. She has a way with food that is so special. To me, she is a true genius. It’s very interesting watching her work in the kitchen, she’s like a whirlwind. Suddenly there is the most incredibly looking AND tasting food, with an accompanied mess of course! As there should be with true geniuses. 😉
The days are a bit of a blur, in the best way possible, but to sum it up they consisted of floral demos, pie demos, blowing out candle-demos, an amazing lunch set in a nearby field prepared by Kati and Sam, picnics in the garden, lightroom demos, talks about social media, a few glasses of wine here and there and a goodbye dinner made by Krissy (with the best pea soup ever). And I’m pretty sure I forgot half of it. Oh, and there was so much cake! Hopefully we all got back home with our hearts and bellies full, our skin slightly sunburned and with a lot of mosquito bites.
A huge thank you to our partners for this workshop, it wouldn’t have been possible without you!
Tine K (Website / Instagram) – for all the wonderful flatware, vases, pitchers, baskets and serving platters. They made our table settings look fantastic!
Magic Linen (Website / Instagram) – for the beautiful linens, napkins and table cloths. The most gorgeous selection of colors too!
Matchaeologist (Website / Instagram) – for the delicious matcha for our guests. I used it for the matcha cake too and it turned out so great. The best matcha I’ve tried!
Grain & Knot (Website / Instagram) – for the beautiful hand carved spoons and utensils. We loved them so much!
Pärlans Konfektyr (Website / Instagram) – for the lovely chocolate caramel boxes for our guests. Both beautiful and delicious! Make sure to to go there if you’re ever in Stockholm.
Sinikkaharms Ceramics (Website / Instagram) – for the gorgeous ceramics you provided us with. They made everything look amazing!
Schlafzimmer einrichten says
Really wonderful Fotos and a very interesting Report, the tarts and pies are looking really delicous.
Kind regrads, Gerda
linda says
Thank you so much Gerda!! xx
saltandserenity says
Sounds like an incredible workshop. I’d love to hear more about how you tamed the sun. I am also fascinated by the blowing out the candle demo. Perhaps you’d like to write a post about that!
linda says
Thank you so much for your kind words! And thank you for your suggestions, actually sounds like great topics 🙂 I might actually do that! I’d love to know what people would like to see more of, photography tips and tricks? More recipes? Anyway, thank you again for your kind comment!
María says
I love sink my head -and my eyes, all the way- in your stories, your pics and the way you tell your experiences… This workshop seems like dream vacations to me…I know you already have been in Spain, but, I hope maybe We’ll can have you here again. I’ve enjoyed so much this post!!
linda says
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind comment, María! Totally made my day 🙂 We’d love for you to join us one day, and who knows, maybe there will be another workshop in Spain? x
Thea says
Incredible and wonderful workshop ??
linda says
Thank you Thea!!
Sarah Hemsley says
Only Just catching up with this Linda! Beautiful images. You’ve really captured the essence of the retreat. Such a wonderfully inspiring week with you all. That hot summer seems like such a long time ago now! happy memories. xxx
linda says
Thank you so much, Sarah! Such good times we had, seems like forever ago… and summer too! Hope you’re doing well xx