SALON DE VIE is a fun and inspiring guided eight-week creative journey hosted in elegant venues around Stockholm, where small groups of seniors gather weekly to talk, share, and celebrate the stories of their lives. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and allows each guest to feel seen, heard, and valued. Guests are encouraged to bring a journal or writing pad with them, so they can jot down ideas, memories, or stories they would like to preserve, share, or reflect upon later.
Writing allows us to live life twice. Reading what we've written allows us to live again and again
SALON DE VIE is proud to collaborate with twelve Venue Partners, each hosting a Salon. Come and enjoy enlightening conversation over delicious creations in some of Stockholm’s most celebrated settings.
Karyn McGettigan
I am a Stockholm-based writer and communications specialist with a Master of Arts in French Language & Literature. As a specialist in 18th-century France, I have long been drawn to the idea of salons: intimate circles where people meet to share thoughts and stories.
I graduated from the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Broadcast Journalism and Media Communications, and I have worked as a journalist in both Canada and Europe. Since 2010, I have also had the privilege of working as an International Correspondent with the Foreign Press Association of Sweden. I am a published author, translator, and editor, and over the years I have edited, translated, and contributed to more than fifteen books. My writing has been translated into eight languages, and I wrote Pathfinders: In Their Own Words, a collection of life stories from 21 of the most inspirational people who graduated from the Stockholm School of Economics.
Over the years, I have had the honour of interviewing people from many walks of life: including world leaders, captains of industry, Olympic athletes, and cultural figures. Some of the journalists I most admire and respect have said that I am never afraid to ask the right questions and that I can gently pull out the heart of anyone’s life experience. I receive this kind of praise with gratitude, and I credit those who taught me the power of listening and the importance of not being afraid to write the truth.
Interviewing people and writing their life stories has convinced me that we all have stories worth telling — and many of us simply need a gentle, guiding hand to help us find the words. SALON DE VIE grew out of my desire to create a warm, dynamic place in some of Stockholm’s most beautiful venues, where guests are welcome to connect over delicious food, share their thoughts and ideas, and let their stories live on forever.
Why I created SALON DE VIE
Listening to people—and helping shape their life stories—has convinced me that we all have stories worth telling. Many of us simply need a gentle, guiding hand to help us find the words.
SALON DE VIE grew from my wish to create a warm, dynamic space in some of Stockholm’s most beautiful venues, where seniors are welcome to connect over delicious food, share thoughts and ideas, and let their stories live on.
Our international Salons are English-led and Swedish-friendly. You are always welcome to write in the language closest to your heart.
Our salons welcome anyone eager to share their stories — especially seniors who want to reflect, connect, and put their memories into words. The focus is on expression, conversation, community, and enjoying the journey together.
Each gathering is guided by a friendly host who will inspire group conversations. Enjoy meaningful moments in an elegant restaurant or a cozy café, surrounded by others who love stories and ideas as much as you do.
Register for a Salon or purchase a gift card for someone special. No experience is needed. These Salons are for everyone. Click Join a Salon above and simply fill in the short form. I will reply with upcoming Salon options and help you get started on your creative adventure.
Yes, absolutely! Why not give SALON DE VIE to your friends, so they can join you in the fun? Also, many adult children and grandchildren give a salon as a meaningful alternative to traditional presents. If SALON DE VIE existed in Canada, I would certainly give it as a gift to my parents. How wonderful it would be to offer the people you love a weekly ritual to which they can look forward: regular company, inspiring conversation, delicious food, and beautiful surroundings! SALON DE VIE is a way to share memories, meet new people, and make new friends.
Upcoming events are posted here.
Please feel free to reach out anytime if you would like answers to your questions, help with registering, or more information about our Salons. Jag ser fram emot att prata med dig.
