A magical November retreat on Ærø, November 7th-9th 2025
Do you dream of a peaceful, creative, and heartwarming start to the holiday
season?
Treat yourself to a magical Christmas retreat on the scenic island of Ærø - two days
filled with calm, creativity, and festive inspiration. Here, you’ll unplug, immerse
yourself in timeless traditions, and prepare for the winter season in beautiful,
tranquil surroundings.
The Christmas Getaway at Gravendal is for those who love creativity, nature,
delicious food, and cozy company. Together we’ll fold delicate paper ornaments,
make Advent wreaths from recycled textiles, and create paper prints and
beautiful decorations from natural materials. And of course, we’ll make Christmas
confectionery: a Nordic version of the Bûche de Noël, decorated like a miniature
forest floor.
We have planned four workshops, each designed to give you new knowledge,
hands-on inspiration, and something special to take home. By the end, you’ll leave
with ornaments, wreath, handmade cards, confections, taste experiences, and
inspiration - ready to step into the Christmas season in a meaningful and joyful
way.
YOU WILL GET:
• Two nights at the historic Gravendal farmhouse
• Full board with homemade meals prepared from seasonal, local ingredients
• Christmas drinks, snacks, and treats
• Teaching and creative workshops
• All materials for paper ornaments, wreath, printing, decorations, and the
Bûche de Noël
Price per person in shared double room: DKK 4,500 / € 600
Price per person in single room: DKK 5,500 / € 735
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Mette Meldgaard – Chef, baker, food enthusiast & nature guide
Mette runs Gravendal and has, since 2020, opened the farmhouse doors to guests
seeking togetherness, tranquility, and authentic flavors in natural surroundings. With
a background in the hospitality industry, she creates unique food experiences with
a focus on seasonal produce and foraged herbs. She is known for her warm
hospitality, her passion for Ærø’s nature, and her ability to create spaces where
guests feel both at home - and thoroughly cared for.
Anette Eckmann - Creative mind, inspirer & Christmas enthusiast
With 40 years of experience as a trendspotter, stylist, lecturer, and cookbook
author, Anette is a well-known and beloved figure in the Danish lifestyle world. She
has shaped countless styling and trend concepts in Denmark and internationally
and has a special talent for making Nordic traditions relevant in a contemporary
way. Christmas holds a unique place in her heart - you will feel it when she shares
her deep knowledge and passion for creativity, aesthetics, and craftsmanship.
Pernille Folcarelli - Nature lover, designer & guide in creative processes
Pernille is a trained designer working with graphic prints, crafts, and teaching with
a focus on nature’s forms and materials. Through her own brand, she creates calm,
sensory expressions that invite reflection and presence. With extensive experience
as an instructor and a deep respect for the positive mental effects of
craftsmanship, she guides you safely through creative processes that foster peace,
focus, and inspiration.
ABOUT GRAVENDAL
With sweeping views over Marstal Bay lies the beautiful historic Gravendal
farmhouse, dating back to the 18th century. Since 2020, Mette has welcomed
guests here for overnight stays, retreats, dinners, and guided nature experiences.
At Gravendal, past and present come together in perfect harmony.
Give yourself the gift of a magical start to Christmas. Spaces are limited – book
now and look forward to a retreat unlike any other.
PROGRAM:
FRIDAY 7.11.
16.00 – 17.30 Arrival and check-in at Gravendal
17.30 – 18.30 Welcome and dinner
19.00 – 21.00 Workshop: Paper folding ornaments
21.00 Gløgg and snacks
SATURDAY 8.11.
9.00 – 10.00 Breakfast
10.00 – 12.30 Workshop: Advent wreath made of textiles, inspired by old Nordic
milking wreaths
12.30 – 13.30 Lunch
13.30 – 14.30 Nature walk and collection of nature´s materials
14.30 – 17.00 Workshop: Plant printing on paper and Christmas decorations from
natural materials
18.30 – 20.30 Christmas dinner
Evening: Open studio to continue creative projects
SUNDAY 9.11.
9.00 – 10.30 Breakfast and check-out
10.30 – 12.30 Workshop: Christmas confection - Nordic Buche de Nöel
12.30 – 13.30 Lunch and farewell
MORE ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS
Paper folding
For Pernille, paper folding is a beloved Christmas tradition and a way to relax and
recharge. Over the years, she has explored folding as both festive preparation and
mental unwinding. When the hands work with paper, the mind slows down, stress
melts away, and a state of creative “flow” takes over, while beautiful ornaments
emerge. Pernille draws on craft psychology - the theory of how handicrafts and
creativity positively affect health and well-being.
Come and experience it for yourself.
Advent wreath of textile remnants
Inspired by history, we transform the 19th-century milking wreath into a modern
Advent symbol. Traditionally made from straw or cloth and worn by dairymaids to
balance buckets on their heads, the wreath is given new life - wrapped in
patterned fabric and finished with candles and greenery.
Anette first created this idea as a way to use her treasured fabric remnants, each
small piece carrying memories of heirlooms or favorite garments. Now, those
scraps come together in a unique Advent wreath.
Bring your own personal fabrics if you wish - we will also provide a selection. Learn
how to choose, combine, and sew your wreath. Finally, it is completed with four
candle holders and a touch of greenery.
Plant printing and natural decorations
We begin outdoors, gathering branches, cones, spruce, leaves, and berries. These
become the materials for two projects: simple yet striking plant prints on paper - for
Christmas cards and gift tags, and charming small wreaths and ornaments.
Pernille will guide you in the technique of plant printing, while Anette shares ideas
for natural decorations. The result is one-of-a-kind cards and handmade
ornaments that will make your Christmas gifts truly unforgettable.
Nordic Buche de Nöel
No Christmas without sweets! In Anette’s home, her Bûche de Noël has become a
treasured family tradition - a moment where all generations gather to create
something festive and delicious.
Traditionally, the French cake resembles a log, but here we give it a Nordic twist: a
confection-style version coated in chocolate and decorated like a forest floor,
complete with delicate, edible details.
Each workshop is designed to give you both knowledge and creative joy - and
something tangible to take home, infused with presence, tradition, and a festive
spirit.
SIGN UP by sending an e-mail to mail@pernillefolcarelli.dk
