Friday 7 August 2015

A Taste of Sweden - Simple Swedish Style

A simple vase of flowers at Grassagarden



There is so much to enjoy and to explore in Sweden.  On a sunny day, the water sparkles in the strong, clear, clean light, the days are endless, the sunsets memorable.  

But what I also love is the Swedish sense of style which perfectly suits the Swedish climate and the strong light.  So simple but so beautiful.  




We arrived on the small island of Rastaholm on Lake Malaren to find that it was barbecue night at the Rastaholm Inn.  The freshly-caught barbecued sea bream was quite simply one of the most delicious meals I have ever eaten, served with a selection of freshly prepared salads, a cold glass of white wine and finished off with a delicious coffee served with a glass of warmed rum and chocolate truffles and fresh berries.  There was live music and later we took to the dance floor...


Table Decorations, Rastaholm Inn, Lake Malaren
The morning after the storm that brought us to the town of Strangnas on the shores of Lake Malaren was my husband's birthday and luckily the day was fine and clear, so we spent the morning exploring the town.  We came across the pretty Cafe Grassagarden which dates from the 17th century and used to be an inn. 





 The interior was just as charming and I loved the windows.  I have a big love affair with Swedish windows.








Another favourite spot on the mainland is the KutterKonfect, a lovely shop and cafe in the town of Trosa not far from Stockholm.  The speciality is chocolate-covered marzipan, the presentation is amazing and the temptation is huge!



10 comments:

  1. It all looks wonderful and the food 'out of this world.' Everything looks so fresh and clean, what a fabulous holiday.

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    1. Fresh and clean is very Swedish. We certainly see it all differently, the way we do it.

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  2. Marianne, I hope that you might still have more photographs from Sweden to share with us. I agree with your in your appreciation of the Swedish style of simplicity where every element of the design must count. The aspect of natural light throughout the year obviously plays a big part.

    Those dramatic white window surrounds set in the deep read building facades really are wonderful.

    Also wonderful that you found some fine cafes. And all that special marzipan has made me envious of that particular stop in your journey.

    xo

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    1. The light in Sweden is so much stronger and brighter than the more muted UK and the style they have evolved there suits it so well but does not necessarily translate here. The red painted buildings are typical of Sweden and they are stunning. There are some gorgeous cafes and restaurants too and we certainly made the most of them!

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  3. Oh, you really have me hankering for a visit to the Baltic countries. Love the clarity that comes through in those images, a kind of definition through colour and light, simplicity . . .

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    1. Exactly! The light in the UK is much more muted and this look doesn't always work here, but I do love it.

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  4. Hi Marianne,

    So enjoyed my stroll around the pretty and pastoral splendour of Sweden's Rastaholm. From the barn red facades and floral charm, to the exquisite dining experience, and the serenity of this island, it all looks and sounds idyllic!

    Happy Birthday to your hubby!

    xo
    Poppy

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    1. So glad you enjoyed the journey Poppy - and you missed out all the bad bits too - not bad!

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  5. just like you, I am a huge fan of the beautiful Swedish style. I am so pleased that the weather turned nice for your husband's birthday and what special surroundings in which to spend it.

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    1. Now I'm wondering how I can use it here at home... It was very special, Ann

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