WELCOME TO SALON DE VIE

Because your life story is worth telling


SALON DE VIE is a guided twelve-week creative journey hosted in elegant venues around Stockholm, where small groups of seniors gather weekly to reflect, write, and celebrate the stories of their lives in an atmosphere of connection, curiosity, and care.

Weekly gatherings
Daytime sessions
Supportive groups
Expert writing guidance
Central venue locations

12

Partner Venues
Premium cafés and elegant restaurants across Stockholm

12

Salons per Season
Four seasons of creativity and camaraderie per year

12

Guests per Group
Small inspiring circles where you can share ideas and make new friends

Your life. Your words. Your legacy.

The Salons

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.

Your Host & Guide at SALON DE VIE

Because your life story is worth telling

[headshot] image of customer sharing feedback (for a environmental conservation nonprofit)
Karyn McGettigan
Founder & Salonnière

I am a Stockholm-based writer and communications specialist with a Master of Arts in French Language & Literature. As a dix-huitiémiste (a specialist in 18th-century France), I have long been drawn to the idea of salons: intimate circles where people gather to share ideas 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.

Stories Connect Us All

Stories Shared, Lives Enriched

For whom are the salons?

Our salons welcome anyone eager to share their stories — especially seniors who want to reflect, connect, and put their memories into words.

What is a session like?

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 as much as you do.

Is writing experience required?

No experience is needed. These Salons are for everyone. The focus is on expression, conversation, community, and enjoying the journey together.

How do I join a Salon?

Register for a Salon or purchase a gift card for someone special. Just email karyn@salondevie.se, and we’ll help you get started on your creative adventure.

May I give SALON DE VIE as a gift?
Yes. Many adult children and grandchildren give a salon as a meaningful alternative to traditional presents. SALON DE VIE offers regular company, beautiful surroundings, a chance to share memories, and make new friends.

Let’s connect

SALON DE VIE x Tösse Bageriet
 
Private Preview Launch & Semla Premiär

Join us at Tösse Bageriet for a celebratory morning to open the very first SALON DE VIE season at one of Stockholm's most iconic cafés.
Converse, connect, and shape your stories into words while savouring the first semlor of the year.
Tuesday 13 January 2026 · 10:00–12:00

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Contact SALON DE VIE

Please feel free to reach out anytime if you would like answers to your questions, help with registering, or more information about our Salons.

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