Hello friends! I had such a great time in Berlin this weekend! The weather, the hotel, the people, the party, even the Russian disco we went to later on for a little fun — it was all such a fantastic adventure. It feels great to begin a new week with such a warm heart – thank you to my many friends and guests for making my German interiors book, Lust auf Wohnen, launch party at the Soho House in Berlin such an amazing event but also to the many, many bloggers who attended – oh my goodness, what a crowd of stylish, warm and chatty people!
I thought I’d share some highlights from my day captured so brilliantly by photographer Sina Preikschat. The amazing Miss Sina not only shot photos at our photo wall, but she took all of the others shown below that I think came out super nice. I also loved how she managed to stay somewhat invisible as she worked and also how comfortable all of our guests felt having their photo taken. Thank you Sina, you’re a star…
Above you can see my guests arriving downstairs at the Soho House Berlin to check in and claim their goody bags sponsored by Etsy (with a special thanks to Emily and Matt) along with some decor8 contributions from my friends Snug Studio, Enna, luzia pimpinella, Formes Berlin via Sommerfugl and Ferm Living who supplied some items for me to decorate the room with and who sponsored our fun giveaway. Also in the bag, journals supplied by Callwey Verlag for taking notes.
Caroline Ditting (from Callwey) and I are shown above. She helped me enormously to plan this event and did a super great job. Thank you Caroline! Here we are preparing a table to decorate with shiny things, candles, balloons and eventually, cupcakes – yummy, delicious cupcakes.
Speaking before a very full house.
There I am with uber gorgeous Steffi Luxat who is the top queen blog friend of mine who also happens to be a big shot at Brigitte magazine and helped me plan (and afford!) this special event because Brigitte was the top dog uber sponsor who threw in a chunk of cash to cover an open bar and a posh space like Soho House, not to mention a pro photographer and beautiful balloons. To see Germany’s top lifestyle magazine for women support me in this way is absolutely, positively wonderful. I love how they “get” the blogging community and how much they invest in reaching out to not just me, but the many fabulous people who author blogs. Steffi, thank you so much for being part of this event and for your friendship!
My amazingly sweet guests made me laugh and put a smile on my face throughout the day. PEOPLE make any event and I’m so happy the “snob factor” didn’t exist here – everyone was warm, approachable and very smiley and open-minded and stylish, too!
Loot bags filled with goodies that have gorgeous pine trees screen-printed onto them.
We had some VIP seating so I made seat tags for those guests – mostly my sponsors, volunteers and very good friends.
A full house…
My guest book along with other goodies for guests to enjoy.
Caroline Ditting speaking for Callwey Verlag, the publisher of my book here in Germany.
Juliane
Oh the cupcakes were divine!
Sharmaine, me and Jack. They are both from Dialogue Books in Berlin. They brought some copies of the book to be sold during my event and helped me with some party planning, too. If anyone wants a German signed copy, you can email them and they’ll ship one to you. sharmaine AT dialoguebooks.org is the lady to ask.
Caroline with Steffi and my good friend Anne who not only helped me set up but who gave everyone either her illustrated postcards or rubber stamps from the Enna shop.
Lutz and me. He has enough charm and energy to fill an empty room. What an authentic, witty and caring person. So glad to know you, Lutz!
Clara, Anette + Gabi
Left: Marlene / Right: Steffi and Matt Stinchcomb from Etsy being silly. I was so honored to meet Matt in person after knowing him online for 6 years now.
Left: Kathrin / Right: Anna-Maria who owns Fraulein Wild, a lovely cafe in Berlin where we ate Sunday morning. She is so adorable and bakes wonderfully!
Left: / brigitte / Right: andrea +bettina
Need I say more? Nom nom nom.
Me and the Dialogue Books gang.
Steffi giving her speech about how bloggers can work with magazines like Brigitte. I love this photo of her because with the intensity in her eyes she looks like she is singing!
The Brigitte magazine girls and Matt Stinchcomb from Etsy – all were my fab sponsors. Without them, none of this would have happened. I’m forever grateful.
It’s fun to be silly at your own book launch, you know? Why be serious when you can live life and have a ball!
Left: Didem / Right: Laura
Every single girl had a crush on this guy after he spoke. He has tons of charm and is very intelligent and witty. I also think it’s the floppy hair, girls really dig that longish floppy hair. Matt sparkles when he speaks. People like to think Etsy is mega popular because it’s a great online marketplace but I think chicks just dig Matt. Don’t believe me? I had at least 10 people come up to me after he spoke and said, “I’m reopening my Etsy shop now that I saw Matt!” and the stars in their eyes totally spelled out: CRUSHING majorly on the Mattster.
When Matt spoke, people smiled, laughed and listened.
See what I mean? In blue is my co-author Joanna Copestick who flew in from London and in green is the adorable artist and blogger Stephanie Levy.
See what I mean about loving to hear Matt speak?
Oh yes, Matt worked the crowd.
At one point he asked, “Who thinks I’m totally dreamy?” and here is the reaction. No, just kidding. This was actually when I was speaking as I love to ask questions when I speak or else I feel like everyone will fall asleep.
Ladies bonding on a very sweet plush sofa that I wanted to carry home with me.
Oh yes, and the book. We came for that too.
Fun to see my guests peeking in on Lust auf Wohnen! Go book go! Work it!
Very sweet ladies that I felt honored to meet.
Lutz and me acting silly.
Oh hello pretty lady…
Brigitte had the sweetest personality and the most incredible red hair.
Left: Lenka + Nadja, Right: Rieke + Ricarda
Dorolos Wally from klienFORMAT magazine who not only flew in from Vienna but who so generously GAVE everyone a copy of her self made magazine seen chatting here with my friend Anne.
I didn’t get to meet this guest, anyone want to shout him out? I’d love to know!
Lovely Steffi.
Me, Jack and Sharmaine.
Caroline Ditting
Right: Valerie + Donna / Left: Marlene + Steffi
Maren + Lola
Left: Elizabeth Rushe who looks like a double of Florence and the Machine / Right: Anna-Maria Wild and Steffi
Hamburg girls
Left: Lutz, me / Right: Stephanie Levy + Eleanor from EM Papers. These lovely ladies came all the way up from Munich, loved having them!
Eleanor and Theresa Neubauer.
left: ricarda, steffi, rieke / right: nicola
Left: Steffi and Lutz / Right: Andrea
Didem Strebe + Olivia Tänzer
I want to thank EVERYONE for coming out – I couldn’t believe how many people we had and to think we only could take 50% of those who RSVP’d – whoa, this tells me there is a lot of blogger interest here in Germany so Brigitte and I are putting our heads together for possibly another event this winter so stay tuned!
A big thank you to all who sponsored this event – I’m so grateful to have all of you in my corner and to call you my friends!
To see many more photos in a slideshow, click here.
(photos: Sina Preikschat.)
November 14th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
oh, this looks so fantastic…wonderful…absolutly incredible…i´m so glad for you that you had such a perfect day in Berlin…so sad that i couldn´t come there, too…but amazing shots…so much fun…i can feel the creativity there…what a wonderful event…i hope the next time i could manage it, too…uh…don´t want to miss the next one…a big hug for you and enjoy the emotions after this big party…yeah, Holly…Germany likes you…;)…all the best and hope we see us again…take care…cheers…i…
frauheuberg´s last [type] ..Monday lunch break with the new issue of a little relish
November 14th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Looks like a wonderful time! Fun pictures!
November 14th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Seems like a great time – and I wouldn´t mind the cupcakes! :-)
tinajo´s last [type] ..… and the Monday is soon done.
November 14th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
The German blogosphere has been all abuzz with how fantastic this launch party was, so major congrats to all involved! I’ll definitely be looking forward to more info about the Hamburg event!
Juliette´s last [type] ..Trying something different: 4 Things I’ve learned
November 14th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Aw wow looks like you had a great time! Congrats! The party looks like it was a great success! And those cupcakes look delish! :)
Barbara´s last [type] ..OFF THE WALL CLOSETS
November 14th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Great photos! Looks like a great fun time. I want one of those cupcakes :-). You are right that is a very stylish group of people.
November 14th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
What a gorgeous space and looks at all of those people, how exciting! I hope you brought some of those cute balloons home with you.
Steffi has amazing style, that blazer is so cool. I’m sure Matt will turn beet red when he reads this. :)
michelle´s last [type] ..Service with Grace
November 14th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Your book launch party in Berlin was a true highlight of the year Holly! I loved meeting you and you are such a beautiful, charming, witty person! I can’t wait to attend your next event, and it was such a pleasure to be a part of this :) Big hugs from Munich! xoxo
Stephanie´s last [type] ..A fresh Munich neighborhood walk + lots of news
November 14th, 2011 at 8:13 pm
Wow! Looks like you guys had loads of fun! And those pink balloons? Love them!
Tori´s last [type] ..Learning a new skill: Embroidery
November 14th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
what a great chance to be there. You look amazing…
November 14th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Oh wow! It looks like it was such a ball! SO happy you had such a great time hunnie and you look absolutely gorgeous! So proud of you and you deserve every single lovely thing! :)
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last [type] ..Monday monday
November 14th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
I can’t help but smile while looking at those super happy pics. What a wonderful event! What a pity I couldn’t make it up to Berlin. But next time I am SO in again!! Hugs from Munich, Igor xoxo
Igor´s last [type] ..From Place To Space: Canada
November 14th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Holly, you’re a thoughtful batch, thank you for including me, it was a hugely inspiring afternoon. Thank you!
elizabeth´s last [type] ..Fräulein Wild
November 14th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Too Fun!!! By the way, you look fabulous lady!
xo
Renee´s last [type] ..Oh my…Monday again!
November 14th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
oh yes, … to be continued! maybe hamburg or hannover? so I come over there! the pics makes me a bit envious, seems you have a great party! congrats holly, you did a great job!
lovely greetings, wibke
November 14th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Looks you have had so much fun! And how about thsose cupcakes?? :S SO delicious!!
November 14th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
OMG! All these people with the same interest and passion. Pure inspiration.
Please do THINK about another event!
So i hope you’re not moving to Berlin?! Although I would totally understand. I moved from Berlin to Hannover. Still suffering from Kulturshock.
could you believe that: I haven’t spotted “Lust auf Wohnen” hier in H.
Anja´s last [type] ..:: All about birds: Der Vogelsaal in Bamberg
November 14th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Looks like so much fun! Makes me think back at the meet the blogger even in Amsterdam a while ago!!
Good luck on your German version of the book!
Dutch Delights´s last [type] ..Scarlett Hooft Graafland in Huis Marseille
November 15th, 2011 at 12:05 am
You are living my dream life…..looks like great evening..
November 15th, 2011 at 12:17 am
Thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful event, you did such an incredible job! It was such a pleasure to take part and meet all the lovely bloggers. Oh, what a day. Can´t stop smiling when I see these pictures.
Okka´s last [type] ..GEBURTSTAGS-COUNTDOWN, FLORENTINER UND EINE KNALLER-VERLOSUNG
November 15th, 2011 at 12:18 am
Hi Holly,
Congratulations! I love the web and all its tools because, although it was your party, your post was actually the last one I read. It was so much fun piecing the event together with the different perspectives of different bloggers.
Congratulations on your book and I wish you all the success you deserve.
All the best!
Ana´s last [type] ..NYC: a map of experiences
November 15th, 2011 at 12:51 am
ohh my! this makes me wish i was in germany again (not the other side of the world!) i thought i would only miss out on Gluehwein, Skiing and Christkindl markets, but apparently i also missed the blog partay of the year! :( you should repeat this next year please! (and let me know so i can book flights in advance!) :)
hugs from NZ
November 15th, 2011 at 4:11 am
Awe, this is just so great. I love seeing all these beautiful women (and a couple fellas) supporting you and the blogging community. Congrats Holly ;)
November 15th, 2011 at 5:03 am
Holly, the party pictures looks great! Congratulations! You did a great job. No wonder the event was a huge hit. You so deserve it.
xo
Shivani
November 15th, 2011 at 8:42 am
I love this post and event. happy for you Holly. You are sweet and warm and lucky to be surrounded by lovely fans in the fabulous place :). All the best.
fenny setiawan´s last [type] ..blog break {colorful theme} : Washi tapes vases
November 15th, 2011 at 8:50 am
Dear Holly, I so much enjoyed the colourful, creative atmosphere at the event – thank you for a wonderful and inspiring day, you filled it with a lot of warmth and joy!
November 15th, 2011 at 9:10 am
This looks amazing!
I love Soho House, it’s a great hotel.
Hannah @ Sparrow + Spark!´s last [type] ..Paper Flowers Rock
November 15th, 2011 at 9:30 am
Wonderful day!Everything looks like so fun~
Judy´s last [type] ..snoopy travels around the world
November 15th, 2011 at 9:31 am
it was great to be a part of it. you are lovely :)
nina´s last [type] ..berlin
November 15th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Those pics speak by themselves. Looks like a real happy event with lots of interesting people and excellent co speakers. What a pity I couldn´t make it to come over. Let us know when you are going to throw the next part!! Ah, and thks for sharing that post, what a great vibe!
November 15th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Hi Holly,
thanks for the shout-out and the compliments ! :-) You are so vibrant and inspiring and Janina and I enjoyed the event very much. The creative atmosphere was unbelievable and we met so many like-minded people ! We were especially impressed with Matt – someone should really invite him to give a TED talk ! ;-)
All the best,
Brigitte
brigitte´s last [type] ..Made in Italy: Schlafen auf Rollen
November 15th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Fun pictures! I can feel your joy through the pictures. :)
allesistgut´s last [type] ..11 Monate und ein alter Zopf
November 15th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
what an incredible show!! thanks for sharing all these lovely images..makes me feel like i was there too!! have a wonderful day, holly..xx meenal
meenal@maison marigold´s last [type] ..The times they are a-changin’ …
November 15th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Wow! It’s so good to revisit the entire event through your pictures.
Someday when you have time, I’d like to know how you do your pictures (which editing program) on the blog, it takes me days to process mine, how are you so quick?
Thanks again for sharing…
Shalini´s last [type] ..A beautiful Autumn day…
November 15th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Dear Holly…
it was so great meeting you.. I’m really laughing about all this crazy pictures…Looking forward to the next time… I might come to hanover in January for a styling job… perhaps I might step by to meet Tinna and you?!
Hugs from hamburg
Clara
clara´s last [type] ..Berlin Teil 2
November 15th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Dear Holly,
Etsy loved to be part of this event! We are happy to hear that people loved our goodie bags, since Anda worked really hard on making them special.
All the best from Berlin!
Emily´s last [type] ..How Tuesday: Filzschmuck
November 15th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Looking at these pictures makes me smile….looks like Geat Fun! Congrats!
November 15th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
Oh MY!!! How fun ~ balloons, cupcakes, great company… more balloons and cupcakes :)
Laura Trevey´s last [type] ..Fabricadabra
November 15th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
seriously, amazing. the venue is gorgeous. truly inspiring! :)
November 16th, 2011 at 12:22 am
Congratulations to you Holly! Looks like a totally fabulous party, you must have been thrilled. You must have one in London at Shoreditch house!
Rachie xo
Rachie´s last [type] ..Tuesday Tales from the Week!
November 16th, 2011 at 1:43 am
Scrolling through your photos I felt like such a voyeur! I would have loved to attend your party :) Congratulations on your book – it looks like you’ve attracted so many good people into your world – thanks for the ongoing inspiration you provide. Claudine
gluten free gift´s last [type] ..Rapini – la mia verdura preferita!
November 16th, 2011 at 7:56 am
Holly,
An uber party for an uber gal…
Congrats…
Sx
November 16th, 2011 at 10:13 am
Great pictures!
Stéphanie Rousseau´s last [type] ..♥ Petit Raton Laveur cherche son coeur ♥
November 16th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Dear Holly, It was so great to be there! Though I have to admit that I was too shy to come up and talk to you, let alone have my book signed… How old am I? Must be the only person over 30 going to a book signing without having her book signed. Oh well! I loved it anyway. It was such a relaxed atmosphere and so much fun to see you talk about your way into decorating. Just very impressing! And yes, a few things really stuck with me and I am turning them round in my head. Let’s see what comes of it…
November 16th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Jane! Hi! Oh I’m sad to hear you were shy — why!??! Okay so next time there is an event, if you can come, PLEASE don’t be shy okay?!??!
November 17th, 2011 at 1:06 am
Dear Holly, I’m still completely blown away! It was sooooo much fun! You’re such a lovely, inspiring, funny and authentic person. I’m so happy and can’t stop smiling that I could be a part of this Event! THANK YOU!
… and next time maybe you going to sing for us!
XO Nicole
Nicole´s last [type] ..Wien und 10 Kilo Knöpfe
November 18th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Good question. I think it’s because I feel that I am not contributing anything, just consuming, if you know what I mean. I don’t have a blog, I just read them ;) But you’re right anyway, so yes, I promise not to be shy next time!
November 20th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Dear Holly,
It was such a pleasure to meet you in person! And the whole party was just incredible amazing. Your are such an inspiring, heartwarming and lovely person. I’m looking forward to meet you somewhen again already.
And I’m soooo happy to have a signed copy now as it will remind me of this day forever. I love playing around with the moodboard materials you gave me as gift as it is so much fun. I’ll take photos of it to send them to you :)
Love. XO
Lysann
Lysann´s last [type] ..Es ist soweit