Mimi Thorisson

The festive season is all about traditions, whether honouring those you’ve inherited or creating new ones of your own. In our brand new issue, food writer Mimi Thorisson (@mimithor) shows us how she celebrates Christmas at home in Italy with her multi-cultural family. 'I grew up in Hong Kong in the 1970s, and I’ve held on to many of the British Christmas traditions that are popular there. My husband is Icelandic and we live in Turin with our eight children and two dogs,’ she says. ‘We’re a large family, which makes the season very special. We spend time doing arts and crafts to a soundtrack of Nat King Cole and watching old Agatha Christie films. It’s all about sharing and blending the traditions we come from.’ Step inside Mimi's charming apartment, set in a 19th-century palazzo, where the old, the new and the unexpected come together at Christmas. And be sure to turn on your post notifications for more inspiration from our new issue, on newsstands from December 4. Words by @marco_mansi_ Photography by @mark_anthony_fox

It is with great pleasure that we announce the next Venice workshop, taking place March 23–25, 2027.

As some of you may know, 2026 will be the first year since 2020 that we won’t be hosting a workshop in Venice. We’ve decided to take a step back—partly because we’ve added inspiring new destinations like Scotland and Hong Kong to our roster—and partly because the magic of these gatherings depends on not doing too many.

Being back in Venice just last week with another truly special group reminded me why these workshops are so meaningful: the long convivial tables, the quiet boat rides, the spontaneous cooking that somehow always turns into something delicious, the friendships formed, and the simple joy of being immersed in beauty together.

For 2027, we will introduce a few subtle format changes, but all of the much-loved elements will remain. We can’t wait to return for another Venetian feast.

It may seem far away now, but the workshop we hosted last week was announced in June 2024 and filled up within a few days. Many of our guests travel from afar and need ample time to plan—and as I often say, anticipation is half the pleasure.

If you’re interested in joining us, we would love to hear from you: [email protected]
(manger meaning to eat in French—not manager, as is often assumed!)

Exactly one week ago I walked into a hotel lobby in Venice, filled with people waiting for our workshop to begin. After years of hosting groups in various locations, this is nothing new to me; what was different this time – these were almost all new faces.
We are so lucky that our guests seem to like what we do and they keep coming back – this year most of the groups have had up to half returning guests. That’s always reassuring, they know our pace and our format and they come back for more.
It’s like the first day of school, you scan the group, look for eye contact, a friendly face in the crowd. Oddur took them directly to Mazzorbo for a lunch and wine tasting, but I stayed behind with two of our children, preparing the amazing where we do all our cooking in Venice.
As they arrived, by boat, later that afternoon, we started to get acquainted, fast. By aperitivo we were friendly, by desserts we were friends.
It never ceases to amaze what happens when you bring together people from different parts of the world, who like food and wine, cooking and travel, and who like other people. It’s the most extraordinary mix of personalities, exuberant or a bit more reserved, eager to cook, or to explore, or just to make cocktails and relax. All kind and interesting and so very fun.
Talking about interesting and kind, we are so lucky with our friends in Venice, and the family who own the palazzo where we spend much of our time are such a mix of kindness, elegance and grace. The palazzo would be stunning without them, but it’s their presence in the building that gives it depth and soul. Kitty, Angèle & Georges, we thank you for opening your doors to us.
And by the way, I can’t imagine being more chic while hosting a workshop, dressed in my beautiful Venetian jacket tailored by you .london

For more information on our workshops, please contact us via email [email protected]