Marie von Behrens-Felipe's Approach to Fall and Her Cozy Hamburg Luncheon

Rip & Tan: What rituals or routines help you feel grounded as the seasons change?

Marie von Behrens-Felipe: I always notice how much the light shifts when summer turns into fall. I’m so much more of a summer person, so the rainy weather here always makes it a little harder for me. To ground myself, I like to lean into slower routines. I go for long walks outside even when it’s cold, collecting chestnuts with Zoe, making tea all day round, and spending even more time cooking at home. The change of seasons feels less overwhelming when I embrace those little rituals. 

Rip & Tan: What’s one fall tradition you look forward to every year?

Marie von Behrens-Felipe: For me, it’s always the first evening when we light more candles at home again. It’s such a small gesture, but I always look forward to that feeling of the whole atmosphere in the house changing. Also, since my husband is American, of course, there is Thanksgiving.  For us, it’s very important to keep this tradition up even though we’re here in Germany.

Rip & Tan: How does your style shift when fall arrives?

Marie von Behrens-Felipe: My style doesn’t change dramatically, but I love bringing back all the layers. A good pair of jeans with an oversized knit and a coat is almost a uniform for me. I find comfort in repeating those pieces every season. And adding a new cashmere piece, something that feels like honouring the new season a little bit.

Rip & Tan: How do you make a dinner party feel unique to fall?

Marie von Behrens-Felipe: I think it’s all about leaning into the season rather than fighting it. I’ll cook with what’s fresh at the market. This season, it’s root vegetables, roasted squash, and apples. I’ll add coziness with candlelight and maybe slightly darker tones on the table. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—it’s about creating a mood that feels warm and inviting. It’s our first time in the new house to experience fall, so the dinner parties will feel unique either way.

Rip & Tan: What does “heritage” mean to you in your day-to-day life?

Marie von Behrens-Felipe: For me, heritage isn’t just big traditions. It’s the little things you carry with you. Like cooling a dish the way my dad did, setting the table in a certain way, or even the way I hold on to clothes season after season. More about continuity and how our past kind of fits into the everyday in a way that feels alive and personal.

Rip & Tan: What’s your secret to creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere?

Marie von Behrens-Felipe: To me, coziness is about removing any sense of formality. We light the fireplace, have the small table lamps with low light in the corners, and put on softer music. For the table setting, I love mixing old ceramics with simple linens. Some easy branches mixed with herbs instead of big flower bouquets. Of course, a lot of our friends will bring their kids, so we’re letting them play and run around the house.  Not worrying too much if everything looks “perfect”. If I feel relaxed as the host, the space becomes inviting for everyone else.

Rip & Tan: Tell us about your favorite details from the luncheon.

Marie von Behrens-Felipe: I loved that we brought a farm-to-table concept into our home. One of our friends is a chef, and he supported us with the best dishes. Almost all of the ingredients were from his garden, and the rest from local markets. I love dishes that don’t need much, are very clean, subtle, and have the most intense taste. 

It felt intimate and cosy as we were just close friends. Those details made the atmosphere both relaxed and special.