11: The hostess

After the death of her husband, Princess Marianne returned to her Austrian homeland, to Fuschl am See, where she and her husband had built a hunting lodge a few years prior to his death. Furnished with old rustic furniture, cosy tiled stoves and plenty of rooms, it became her new residence and for her children a beloved holiday home.

World-renowned artists, sports figures, and politicians attended luncheons, teas, and dinners hosted by Princess Marianne. Her house became a popular meeting place during the Salzburg Festival, where every Sunday “Manni” would host her legendary luncheons, often for 80 or 100 guests.

“She would offer her legendary game goulash and plum tart,” observed daughter-in-law Princess Gabriela, “cover the beer tables in colourful linen and decorate them with seasonal meadow flowers. Weather permitting, guests would sit in the garden in front of the barn. Everything was home-made and low cost, which was her trademark and inspired the high society, who were otherwise accustomed to luxury.”