A Red Silk evening in Estremoz In creative collaboration with Howard’s Folly

Join author Natalie Turner for an intimate Red Silk Salon inspired by The Red Silk Dress, where story opens into conversation around creativity, courage, desire, reinvention and the moments that quietly change the direction of a life.

There are some conversations that belong to particular places.

For this Red Silk Salon, we travel to Estremoz and Howard’s Folly, bringing together story, wine, food and music in the heart of the Alentejo.

Natalie will read from The Red Silk Dress and open a conversation around some of the deeper threads running through the novel, accompanied by selected works from Ingela Johansson’s RED Collection, originally inspired by transformative moments in the story.

The works will become part of the conversation, inviting guests to respond to what they see, feel and recognise in each piece.

Not as a formal author talk, but as a salon: intimate, participative and alive.

As the conversation gives way to supper, Howard’s Folly takes up the story through its wines and food, before music carries the evening into the night.

An evening to be savoured slowly, with time to stay, connect and let the conversation unfold.

Your ticket includes:

A welcome glass of Sonhador Rosé 2025 and grazing boards
The Red Silk Salon with Natalie Turner
Buffet supper and dessert
Howard’s Folly wines with dinner
Music after supper

After 9:30 pm, the Howard’s Folly bar will remain open for guests wishing to purchase additional drinks.

Wines will also be available to buy and take home.

Optional – Pre-order a signed physical copy of The Red Silk Dress for €18 and collect it on the night.

This includes a complimentary ebook for those who wish to enter the world of the novel in advance of the evening.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

Signed copies will also be available to purchase on the night for €20.

Dress code: Smart casual.

Reservations: By registration only. https://www.theredsilkdress.com/red-silk-salon-howards-folly-estremoz

Places are limited to 30 guests and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets are non-refundable. If something changes and you are unable to attend, please let us know.

Where possible, we will try to reallocate your place to someone on the waiting list.

Around two hours from Lisbon, Estremoz is the perfect destination for an overnight stay or a relaxing weekend in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo wine region.

If you would like to stay locally, we recommend:

Pátio dos Solares
Casa da Gadanha
Howard’s Folly accommodation

Accommodation is booked independently and is not included in the event ticket.

Free parking is available at Howard's Folly.

About Natalie Turner

Natalie Turner is a British author, columnist, cultural curator and leadership adviser based in Lisbon. Her debut novel, The Red Silk Dress, explores longing, identity and awakening across Cambodia, Malaysia and Paris. She is also the author of the award-winning book Yes, You Can Innovate, creator of Red Silk and founder of Women Who Lead.

Main image: Natalie Turner with Australian journalist and author of Whale Rock, Diana Plater, travelling through Cambodia during the 2015 writing retreat.