where love sets the table, food tastes best

Welcome

Welcome to Love Sets the Table, where passion for baking meets a love for teaching. Located in Rippleside, Geelong, I offer a variety of classes that cater to the baker in all of us. Whether you’re a novice eager to learn the basics or a seasoned baker looking for inspiration, my newly released spring schedule has something for everyone. I also offer customised classes for special occasions, making your baking experience truly unique and memorable. Come join me and discover the joy of baking as I share my favourite recipes and techniques with you!

Melanie Hall

My mission is to share the learning of a lifetime in the kitchen and show you that, armed with the right tips, tricks and confidence, you can become the baker of your dreams… my style is rustic, perfectly imperfect and delicious.

Classes

Spring Class Schedule now available. Limited numbers.

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Special
Occasions

Whether it is a bridal shower or perhaps a birthday or baby shower. Celebrate with a perfect afternoon at Mel's Cottage.

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Recipes

The recipe journal is filled with delicious recipes of yesteryear. Try some and let me know how it turns out.

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Shop

My shop will soon be open with unique kitchenware or just some of my tried and tested equipment, utensils and ingredients.

Spring Class Schedule

Seasonal Summer Tarts
Sun, 02 Feb
Mel's Cottage
02 Feb 2025, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm AEDT
Mel's Cottage, Geelong VIC, Australia
02 Feb 2025, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm AEDT
Mel's Cottage, Geelong VIC, Australia
Beginning with the fundamentals of pastry for both sweet and savoury applications; then we will take the best fruit and vegetables of the season to make tarts and bakes for picnics and beyond.
RESERVE YOUR SEAT

The best of Autumn
February 2025
Mel's Cottage
February 2025
Mel's Cottage, Geelong VIC, Australia
February 2025
Mel's Cottage, Geelong VIC, Australia
My favourite time of the year. How to make the most of autumn's abundance in your baking and preserving; creating cakes and pastries to showcase the season’s finest.
RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Light as a Feather
February 2025
Mel's Cottage
February 2025
Mel's Cottage, Rippleside Geelong VIC, Australia
February 2025
Mel's Cottage, Rippleside Geelong VIC, Australia
The Art of the Sponge will begin at the beginning - with the building blocks of sponges; a discussion of some of the methods to achieve light airy cakes, then some things to do with your masterpieces...
RESERVE YOUR SEAT

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
Sun, 10 Nov
Mel's Cottage
10 Nov 2024, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Mel's Cottage, Geelong VIC, Australia
10 Nov 2024, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Mel's Cottage, Geelong VIC, Australia
This class will help you get a head-start on the holiday season : menu planning, things to make in advance, treats to have in the freezer, home-made gifts to share, plus some new twists on old favourites to minimise stress and make you a star baker this Christmas!
Details

Give the Gift of Baking

If you are wanting to give an extra special gift for your loved one, consider a gift of a class. Perfect for the last minute gift or for that person who has everything!

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Praise

“Melanie consistently delivered beautiful cakes for staff birthday celebrations at Brae from our opening in 2013 to 2020. Her creative cakes were always welcomed with anticipation; made with great care and expertise, they incorporated various techniques, textures and ingredients; often using fruits and preserves that varied with the seasons, and always delicious.”

Chef Dan Hunter Brae Restaurant Birregurra