Happy weekend my dears! This year I have been thinking a lot about ways to make my family’s Christmas season more special, more handmade, and less frantic. One way I’ve done that is by making handmade gifts…although I admit that has been causing it’s own fair share of crafting frantic-ness! I have also been inspired by the way friends blogging from Scandinavian countries have been decorating their homes. It feels peaceful and magical, and like a wonderful antidote to the usual overblown Christmas decor going on in the States. So if you are also looking for a refreshing change, read on for a peek into one lovely Scandinavian home.
I am a huge fan of Nina Holst, who runs the blog Stylizimo and whose home is featured here. I love how she has used smaller trees throughout the house – this seems to be a common practice in Scandinavia. I am perfectly willing to admit I am looking forward to picking up our big fat (and tall!) Christmas tree at the farm tomorrow, but I would love to adopt the tradition of bringing smaller trees into other rooms. It would make the house feel like a magical woodland, and I think Bixby would really love it, too…especially if we put one in his room!
By focusing on bringing in lots of twinkle lights and candles, the house glows. Strands of white lights draped on the kitchen counter, dining table (I expect you would want to find battery operated lights there!) and candles on every surface are enhanced by simple fins from the woods and markets – walnuts, branches, amaryllis and paperwhites.
The Scandinavian winters are so long and dark, it makes sense to focus on this season as being a time to light up the house, creating a cozy oasis from the winter outside the door. I imagine many dread that long winter, but I was inspired to read this post by Camilla Jørvad on The House that Lars Built (which I found thanks to Tina). It is a love letter, of sorts, to the northern winter, and the pleasures of creating a hygge home.
And now I am off to IKEA! (no joke ;) xoxo Laura
(all images: Nina Holst for Stylizimo)
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I LOVE Nina’s home and I especially love Christmas in Scandinavia. I have never experienced anything so cozy and charming in my life. Much like Camilla, I find the darkness only adds to the warmth of the fire and even though everyone warned me that winters would be harsh and unfriendly… well, I just don’t feel that way here. I love the chill in the air, the snow falling softly and the fire blazing while baking in the kitchen. I love this time so much that I convinced my mom to come now rather than the summer because it is my favorite time to experience Copenhagen!
Tina@FlyingHouse´s last [type] ..giving {cookies} + recipe
Oh, how fun your Mom is there this year!! I would love to see Copenhagen anytime, and the holidays sound so magical…enjoy! xoxo Laura
I love the feel of Christmas in these homes. Lovely!