POT PERFECTION

If you are looking for a timeless addition to your christmas home, consider adding hand made pots from Gysinge instead of mass produced knick knacks. Available in four colours equally perfect for Christmas as well as seasonal blooms around the year. The perfect gift to a friend as well. 

IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE GYSINGE BYGGNADSVÅRD

FOOL PROOF GIFTS

This is our list of can't-go-wrong gifts from Sweden that suit all ages above 20 years, all genders, most home interiors, and all life events: wedding, christmas, birthday, anniversary, hostess gifts...

Round tray Aristida, Svenskt Tenn. Small crystal bowl Precious, by Malin Lindahl for Orrefors. His or her body scrub brushes, by Iris Hantverk. Baroque candlestick in concrete, by Tove Adman. Napkin rings available in silver or brass, by Skultuna.  Kitchen towel Siljan, by Ekelunds Linneväveri. Stoneware bowl available in 5 colours, by Höganäs. Notebook Dinners, by Ordning & Reda.
IMAGES: ORREFORS WEBSHOP, SKULTUNA WEBSHOP, SVENSKT TENN WEBSHOP, TOVE ADMAN, DESIGNONLINE, ORDNING-REDA.SE, CERVERA.SE, IRIS.SE

NO NEED TO ARGUE

Since I'm an herbal tea drinker of extraordinary proportions, I usually have a tea mug, ehm, make that a few forgotten tea mugs, placed around the house. Since this has been the season of insane colds my husband has taken to hot honey and ginger concoctions, resulting in a frequent " is this yours or mine" interrogations as we find white mugs around the house. This year I'll add a pink one to our Swedish Grace accumulations that will be all mine. 

IMAGE: RÖRSTRAND 

SWEET HOME OF MINE

This small square sign from Exmez reads Home Sweet Home. My sentiments exactly, except we're smack in the middle of moving. Home sweet home... Did you hear that, sweet home of mine? It doesn't read "Boxes Sweet Boxes." Now, go unpack yourselves, please.
IMAGE: EXMEZ.SE

THE ICE PRINCESS

Inspired by a skater in Central Park, New York City, and created by sculptor Carl Milles in 1948. Now available in the museum web shop of Millesgården.

IMAGE: MILLESGÅRDEN WEB SHOP

DAZZLE

With small children in the house glass ornaments are a gamble, but we haven't given up all hopes for the future. Handmade in the Czech Republic, some in molds more than 100 years old, these from Danish newcomer Brink Nordic would make great keepsakes. Their fancy ribbons are the perfect finishing touch. In fact, I'd like to get extra rolls and change ribbons on inexpensive ornaments we already have for a budget friendly upgrade. 

IMAGES: BRINK.CC

THE ONLINE TABLE CLOTH FITTING

The Swedish company Klässbols produces damask linen. In production are patterns from each distinctive style period in Sweden since the beginning of the 19th century.

I just discovered their calculator for table cloths. Enter the measurements of your table (in cm) and it will suggest suitable linen size (incuding margins for shrinkage after washing), how many people will fit along the table, as well as available products in these sizes. Brilliant.

Above are my favourite linen towels Julius and Kökstrivsel.
IMAGES: KLASSBOLS.SE

FAMILY TIES

These ties have been on our radar for a couple of years. The tie of my husband's choice is of course from Øst Telemark. The only reason it's not hanging in the closet already is that he wants the whole schebang of a complete bunad (national folk costume) first. With a price tag at least ten times these ties, we'll see which gets here first... 

Visit SPTZBRGN for the complete collection, or their webshop.

IMAGE: SPTZBRGN WEBSHOP 

TEALIGHTS DE LUXE

Skultuna Brass Foundry has been in operation since 1607. They're a personal favourite and I am thrilled about the modern pieces now available. Shown here is Kin by design trio Claesson Koivisto Rune. Brass is the classic Swedish christmas metal of choice. Skultuna opens their first Stockholm store at Grev Turegatan 18 in november 2011. 

IMAGE: PRESS IMAGES SKULTUNA

MULLING IT

I don't drink coffee but I'd love to use this Danish thermos jug for glögg. Traditionally the sweet mulled hot drink is served from a bowl or pot, but this would make for a less sticky affair and easier clean up. Not to mention the hot chocolate after playing in the snow. Everyone help themselves with less of a mess.
From the Grand Cru Collection of Rosendahl.
IMAGE: ROSENDAHL

PENSLAR

We need a better brush for baking, the modern silicone ones just don't do an even enough job. These are handmade by blind craftsmen in Sweden. Read more about Iris or view the catalogue.

PRESSBILD IRIS HANTVERK