Available at Kungliga Slottsboden in Stockholm.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE KUNGLIGA SLOTTSBODEN
MY KIND OF RETRO
Available at Kungliga Slottsboden in Stockholm.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE KUNGLIGA SLOTTSBODEN
TENN LYS
Yesterday morning when I turned on the TV, I learned the news about the attacks in Paris last night. I have to admit, Christmas blogging feels petty and self absorbed. Attacks on civilans, a full blown refugee crisis, and an escalating hostility in Europe, and here sit I, blogging about dinnerware, music and gifts.
At the same time I feel as if it compels me to continue. Because if we keep changing our lives out of fear, fear being the purpose of such attacks, then we have admitted defeat. Yet, that sort of shallow defiance makes little difference to those who suffer now.
I will celebrate Christmas, and I will make sure that I make it an inclusive one, extending friendship beyond my present comfort zone. I will celebrate a simpler Christmas, donate more and spend more time involved with charity. I will sing, I will pray, I will light candles for a season of peace.
Better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.
At the same time I feel as if it compels me to continue. Because if we keep changing our lives out of fear, fear being the purpose of such attacks, then we have admitted defeat. Yet, that sort of shallow defiance makes little difference to those who suffer now.
I will celebrate Christmas, and I will make sure that I make it an inclusive one, extending friendship beyond my present comfort zone. I will celebrate a simpler Christmas, donate more and spend more time involved with charity. I will sing, I will pray, I will light candles for a season of peace.
Better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.
AND SO IT BEGINS
This is the first weekend after Allhelgona, and my christmas preparations can officially kick off. No, I will not pop the julmust bottles, or turn to a christmas playlist. It is too soon to actually celebrate christmas. This weekend is dedicated to replacing old lampshades, reorganising bedrooms, and purchasing new lighting for the living room. We've stocked up on fire wood, and it's time to restock on candles, tea lights and greenery. Even the boys are looking forward to it since they get to bring home a small (fake) tree that will be theirs to decorate come December.
Europe and the Middle East are facing a troublesome winter, reminding us that decorations, toys, gadgets and most things are nothing, but making memories with family is everything.
IMAGE: DANISH CHRISTMAS PHOTOGRAPHED BY SVEN TURK, THE ROYAL LIBRARY OF DENMARK
PUT A LID ON IT
Not sure if this is a Svenskt Tenn knock off or just a good looking little gem of a box. My affinity for boxes with lids is still as true as ever before. Since our house is filled with three boys and a mama, I also appreciate design that is not overtly masculine or feminine, and this box is neither of those.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE H&M HOME
WEEKEND READS
Breathtakingly beautiful photography in Sveriges Nationalparker. I wrote about this book in 2013 but it still remains one of my top choices for books to gift. Stunning, simply stunning.
Previous attempts to interest my children in beans have been futile. Perhaps I'll find renewed courage in Bönor Ärtor Linser. Pods for my pods.
It's a new season, and Ernst has a genuine ability to combine season with simplicity. I'll turn to Året med Ernst, until his christmas show kicks off.
Follow the links to preview each book.
IMAGE: BOOK COVERS VIA ISSUU
BRILLIANCE
Swedish glassware company Kosta Boda has been around since 1742, but it's been a few financially rough decades lately. What a wonderful thing that Sweden's largest food chain ICA teams up with Kosta Boda to produce beautiful crystal glasses for the masses at amazing prices! A win/win for consumers, ICA and Kosta Boda.
I've been looking for plain, beautiful, crystal stemware at a price that doesn't keep them in my cupboard at all times... These I would dare to use even at family dinners. Available online and at ICA Maxi stores.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE ICA HEMMA
THE LAST WEEKEND OF OCTOBER
If you are looking for a classy compromise between an American Halloween and Scandinavian style, here it is. Thank you Iittala.
IMAGE: PRESS IMAGE IITTALA
A SOFT SPOT
Somehow I seem to have missed the new line of throw pillows at Bruka Design and, with the exception of the moose pattern, I really like the mix of patterns in soft neutrals. Available in linen and cotton at Bruka Design.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE BRUKA DESIGN
TO LIGHTEN MY LOAD
IMAGE: ROYAL COPENHAGEN WEBSHOP
BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE
I adore the wooden ornaments from Åhlens. I have few roosters for my Easter branches, but the forest animals from previous years sold out before I could get my hands on them. This year the kids will get their own little "FEJKA" tree to decorate and these canine creatures are on their wish list. I think its splendid with ornaments that can't shatter, and won't shed glitter across the home!
IMAGE: PRESS IMAGE ÅHLENS
T-BANE UNDERGROUND TUNNELBANA SUBWAY
Travelling by subway in Oslo I am reminded once again that random things can trigger homesickness. Two days ago I missed the decorated caves underground that are the subway stations in Stockholm, something I never imagined I would long for!
IMAGE: "Stockholm subway radhuset 20050808 002" by Jonas Bergsten - Photo taken by Jonas Bergsten using a Canon PowerShot G3.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.
ROCK IT OUT
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE FROM INREDA.COM
A GREETING FROM THE PAST
The pressing room of porcelain factory Rörstrand circa 1900, dating it to 30 years prior to the design of the china I use. I assume this is where patterns were pressed onto china pieces. Fun to see! We should all become better at documenting our workplace, schools, churches, and every day surroundings. The future will assume most of us lived at Disneyland, on beaches or were constantly vacationing. Which we probably are, compared to the workers pictured above.
IMAGE: PHOTO BY AXEL MALMSTRÖM, VIA FLICKR, CREATIVE COMMONS, SOME RIGHTS RESERVED
WEEKEND READS
I have lamented my lack of flower pots here on the blog, but this year I've begun to collect a few ones so that we'll be somewhat stocked come Christmas. This book offers simple suggestions that do not require any degree of floral skills, which suits yours truly perfectly... Preview Krukväxter by Malin Hidesäter and Anna Skoog.
Speaking of a mom not to keen on cooking today... perhaps Lisa Lemkes one pot meals in can inspire me enough to remedy the lack of cooked meals this weekend. The images are schock-full of fall food beauty. Preview Allt i en gryta here.
Fall is the most beautiful season in the forests and mountains. I savour the images of Magasin Höga kusten. My boys just need to get a few years older, and then I'll drag them along on all sorts of hikes! I can't wait! Read the entire magazine here.
IMAGES: COVERS FROM ISSUU.COM
SLICE IT UP
Sometimes when the mother in this household isn't keen on cooking, I serve a selection of sliced meat such as cured ham, moose, roast beef, salami, and cut vegetables, cheese and bread. Considering this addition to the kitchen today, SITTNING. Perfect for serving those cut meats and cheeses, because, yup, it might be one of those too-tired-to-cook Saturdays today.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE IKEA
PIPING HOT
The first time I saw this vase was in Sköna Hem, the Swedish home interiors magazine. It was a spread from an antique collector's home, and I kept coming back to those pages with a large cherry or mahogany dining table and that curious vase on top of it. Nils Fougstedt´s "pipvas" from the 1930s is in production again, and available in the Svenskt Tenn web shop. Still looking great.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE SVENSKT TENN
WINTER'S FIRST DAY
It never ceases to amaze me how accurate the old calendars are, today we woke up to a chilling-to-the-bone wind, a thick layer og frost on the lawns, and icy patches on the streets of Oslo. Winter has arrived.
IMAGE: AKER BRYGGE BY TORE BUSTAD, CC, SOME RIGHTS RESERVED, VIA FLICKR
DRY DESIGN
Inspired by old church windows Lisa Vilhelmson created a limited collection of towels, woven in Sjuhäradsbyd, Sweden. A retro yet timeless feel to the design that would be perfect for the sauna by our summer cottage.
IMAGE: PRESS IMAGE LISA VILHELMSON
MARVELLOUS MARBLE
Henriette Bach founded Nordstjerne, Danish for "Northern Star", with self designed marble pieces and seal skin christmas ornaments. Their beautiful product range make it difficult to showcase just one item here, you need to look for yourself... here.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE NORDSTJERNE
A FALL GATHERING
Wool throw by ELVANG, Stuffed Moose by Kalikå, Vase by Georg Jensen, Spoon by Iittala, Cheese dome by Sagaform, Throw pillow by Svenskt Tenn, Metal tray by H&M Home, Mugs by Royal Copenhagen, Alarm clock by Arne Jacobsen for Rosendahl, Vest and knitwear by Dale of Norway.
IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGES FROM LOBELIA, KRABAT, GEORG JENSEN, TOREBRINGS, SVENSKT TENN, H&M HOME, DALE OF NORWAY
X MARKS THE POT
A magnetic trivet that stays put underneath the pot as you move it around. How clever. By Eva Solo.
IMAGE: DESIGNONLINE.SE
FOOD FOR FALL
Morberg's cookbook Den stora matresan published by Bonnier Fakta, is exactly what I long for this season. Traditional foods in their home cooked glory, not the supermarket variety. Whether it is labelled comfort food or artisanal trend, depends on whether you make it in your kitchen on an ordinary Tuesday or instagram your plate at a weekend food event in an urban setting...
Many of the recipes can be found at recept.nu: Den stora Matresan, or preview pages from the book here.
IMAGE: PRESS IMAGE BONNIER FAKTA
WELCOME BACK
Today was the first day of rustling yellow leaves and a chilly overcast day that smelled like a true autumn day. Welcome back to the Scandinavian Christmas blog, winter is on its way!
IMAGE: STUDIEHÖRNET BY CARL LARSSON, MASTERPIECE ART, VIA FLICKR
HELLO THERE, COME HERE OFTEN?
What happened?
Life.
Life happened.
It's embarrassing that I haven't updated the blog in quite a while. It was an unusually intense winter for us, with everything from big family surprise celebrations to ER visits.
That said, you are not abandoned nor forgotten, dear readers. Easter is over and we are excited for winter already!
We have great plans for out 5th blog anniversary. Look forward to a new blog design, more of our own original content, and exciting collaborations.
See you soon!
KADETVADUSADETVADETVA?
Six medical students at the University in Tromsø wanted a product to sell at christmas markets in order to pay for a gourmet dinner at a fancy restaurant. Eleven years later they have a small collection available in their web shop. T-shirts and aprons with idioms and expressions from Northern Norway, a fun gift for anyone from the region or an affinity for the area. Visit Hæx to see more.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE HÆX WEBSHOP
SOUNDTRACK FOR CLEANING HOUSE
Today is the day we've earmarked for our christmas cleaning, and after that, the game is on! What used to be a housewife's lengthy list of chores from October to December, we will attempt to accomplish in a weekend and a day. Ehem.
In the sidebar to the right is a christmas cleaning compilation on Spotify that I hope contain a few new favourites that haven't already been played to pieces in your earbuds.
In the sidebar to the right is a christmas cleaning compilation on Spotify that I hope contain a few new favourites that haven't already been played to pieces in your earbuds.
3 x NORWEGIAN CHRISTMAS MUSIC
New secular winter songs performed on Di første jul by Tone Damli. Beautiful choral arrangements of sacred Norwegian christmas classics performed by Skruk on Stille natt.
If you are looking for a CD to send as a gift around the world, this is it: the double disc Desemberstemninger with Ole Edvard Antonsen and his impressive list of guest appearances. It includes enough Norwegian classics to make it a Scandinavian gift, but enough well known carols and standards for it to be a welcome gift in non-Norwegian homes as well.
IMAGES: COVER IMAGES FROM ITUNES
SNOW AT LAST!
By Rådhusparken in Tromsø, captured around 1930.
IMAGE: CHRISTIAN HANSEN, FROM THE ARCHIVES OF PERSPEKTIVET MUSEUM, VIA FLICKR
A BLUE YULE
Tea cup Ostindia Floris by Rörstrand, Candle holder Ilse by Georg Jensen, Bowl Oyster by Mateus, Night stand Hemnes by IKEA, Tea light holders Kivi Frost by Iittala, Silverware Focus de luxe by Gense, Kartio glass by Iittala, Christmas tree decorations Vintermys by IKEA, Brass Vase by Klong, Platter by Mateus, Table linen by HM Home, Christmas tree Fejka by IKEA, Basket Gaddis by IKEA, Wooden monkey by Kaj Bojesen, Linen pillow by Svenskt Tenn.
IMAGE: PRODUCT/PRESS IMAGES FISKARS, MATEUS, GEORG JENSEN, IITTALA, GENSE, IKEA, HM HOME, SVENSKT TENN, KAJ BOJESEN, KLONG
DAWN IN STOCKHOLM
Gryning över Riddarfjärden by Prince Eugen 1899.IMAGE: Eugène Jansson [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
INDECISIVE
As our loyal readers know, I've been contemplating forest green glassware but this image has me second guessing myself. A mix of cool shades. Hmmm. Pretty glasses from Eva Solo available from designonline among others.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE DESIGNONLINE.SE
A RECEIVING HEART
It is labelled as a candle tray, but I'm considering gifting this iron heart from Bruka Design as a catch all for keys etc. There seems to be a never ending supply of little rocks, nails, paper clips and rubber bands in our children's pockets. Something sturdy might be appreciated in a family of six.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE BRUKA DESIGN, USED WITH PERMISSION
VÄLKOMMEN DU GODA
Read about Lucia in Sweden here, be inspired by my Lucia board on Pinterest, or watch it on SVT Play, available until the 13th of January 2015.
IMAGE: CECILIA LARSSON/imagebank.sweden.se
LUNA FOR LUCIA
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE APPLICATA
MADE THE LIST
A nice surprise from IKEA is flower pot Pekannöt. I love it when IKEA steps away from their generic white glaze. A great fit for both rustic and modern interiors. Added to my shopping list as of today.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE IKEA
EMBROIDERY ON THE EDGE
Another great pattern from Korsstygnsbolaget. Original pattern from 1850. Enjoy!
IMAGE: KORSSTYGNSBOLAGET; USED WITH PERMISSION
A NOBEL NIGHT
Tonight is the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony and Banquet at the City hall of Stockholm. Read all about it here and find more links here.
IMAGE: By Holger.Ellgaard (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
MY CHRISTMAS
I was entertaining the idea of setting up a christmas table and show you our christmas. Lucky for me, a press image for Rörstrand does just that, down to the wrinkled table cloth. Someone over at Rörstrand sure has great taste...
This is Christmas at our house: Unironed white linen as table cloth, semipolished and mismatched silverware, Swedish grace in white by Rörstrand, gray and brown glass bowls and votive holders, red apples, green branches, and candy jars. God jul!
IMAGE: PRESS IMAGE RÖRSTRAND VIA WWW.MICKSON.COM
KITCHEN ASSEMBLY LINE
Every day comes with a new request in the inbox: "Can your family please bring something for the christmas party/potluck/julebord/teacher appreciation/church concert/lucia breakfast..."
These are times when you need simple recipes for crowd pleasers, made assembly line style in baking sheets, and are easy to transport. The painstakingly decorated cupcakes aren't from my kitchen this year. Or any year! It's the season for simplified versions of christmas flavours and foods. Click on the covers to sample recipes from three Swedish cookbooks that I turn to for suggestions.
IMAGES:LIBRIS, NORSTEDTS, TANUM
GETTING TRASHED
We need more storage space for recycling. The amount of paper and plastics we use around food items for that christmas meal alone is sickening. Knodd from IKEA is available in 2 sizes and is pretty enough to be permitted outside your garage and sit outside the kitchen for speedier sorting during holiday get togethers.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE IKEA
CHRISTMAS MARKET IN GAMLA STAN
Christmas market at Stortorget (the Main Square) in the Old Town in Stockholm around 1937. The market is still in full swing every December.
IMAGE: SWEDISH NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD VIA FLICKR
MIND YOUR STUMPS
My mother fell in love with the design and concept of Stumpastaken many years ago. A large slab of cast metal that allows every candle or tea light to burn until the lights, literally, go out. The different heights of the flames make for a pretty centrepiece during chilly game nights. I'm in the mood for grilled marshmallows. Do you think it would work as a portable camp fire?
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE MILJÖGÅRDEN WEBSHOP
PAPER FLOWERS
The one flower I haven't gotten around to buying yet is amaryllis. And oh, how I miss it. Pictured here is a beautiful botanical illustration from The Graphics Fairy. Available for free in pdf. format to print as instant christmas art for your home. A brilliant idea.
IMAGE: THE GRAPHICS FAIRY
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