A kitsch-free Christmas: decoration inspiration from Scandinavia
7.11.2017
Translation: Eva Francis
Christmas decorations don’t always have to be opulent. Traditional red and green tree decorations and heaps of glitter aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, after all. Fans of more subtle, natural ornaments look to the north for inspiration. Scandinavians know exactly how to give things a festive touch with the right amount of understatement.
There are those who love Christmas, and those who don’t. I definitely belong to the festive junkie category. A few strings of fairy lights and some baubles are good for the soul during the depressing winter months. And it doesn’t matter which religion you follow (if any). At home, I don’t really go for traditional Christmas decorations. I find them bulky and kitsch – and they don’t fit my decor. It’s no wonder then that the new festive collections from house doctor, Broste Copenhagen and co. have filled me with such joy: they’re natural and charming, without a hint of kitsch. They’re decorations that you could leave up until February guilt-free. Anyone averse to sensory overload will love this more understated approach.
Decorating: nature-inspired, unusual and harmonious
Needle-free festivities
The great thing about the Nordic look is that it creates a festive atmosphere without the need for an actual Christmas tree. If, like me, you have a small apartment and want to survive the festive period without getting fir needles in your bed, you’ll be steering clear of a real tree. Try hanging baubles and fairy lights on dried branches. Making your own decorations gives them a more personal feel: you could spray figures and pine cones in your chosen colour, hand origami art…get creative!
Create an ambience with lighting
Candles and Christmas go together like flamingos and Summer 2017. Grouping them together at different heights and thicknesses creates an even more festive effect. If open flames are a bit too risky, try realistic LED candles or fairy lights. Personally, I like the smell of matches too much to switch to battery-operated candles.
Use textiles to create a sense of cosiness
Lighting and decor are all well and good, but there’s no cosy atmosphere without fabrics. You can get festive with your cushion covers with a deer print or a touch of fur - the covers are easily changed if needed. It’s especially fun to play with different materials and textures to create different combinations.
Wrap presents like a pro
You can enhance somewhat unimaginative gifts like wine, chocolate and toiletries with personalised wrapping. I always have a roll of kraft paper at home, which can easily be embellished with stamps, stencils or washi tape. Adding Christmas decorations makes it even more effective.
Check out more Nordic-inspired decorations
Header image: Muted colours, simple and with love: a Nordic Christmas decoration is suitable for everyone who wants to do without kitsch.
Léonie de Montmollin
Portfolio Development Manager
leonie.de.montmollin@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I’m not busy putting together home décor themes or planning marketing activities for Galaxus, I enjoy decorating my home with things I love and starting DIY projects I finish all too rarely. The inspiration I get comes from blogs, magazines and travels. My favourite home living styles: Nautical, Scandinavian and Nordic.
Interior
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