Christmas Styling: Elegant, Calming and Sensory

I’ve finally started bringing out the Christmas decorations today, and the tree will going be up soon. Looking back at previous years, I came across this blog post I wrote in the lead-up to Christmas 2020. Still relevant today, I thought it was worth revisiting for those who are in need of some festive inspiration! I’ve updated it with fresh imagery, and just as before, there are plenty of Danish brands in the mix. 

I naturally gravitate to the Nordic countries when it comes to Christmas decorating. Even though our seasons are the complete opposite and we're more likely to be chasing a cool breeze than snuggling up warm, we can still take cues from these minimal, nature-inspired vibes from the other side of the world. Subtle festive touches with an emphasis on organic forms against a muted backdrop, the overall feeling from Danish brand Tine K Home is simple, soft and sensory.

Timeless decorations with a relaxed, organic feel courtesy of Danish favourite Tine K Home with styling by Pernille Vest and photography by Mikkel Adsbøl

Every year I add a few new decorations to our collection, and I love bringing them out every Christmas. It adds to the sense of tradition and is all part of creating those special family memories. I love making the most of the high ceilings in our living room and having a generous-sized real tree (the Nordic Spruce is my favourite), but a couple of years ago I opted for a faux tree due to allergies. For compact spaces, small trees are perfect, and if space permits, you could even have both, displaying a smaller tree on the dining table, on a console or shelf. Alternatively, get creative and forage outside for a big branch to decorate, for a natural, minimalist look.

I'm still inspired by this Chrismas inspiration from the 2020 Broste Copenhagen campaign with styling by v y f f and photography by Maja Karen

 

Paper and wood decorations are my favourites for the tree. Every year Danish brand Moebe offers free download templates so you can make your own paper decorations. You can access the current and past designs here. I also love making my own wreaths. Traditionally Christmas wreaths are displayed on the front door, but they can also provide a beautiful festive touch inside your home. A fun DIY using simple greenery and white flowers, I've also made them in the past with dried flowers. Anything goes!

Danish brand ferm Living provides beautiful Christmas inspiration year after year

' A Sense of Christmas' by Zara Home demonstrates how to create a sophisticated space with a touch of tradition, elegance and calmness. Creative direction and interior styling by Amanda Rodriguez / Photography by Harry Crowder 

Nordic with a playful twist from Broste Copenhagen  

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A Stunning Swedish Apartment with Festive Touches

With the end of the year fast approaching, I'm looking forward to taking some time to reflect on all the highs and lows of 2020. I'm so grateful that the styling work has picked up again over the last couple of months, but I'm equally thankful that I have finally learnt how to slow down. I've taken stock of the challenges I've faced in the past around trying to do too much, namely, juggle the blog with styling projects, and have come to terms with the fact that it isn't humanly possible to post on here five days a week while carrying out product sourcing, styling (often photography and editing) and content writing all on my own. Last week I had a big location shoot and for the first time in over eight years, I put the blog to one side to focus on this full time, without any of the guilt I have felt in the past. Well, maybe a little guilt, but I am making progress! For my loyal readers, I hope this answers any questions you may have around the sporadic nature of my posting of late. As I talked about in this recent podcast with Natalie Walton, my focus is on quality, not quantity, and I have also been working on some other design projects. I love that this is a continually evolving process, and I can't wait to share more of the styling I've been working on.  

I haven't started decorating for Christmas yet, but seeing inspiration around the web is definitely providing motivation. I've purchased a few new paper decorations, but I'm still on the hunt for a tree as I've decided after last year's allergies we need to change to a faux version! The tree is always the hero of our Christmas decorating, but as demonstrated in this beautiful Swedish apartment even small touches bring a nice festive feel.

The apartment, located in a building built in 1902, has been fully renovated with respect for the original architectural detailing. This includes the high ceilings, beautifully restored stucco and new wall mouldings created in the same style as when the home was first built. The dark kitchen island anchors the bright and airy kitchen, while soap-scrubbed wooden floors run throughout the apartment providing a distinctively nordic feel. 

I love how the curved brick wall adds a sculptural element, as well as warmth and contrast. The master bedroom is a calming oasis with layered linen in soft natural hues and a touch of travertine on the bedsides with the ferm Living Arum table lamps in cashmere. 

Styling by GreyDeco / Photography by Anders Bergstedt

Images via Alvhem

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Christmas at Home

I was recently asked to write some Christmas styling tips, so I thought I'd share a few last-minute ideas here before the big day tomorrow! My best advice at Christmas is to be true to your own personal style, and surround yourself with what makes you happy. For me, my festive styling is a fairly pared back affair with a focus on quality over quantity. When it comes to decorating the tree, I like sticking with two to three colours for cohesion, and a mix of different materials to add interest. I’m currently loving Nordic paper decorations, which I mix with some wooden ones that I’ve been collecting from year to year. 

With sustainability in mind, Christmas is also a time for creating traditions. I love bringing out the same decorations each year, including those made lovingly by the kids. When it comes to wrapping presents, I use kraft paper (recycled if possible). Not only is it eco-conscious, it’s looks beautifully understated paired with simple black ribbon or string. 

In addition to the tree, I like to place a few select pieces here and there such as wreaths, paper trees and candles. Wreaths made with dried flowers are great for longevity. I brought out last year’s one and gave it a boost with some extra dried flowers and a touch of colour. As you know, I’m also a big fan of sensory styling, and Christmas is the perfect time to create a space that appeals to all the senses. I’m currently loving the Jo Malone London scented candles in Pine & Eucalyptus, and I’m looking forward to filling the house with the smell of Christmas baking!

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas break. Thank you for following along in 2019, it's been another fun and rewarding year and I am so grateful for your support.   

Happy holidays, and see you in the New Year! 

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Christmas 2018 | At Home + Beyond

Christmas decorating is a fairly pared-back affair at home, with the tree and a few select festive pieces here and there.  Some of my favourite decorations are our dried floral wreath hung above our downstairs shelves, and the paper ornaments on our String shelving. 

As much as I loved our Nordic Spruce tree last year, it was a struggle to keep it looking fresh for the big day in our summer heat. I had in mind to try out a potted tree this year and as luck would have it, Bloom Social kindly gifted one to us. I was worried that the kids wouldn't be happy with the down-size, but I think they're more preoccupied with the presents under the tree! And hopefully I can keep it alive during the year so it will continue to grow. Here's a glimpse of it alongside my incredible Jo Malone London Advent Calendar which has had me counting down is heavenly fragrant style this year. 

For the gift wrapping I had planned on using white Kraft paper but I had trouble finding some. Luckily the brown paper is still a classic, especially paired with black ribbon that I hoard during the year. I've also been enjoying the Nespresso festive coffees, A Taste of Paris, made in the new matte white Creatista Plus Machine. 

All images above: Styling and Photography by Michelle Halford for TDC 

And from far away, I've been admiring the beautiful Christmas inspiration from Danish brand by Lassen. I thought I would leave you with this beautiful imagery as some final inspiration for the big day. 

Images via bylassen.dk

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas break. I'm very much looking forward to recharging the batteries and spending time with family as we head in to 2019, ready for another exciting year ahead! 

Thank you all for your kindness and support this year. Happy holidays!

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