Scandi-Style Christmas Decorating Ideas

Senior features editor Kimberley Brown shares holiday inspiration from her recent trip to Sweden. 

I recently returned from Stockholm full of holiday spirit. From the quaint Christmas markets and flower stalls filled with cut amaryllis to the mugs of glögg served up to fend off winter’s chill, it’s a city brimming with good cheer. It’s also home to some of the world’s biggest style brands, including H&M, Acne, Design House Stockholm, Filippa K and Svenskt Tenn/Josef Frank, so there’s no shortage of cool Scandi know-how on display. I especially loved the simple approach to seasonal greenery I saw everywhere. So easy, but so chic! Here’s how to bring the look home.

In The Dining Room

Follow Stockholm interior stylist Lotta Agaton’s lead and place a single tall clear vase at both ends of the table filled with a mix of evergreen branches, such as boxwood and feathery pine. Arrange a row of tapered white candles between them to create a glowing centerpiece.

In The Living Room

Lotta styled one of the H&M store windows for the holidays, creating a cozy living room set. Decorate behind a sofa with a bundle of branches – these ones are olive – tied together simply with string and hung on a nail. It’s prettier than a picture! Instead of hanging a wreath, lean it against a stool or bench for a casual look as seen in the window display.

In The Bedroom

Minimalists: A single sprig snipped from the Christmas tree pretties-up a bedside table while a tall glass lantern safely fills the room with the soft glow of candlelight.

Maximalists: Place a small potted tree at the foot of the bed and hang branches in a window instead of the usual wreath. Suspend ornaments from ribbons and hang them casually on the wall from a hook – or antlers – for a little holiday sparkle.

Any Room

Place mini trees wrapped in brown paper and string around the house for a nostalgic, low-key look. I spotted these at Granit, a shop full of smart storage solutions, and thought they would make great guest gifts because they’re wrapped and ready to go!