The Relaxed Danish Family Home of Dorte Bak

Wednesday huh? What have I got in store for you? The relaxed Danish home of Dorte Bak, that's what! Under normal circumstances, Dorte's, lovely home in Amager, Copenhagen would be a mere 30 minutes' drive from where I live. But there's nothing normal about 2020, is there? So the only way for us  Skåningar (southern Swedes) to visit Amager is online! Either way, Dorte's world is well worth a visit! Aside from her beautiful white washed, cosy, vintage-inspired home, which she shares with her husband, ten-year-old twin daughters and Silke the cat - Dorte has a couple of wonderful key strengths that I don't possess: she can bake (see her daily recipes here) and knit (visit her shop for pretty patterns and yarn). Liking the sound of Dorte's world? Let's take a peek at some perfectly imperfect snapshots. 

Oh, how I loved this tour - from the children in the kitchen to the balls of yarn in a basket and a curled-up cat on the sofa - this is one, relaxed and cosy home. 

Did anything stand out to you? 

You can see more lovely pics of Dorte's home over at @dortebak.dk and www.dortebak.dk. And if like me, you're not a knitter but keen to learn, keep an eye out for her 2021 workshops here. 

That aside, I have to confess, I have a lot to do this week. Starting with a column for a very exciting new UK magazine called Simply Scandi (launching in Jan). I've also got a ton of photoshoots coming up which I need props for (but that's just fun!) and I'm also kicking off a small side business with a very talented friend of mine (more news to follow soon!!), all the while stopping here each day (although, of course, that's just a pleasure!).

Oh, and don't even mention Christmas shopping. I haven't done a scrap, have you? I think that's why I avoided any mention of the C word in today's post! Hope you didn't mind.

And did I mention Per's teaching from home again? He has set up a massive white board in our dining area. I just went down to make myself a cup of tea and he was working on a complicated maths equation with his class and said: "Maybe my wife can solve this?" -  I was out of there in a flash! 

What's your working from home situation like these days? 

I hope this home tour has given you a little bit of a breather from the mid-week chaos. In case you're after a few more Danish tours today, you'll love: 

A dreamy Copenhagen home full of art, books and design

A Danish ceramicist's house by the sea

A danish family's inviting cabin

Ha det så bra!

Niki

Photography: Dorte Bak shared with kind permission

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7 Winter Warmer Essentials For Outdoor Gatherings

I love to be comfortable and warm, how about you? So, when someone suggests a meet-up in their garden and the temperatures hover around the minus, it doesn't always sound enticing! But such is life right now. And do you know what? The more I meet with Swedish friends alfresco, the more I realise it can be a cosy and warm affair. So, what's the trick? Read on to find out how our Scandi friends are keeping warm outside this winter!

1. Lighting

As with all things Scandi, nothing sets the tone quite like lighting. Forget harsh, bright outdoor lighting - it's all about creating a warm and inviting glow. These outdoor ReUse string lights are handmade in the Pernille Bülow workshop on the Danish island of Bornholm. I'm such a big fan since each mouth-blown bubble is made from waste from the pharmaceutical industry. If you've got a larger space, several chains can be linked together (like in my back garden) - for an enchanting, warm and inviting touch after sunset.

2. Firepit 

Our ancestors have been gathering around a hearth to stay warm, cook and socialise since time began. It's in our genes. And I'm sure you'll agree, nothing beats the hyggeligt feeling of dancing flames, and the warm glow of a camp ire. Fortunately, times have moved on since Boy Scouts and Brownies (I never did manage to light that fire from two sticks, did you?) and there's a huge selection of fire pits available for every size garden! The 'fire basket' in my dear friend Ullis' garden is from Swedish brand Röshult. 

3. Lanterns

Light up every corner of your garden with pretty lanterns. I love the warm glow from the candles, and they emit a little heat too.  

4. Sheepskin

During my first winter in Sweden many moons ago, I was mesmerised by the sheepskin - it was everywhere, draped over the back of chairs and even used to lined children's pushchairs and prams. The reason? Wool is amazing - it's non-allergic, dirt repellent and an incredible insulator - helping to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. A perfect addition to the winter garden! 

5. Cushions

Roll out the cushions for extra comfy seating - they'll help to keep you warm and cosy too! I particularly love linen since it's a natural, breathable fabric. 

6. Blankets

Another cosy essential: the blanket! I find wool or fleece the best alternatives. Invest in a batch or ask everyone to bring their own - and wrap up warm! 

7. Hot water bottle

For me, this is the real clincher that will make a big difference to your enjoyment of the night: the trusty hot water bottle! Fill it with warm water, tuck it under your coat and you'll be as toasty as can be. Mine (seen here) was a present from my mother over 25 years ago and still going strong. I also love this full size knit one** and these best-selling funky lambs wool ones** (all from small businesses!). 

Thank you for a toasty evening in your little back garden Ullis! I'll be back with my blanket and hot water bottle before you know it!

Find out more about Danish ReUse string lighting from Pernille Bülow here (delivery and shipping info here). 

And feel free to add your own tips on keeping warm outside this winter in the comment section below, I'd love to hear them! 

Here's to winter evenings alfresco!

Niki

*This post is a paid partnership with Pernille Bülow. All words and images are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too! Thank you for supporting the small Nordic businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible.

** affiliate links

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