A Vintage Christmas Table Setting in a Swedish Greenhouse

In a time when socialising outdoors in winter has become a thing - there's one particular piece of garden equipment that has exploded in Scandinavia: the greenhouse! Not only are they great for plants (I could really use one for my lemon tree, it's taking over our bedroom like something out of Little Shop of Horrors!), they've become a perfect hybrid setting for indoor / outdoor gatherings! And in wintertime they really come into their own! Just look at this wonderful vintage Christmas setting in Marlene Agemo's garden in Märsta - on a farm just outside Stockholm. The greenhouse is festooned with Christmas cheer with pretty paper flowers (DIY instructions here) hung from string lights, vibrant red touches and an au natural tree. Layers of textiles, candles, and a heater help to keep everyone snug and full of festive cheer while the chickens roam free outside. 

What a beautiful setting! 

I love all the vintage linens (I was excited to find a load of vintage Swedish Christmas linens* and also rolls of farmers linen by the metre* - I love this roll of French sacking* too!) and crockery. 

Could you imagine enjoying a Swedish Christmas fika here? 

You might like to check out Marlene's shop Fru Vintage for ceramics, textiles, clothes and coffee (in Swedish). 

If you have elderly relatives (or others who simply feel more relaxed socialising outside) visiting over the holidays here are a few other ideas: 

A pretty outdoor table setting

7 winter warmer essentials for an outdoor gathering

Inspiration: Turn your outdoor space into a cosy haven this winter

I'm actually off to the woods in a minute to go and find a few pretty bits on the forest floor for our home this Christmas (trust me, I'm way behind!). The sun's shining and my thermos is full! 

Wishing you all a lovely day!

Niki

Photography:  Marlene Agemo / Fru Vintage, shared with kind permission 

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Simple Christmas Touches in A Norwegian Home By a Snow-Covered Fjord

High up on a hill overlooking the magnificent snow covered Stranda fjord, in Norway, Eldrid, Martin and their children Aron and Naomi's home is all ready for Christmas. Forget ostentatious displays, the family have taken a subtle approach, allowing the magnificent, ever-changing snowy scenery to take centre-stage. And I couldn't imagine it any other way! 

"When it comes to decorating, I like to keep it simple and organic, yet festive. I often use a combination of spruce, pine, and eucalyptus as well as brass ornaments and a hint of burgundy" - Eldrid. 

When you live in Norway, there's never a shortage in Christmas trees to choose from!! And this fine one is a perfect size for the room. I love how it's been simply decorated with a few baubles and decorative pieces. 

Glass decorations (such as this pendant tea light holder*) add a festive touch and yet allow the view to shine through. I can imagine it looks so pretty after sunset too!    

"In wintertime, you mostly find me on my skis on top of a mountain. We moved here because of the good powder skiing and the nature because we love to be active outdoors. I love ski touring and also spend a lot of time at Strandafjellet ski resort with my family" - Eldrid. 

A simple window seat (the Hadley daybed is similar) makes a perfect spot from which to watch the natural world go by (while keeping warm!). 

"I love to see how the snow covers the mountains, and how the fog casts a magical spell over the fjord in winter" - Eldrid

A dish made by local sculptur Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng sits beside Norwegian interior magazine Nytt Rom on a set of mid-century nest tables (try an auction site like Lauritz for similar). 

I'm such a big fan of eucalyptus at Christmas time. Did you know that you can also hang a bouquet from your shower head? It smells wonderful when the hot water runs over it. 

What a beautiful place to spend winter! It makes me want to strap some cross-country skis to my feet and head off across the snowy peaks! 

Could you imagine spending the winter holidays here?

See more of Eldrid's beautiful home over at @housebythefjord.

Other Norwegian homes to love in wintertime: 

A simple, yet cosy cabin by a fjord

A Norwegian home on Christmas Eve

A lovely Norwegian home decorated for Christmas

Meanwhile in Sweden today, its St Lucia day - one of the biggest events in the Christmas calendar. A 400 year-old custom, choirs (and children) across the country will be taking part in a pagan Lucia procession. The central character is 'Lucia' who dresses in white with a big red sash and wears a crown of candles in her hair, but children might also to choose to dress as a gingerbread man, Father Christmas as well as other characters. It's a lovely celebration (even if most are taking place over Zoom this year!). 

Wishing you all a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of House by The Fjord with thanks.

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