6 Pretty Scandinavian DIY Christmas Gift-Wrapping Ideas

Have you finished your Christmas shopping (if you celebrate / exchange presents)? I'm not quite there yet, but I'm already looking forward to the next phase: the gift wrapping! Every year I envisage myself spending hours baking, creating DIY decorations and lovingly making my own wrapping paper. The reality is somewhat different! Do you feel the same? The good news is that in this gift-wrapping round-up there is something for everyone - whether you prefer / have the time to make things from scratch, or would simply like to add a simple, yet pretty touch to your presents! Either way, why not make an evening of it with candlelight and glögg (mulled wine). You could also make up a riddle to go with each present - just like the Swedes do! Here are 6 lovely ideas: 

1. Paper tree - the wrapping above looks highly sophisticated, but just cutting out a long 'ribbon' from the wrapping paper you are using and arranging its in a Christmas tree shape is as easy as can be, and makes a great replacement for shop bought bows! 

1. Paper cut outs - Swede Helena Lyth shows a step by step guide on how to create decorative cut outs in your wrapping paper. 

2. Jingle bells! Little brass bells attached to string will make your pressies chime! I love these rustic bells from Etsy*.  Photo - Nathalie Myrberg. 

3. Furoshiki - I love the idea of using reusable cloth for present wrapping. See as step by step tutorial here and more Furoshiki gift wrapping ideas here (love the knitted one!) and source natural* and dyed Furoshiki clothes*. Photo - Dans le Sac. 

4. Foraged - winter foliage like berries, pine, boxwood, and eucalyptus add such a pretty touch to presents wrapped in simple brown paper. Photo - Eva Kosmas Flores.

5. Linen and dried flowers - a simple, yet pretty and natural way to wrap presents

What do you think? Any ideas you might like to try? 

See a load more gift-wrapping ideas here: 

7 Christmas gift wrapping ideas using cloth

5 gift wrapping ideas with a natural touch

8 beautiful rustic gift wrapping ideas

Entertaining this weekend? Here are some of my favourite holiday table setting ideas: 

A pretty Scandinavian table at Christmas

Simple yet lovely Christmas table ideas

You might also like to see all the beautiful tours, decorating ideas and snowy landscapes in the Christmas archive! 

Have a cosy weekend!

Niki

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3 beautifully simple DIY Christmas decorations

I love the simplicity of these DIY Christmas decorations - an idea for your home this season?

1. Mini Wreath Garland tutorial by The Merry Thought.
2. A branch with a simple white candle by Weekday Carnival.
3. A copper and twig wreath tutorial by Erika Rax (if you don't have a copper tube you could use a simple ribbon). 

Other festive links I love today:

How to get a party beard....(for when 'Movember' turns into a 'Beardcember'!).

Love this free download Scandinavian Christmas wallpaper for your Mac.

If you haven't organised an advent calendar yet, how about this copper DIY one?

Annette has the loveliest round-up of Advent candleholders. 

And perhaps my favourite new Christmas / winter decoration of 2015 - the Klong Gloria Candle Holder - I'd love the large and small as seen here. Beautiful!

Have a lovely evening and see you tomorrow! 

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The Prettiest Flower This Winter Solstice

I do love to fill my home with fresh flowers at this time of the year - how about you? White hyacinths and eucalyptus have always been a firm favourite. But this year another bloom has caught my eye - and it's selling out across Sweden! The Amaryllis 'Rilona' is a large apricot-salmon flower which looks equally beautiful on its own or mixed with chrysanthemums, eucalyptus or deep burgundy amaryllis   - and of course, the shade is perfectly on trend! Here is some inspiration from some of my favourite Swedish flower fairies!

So pretty, don't you think? I love the salmon-apricot hue!

What flowers do you like to fill your home with at this time of the year?

It's Friday friends - yaaaay! Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? It's snowing here in Malmö today, but we're still hoping to make it up the coast to a 'glögg mingel' (christmas drinks party)  tomorrow!

If you're planning on decorating your home this weekend, here are some inspiring links I think you might like:

5 beautifully minimalist Christmas trees
Cosy Winter Solstice / Christmas Inspiration
6 lovely, simple Scandinavian DIY Christmas decorations
A Stunning, yet simple DUY candle holder

And for cosy Christmas homes:

A Norwegian Home on Christmas Eve
A Swedish Country Home at Christmas
Dreaming of a white Christmas in a Skåne home

I hope your weekend sparkles - stay toasty!

See you Monday!

Niki

Photography: 1. Anna Kvarnström 2. Fru Vintage 3. Katarina Gustavsson Gertruds rum 4. Årstidens Bästa 5. Caroline Birgitte / Lily and Honey 

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Rustic Scandinavian Christmas inspiration

This year I love the rustic, pared-back holiday feel. It's all about Christmas trees in glass vases, pared-back branches, pine cones and sheepskin throws. Add to that the rich aroma of piping hot buttered fig and rosemary cider, fresh pine, and cinnamon and I'm well on my way to a cosy rustic Scandinavian Christmas. Here's my inspiration, I hope it inspires you too. 

1 & 2. Hysj-Lundemork. 3 rustic table - unidentified.  4. Mini wreath - Helt Enkelt. see the DIY instructions here. 5. Hot buttered fig & rosemary cider 6. Vanilla Bean Blog. Spice cake with cardamom coffee frosting.  7. Ditte Isager.

I have a similar rustic workman's stool which I bought here.

For inspiring Christmas home tours I love this Swedish country home, a lovely sitting room here in Skåne, and a modern Dutch home.

And here's my round up of beautiful yet simple Christmas DIY ideas:

Brown paper gift wrapping inspiration.

Swedish hot chocolate with cinnamon - mmmmm!

DIY holiday decor for the walls.

Tiny Christmas garlands.

Beautiful DIY triangular Christnas wreaths.

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we've no place to go...Let it snow! let it snow! Let is snow! Have a lovely day!

PS back tomorrow with my usual home tour, see you then!

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A Swedish country home at Christmas

As promised, I've got the most beautiful Christmas home tour to share with you today. Located in Vetlanda, Småland, here in southern Sweden, this wonderful turn of the century country house belongs to Sofia, who has been painstakingly renovating it back to its former glory. Think magnificent period features, white floors and walls, a roaring fire and lovely, subtle festive touches including a Christmas tree with pure white candles, paper star lanterns, pine wreaths and the fresh scent of hyacinths. Carina Olander and Anna Truelsen paid a visit and captured these beautiful images for the great Swedish country magazine Lantliv. How magical would it be to spend Christmas here?!

Credits: Photography - Carina Olander. Stylist - Anna Truelsen.  Featured in Lantliv 12/ 2016.

Oh so lovely and cosy, don't you think?

Apart from, well everything, I especially love the coffee table which looks like it's been made from a door?

Is there anything that caught your eye?

A few items from Sofia's house I know and love: porch / conservatory - paper star lantern, woven jute rug. sitting room - this white linen sofa is similar, sheepskin throw, the Z1 pendant is similar.

And before I head off for the weekend, here's a little Christmas link love:

This Swedish country home decorated for Christmas is an old favourite of mine!

9 ways to decorate with eucalyptus (my favourite festive foliage!).

A gentle yet giant DIY Christmas wreath.

Moss hearts. So simple to create, so pretty!
 
This merry garland makes me, er, merry!

Alternative Christmas trees for small spaces.

Looking for a personal pressie? how about entering this give-away to win a Danish typographic poster?

All christmassed out already (or never been into it in the first place)?! How about hanging out (literally) here?!

Have you got any fun plans for the weekend?! P is taking me away somewhere as a birthday surprise and I have no idea where. All I know is that I need a long formal evening gown and we're staying over night somewhere...?! So intriguing! Any guesses?!

I hope you have a great couple of days and see you Monday!

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Beautiful Danish christmas inspiration in white and brown

Oh wow. Friday already? Is it me or does December race passed at the speed of, eh hem, Christmas lights?! The final weekend before the big day calls for some beautiful Danish Christmas inspiration, don't you think? This beautiful home was shot for the Oi Soi Oi AW14 collection. I'm loving the natural, rich brown and white tones, pretty trees climbing the stairs, and subtle stars and hearts. Perfect inspiration if you're looking to add some final touches to your home (or just getting started!). All we need now is a little snow!

 

I love this!

Many of these beautiful decorations are still available at Oi Soi Oi.

Is it just me or are mini Christmas trees popping up everywhere right now?! And all in different forms too - like the paper beauties in this pretty Danish inspiration post, DIY Christmas tree mobiles (available from Fabulous Goose) and the real McCoy in this Norwegian home tour - love them!

I'm also enjoying how it's all about tapping into every corner of the home  - from the bedroom (as seen in this oh so cosy Swedish home),  the bathroom (like in this Danish home) and even the kitchen and home office (seen in my home at Christmas a few years back!).

Let's not forget the outside too. I visited Stockholm last weekend and my brother-in-law had a beautiful Christmas tree with simple white lights in the garden, it looked so pretty in the snow. Here are five outdoor trees I also love:

Colour in the woods 
Au natural
Three outside a French country home
Lining the streets of NYC
Doubling up for a warm (yet snowy) welcome

And even lighthouses are getting into the Christmas spirit! Wonderful!

Admittedly it takes time and effort to go all out and despite my best intentions (I did put my tree up nice and early!), I'm not sure where the time has gone? Do you find the same?! But next year....NEXT YEAR..... :)

Have a fabulous couple of days and see you Monday!

PS Don't miss the very exciting give-away this weekend....watch this space! 

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Dreaming of a White Christmas in Sandra's Serene Home

Some people love to go all out at Christmas, while others prefer a more pared-back approach. If you fall into the latter camp, I think you're going to enjoy the festive touches in Sandra's minimalist apartment in Hanover, Germany (remember this tour?!). Think subtle bunches of eucalyptus, olive and amaryllis, candles, and white paper stars and Christmas ornaments against a serene white and light wood backdrop. I had a brief chat with Sandra to find out more! 

What is important to you when it comes to decorating for the season?

As you may recognise, I appreciate simplicity and clear structures around me - and, although I really love to follow the seasons with my home decor, the basic feel of the home remains constant.

When do you start adding festive touches to your home?

I see more and more people getting festive in November. But, for me it makes it even more special to wait until the First Sunday of Advent - when the countdown officially begins! 

What's your philosophy when it comes to Christmas decorating?

I think simplicity is key - 'less is more'. I have an overall focus on natural elements like wood, flowers and of course a lot of greenery like fir, eucalyptus and olive. The result is a minimalist, natural but also refined look. 

Do you have anything new in your home this season?

This Christmas, I found a huge Scandinavian paper star, (more info here!) that will spread some Christmas cheer in our living room. 

Thank you for inviting us inside your beautiful, festive home Sandra! 

I think Pauline and Jo, Sandra's dogs are enjoying their Christmassy home, don't you? 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

I guess you know what's coming (you know I can never resist!) - yes, links to more Scandinavian Christmas decoration inspiration of course!! Here goes: 

Our Swedish Christmas from Per's perspective (don't miss the 20% discount off Skandinavisk seasonal candles with code nikijul20 - valid until 16th December). 

10 simple DIY decorations made by nature

5 mini Christmas tree ideas for small spaces

A Rural Swedish country home at Christmas

A mysig family home at Christmas

Altogether now, "deck the halls with boughs of um, eucalyptus...!"

Incidentally, I have one whole week of blogging left before Christmas - is there anything you'd love to see? Give me a shout in the comment section below and I'll do my best to cover it! 

Niki

Photography: Sandra / @Karlas_view shared with kind permission

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5 Mini Christmas Tree Ideas For Small Spaces

Who says you need to have a 12 foot Christmas tree to create a festive feel? These pretty mini tree are ideas are living (some are potted!) proof that you can still have a christmas tree in the smallest of spaces, and it can look as festive as can be. Oh and they make perfect Christmas pressies / holiday gifts too!

1. Mini Spruce in a vase (above): Not only is this tree in the home of Anna Kvarnström small enough to use as a table top decoration, you can enjoy your turkey / julbord around it and avoid all the faff of a tree foot too!! God rest ye merry gentlemen! Use real candles for an extra mysig feel (but never leave unattended!). See more subtle festive touches in Anna's lovely home here.

2. The tabletop Christmas tree:  little trees are perfect perched on side tables, stools and benches in places like the hallway. The clever guys over at The Merry Thought made the wooden decorations on this tree too - and have shared all the know-how in this film.

3. The Windowsill Forest: Create a forest right there on the windowsill with fake trees in simple bark containers from Danish brand House Doctor - or create your own with simple cuts from outside (you can also try your local florist / nursery) - there's a great DIY guide here.

4. Mini Christmas tree presents: Heading to a dinner party? Why not give the host one of these little fellas instead of the standard amaryllis (although a salmon-apricot amaryllis is always a good idea!)? Simply wrap them in wax paper with a bow and you're all set. Plus the host can plant it and use it again next year -bonus! You might even like to add a few care instructions (read about how to care for a potted tree here). I wish I knew the credit for this lovely setting - please give me a shout in the comment section below if you are able to help!

5. Mini Christmas tree gift wrapping: Now, I pride myself on my present wrapping (I might even go as far as saying it's my favourite part of the pre-Christmas prep!) - but I've never seen this idea before. You just need brown wrapping paper, a christmas tree shaped cutting from a conifer tree like cypress or juniper and some glue! Get all the know-how over at A Piece of Rainbow.

Such simple, pretty ideas, don't you think?

Are there any that caught your eye?

For more inspiration you might like to take a little peek in the Christmas and Christmas decoration archives (if this pops up first, just scroll passed!).

I'll be back tomorrow with a beautiful home tour.

Look forward to seeing you then!

Niki

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A day at a snowy log cabin / DIY Christmas ideas

Hello! How are you today? I have to say I'm feeling a little worse for wear after an evening out with the girls last night (totally self-inflicted I admit!). It's slow mornings like this when I dream of spending the day hiding out at a log cabin. In fact, If I could choose,  my day would look a lot like this. Fancy joining me?!

Credit: Benj Haisch

Credit: Warm Vanilla Sugar

Stylists: ila malù + Trendinozze. Photography: giuli & giordi,

Finch & Fawn

Credit: Paulina Kolondra

Credit: http://www.kardelen.se/

Sooooo cosy!  

In case you're wondering...here's the recipe for the hot chocolate with chocolate dipped cinamon marshmallows.  All the bedding in the last picture is available here. See a full tour of that stunning Italian Osteria wedding (how pretty?). There's a great DIY guide to the wreath.

Lots more pretty Christmas / winter inspiration here. 

Oh, and how cute are these mini Nordic Christmas tree mobiles? They come in a cool little 3D DIY kit...

Stylist Camilla Tange Peylecke, Photographer Gyrithe Lemche

So pretty and simple - the perfect DIY to create together with your little ones (alongside these 'pepparkaka' or ginger biscuit ideas - I can smell the cinnamon from here!), don't you think?

How would your ideal day look?

Have a lovely day, I'll be back tomorrow with a full house tour again!

PS Happy Thanksgiving to all of you heading off for a long weekend...

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