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A cosy and warm Finnish table setting

With the shortest day of the year fast approaching here in Sweden natural light is scarce. As per Scandinavian tradition the best way to let natural light into the home over the winter months is through candle-light, whether on the dining table, in the windows or outside the front door. I've noticed that even my children's nursery have candle light on their breakfast table! This cosy dining table setting for two has been styled by Maiju of Finnish blog my second hand life for Lapuan Kankurit. It looks so cosy and warm, I could see myself having a 'fika' here with friends, anyone want to join?!






My Second Hand Life with kind permission. 
Other than the fabrics and square plates, everything used for this setting are flee market finds!

I found beautiful vintage lamps on Etsy yesterday, the candle holder is the Nappula from Iittala, find beautiful linen table cloths and napkins in white and dove grey here. The chair with the wooden legs is 'About a Chair' by HAY.

If you'd like to read more about this table setting you can always pop over to Maiju's wonderful blog.

I also love this Christmas table setting (imagine?!) and this New Years Eve table setting (I just bought star garlands like these from Illum but you can also buy similar ones online here). And look at these beautiful DIY rosemary napkin rings - perfect around a fresh white linen napkin?

How will you decorate your table this season?

PS I think you're going to love tomorrow's home tour! See you then :)

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A Pretty, Swedish Table Setting at Christmas

It's Friday! And not just any Friday - it's Friday 6th December which also means St Nicholas day (German friends, I hope you have a wonderful day!) and it's also.... my birthday! Needless to say, I'm in the mood to celebrate - which is why I thought it would be apt to share this pretty, festive table setting in the Swedish home of Caroline Borg

If anyone's entertaining this holiday season you might just want to savour the details. A simple table setting with a rustic yet, elegant vibe, Carolines 'Jul' table is as cosy as can be with a candle wreath overhead and a beautiful tree just beyond.  

Ready to feel the 'mys'? 








Oh so pretty - and such a cosy and welcoming little cottage in the snow! 

Could you imagine spending the holiday season here? Is there anything that caught your eye? 

Explore more of Caroline's world here. And get lots more table setting inspiration and Christmas decorating ideas in the archive. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Caroline Borg, shared with kind permission.

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23

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: 


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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A Pretty Outdoor Autumn Table Setting

Did you see the beautiful Swedish country home of photographer Mari Magnusson on Monday? I've been dreaming about it ever since and couldn't help pouring through her instagram for more Autumn inspiration. And then I stumbled across this outdoor table setting. What a wonderful way to celebrate the season and make the most of the balmy weather before temperatures force us indoors! 

There are so many pretty elements at play - and I'm sure the authors of the book Curate (see yesterday's post!) would be impressed with the natural elements, small imperfections and vintage flair! 

In case you'd like to create a similar look try these items: Mika plate*,  Mika side plate*, Mika soup bowl* from , glass candleholder*, natural linen napkins*, hand blown wine glasses*. And of course add a fabulous bouquet of flowers. 

A bit too chilly? Greenhouses are popping up left, right and centre in Sweden and are a perfect place to prolong the season while still surrounded by nature. If you are lucky enough to have one, why not clear it out and create space for a party? 

So pretty! 

Table setting inspiration for the weekend perhaps? 

Just add a hearty soup! 

Speaking of country homes, I've set up home for three days in a pretty cottage in Blekinge, south Sweden (you might recognise the name from this guide). The cottage will serve as a backdrop for several Danish homeware brands which I am here to shoot. I can't wait to share the results with you soon!

Ha det så bra!  

Niki

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Feeling the Hygge: My Holiday Table Setting

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The winter solstice is a few weeks away and the sun never really gets very high in the sky here in Southern Sweden (is it the same where you are?). This can only mean one thing: it's time to get cosy over casual, candlelit dinners. In preparation for my favourite time of the year (admittedly it's also birthday season so I'm a little biased!), Genevieve Jorn and I had a fun afternoon creating this holiday table setting using beautiful items from the Nordal homeware collection (my Danish partner who are not only the loveliest team ever, they also design the most beautiful items - seriously!).  We selected natural linens, cast iron candle holders,  tactile stoneware  and mouthblown glass combined with a foraged wreath, dried poppies and age-old wood furniture to create a rustic vibe. Bring on the hygge!














Photography - Niki Brantmark,  Styling - Genevieve Jorn  / My Scandinavian Home). 

Ahhhh, so pleased with the natural materials and layers of texture. I feel completely ready for the holiday season now!

In case you'd like to know where any of the items are from, we've mapped out an entire 'get the look' below. 

And here's a styling tip I learned from the pro (Gen!): linen tablecloths will arrive ironed and folded. To get the 'relaxed crease' look, wet the entire linen cloth and then hang it up to dry (if it's curtains you can simply hang them in place) - and then simply throw over the table.

And finally... the wreath! This year I'm really into rustic foraged wreaths. I'm hoping to create a DIY post shortly so keep an eye out!

Get the look*

1. Burgundy velvet quilted cushion 2. Pure drinking glass 3. Retro drinking glass 4. Retro red wine glass 5. Cast iron candle holder (short) 6. Cast iron candle holder 7. Glass vase 8. Cast iron server spoons (small) 9. Tapas board 10. Black cutlery 11. Stoneware bowl 12. Stoneware cake plate 13. Stoneware dinner plate 14. Table cloth 15. Napkins 16. Stoneware pitcher 17. Stoneware mug.

 *Nordal ships throughout Europe. Find a webshop stockist near you here.  


If you'd like to know anything else about my dining space just give me a shout in the comment section below.

Hope you feel as inspired as I do to get together over long lunches / dinners under candlelit!

I'm heading off to a friends cabin in the woods with friends and family for a couple of days (weeeeee!) - back Monday - see you then! Have a lovely weekend, and Happy Thanksgiving to all American friends and family!

PS I feel very honoured to be a part of the world's first influencer-specialised magazine - Le Buzz. Thank you so much for the lovely interview / feature!


This post is brought to you in collaboration with Nordal, however all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too.

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My Spring Table With Danish Recycled Glassware

Collaboration*
Hej vänner! Everyone ready for the weekend? Before we shoot off, I'm really excited to share some recent pictures I took in my dining room in collaboration with Pernille Bülow. You'll likely recognise the name. I am a huge fan of Pernille Bülow - an atelier on the Danish island of Bornholm, and I am always excited to see their latest collections. And this one is really exceptional! Pernille Bülow prides itself on producing handmade items from glass and other raw materials in their workshop in the small village of Nexø. The new ReUse glassware consists of a drinking glass (in two different sizes), bowl, vase, oil lamp and jar, all of which have been individually mouth blown using waste glass from the pharmaceutical industry. And every single piece is unique. Read on for more! 

I used this little bench in the kitchen for all the 'props' for the shoot, and they looked so pretty I couldn't resist taking some snapshots before the items even made it to the table! 

When you experience the pieces from the ReUse Collection firsthand, it's hard to imagine that it's made from waste glass. Every year, Novo Nordisk has large amounts of excess borosilicate glass from their diabetes drug production, which is then disposed of. And now, Pernille Bülow has found a way to remelt the glass and shape it into beautiful objects. Look closely and you'll see small bubbles - a result of the production and a hallmark of the ReUse Collection. 

The ReUse drinking glasses come in a small and large size. For the table, I used the smaller size because I felt they were a perfect fit with the bowls. People are often cautious about putting handmade glassware in the dishwasher but fear not - these are heat and dishwasher resistant!  

The pretty ReUse jars with cork lid can be used for just about anything, anywhere in the home - but I have to say they do look lovely in the kitchen filled with oil and salt!

The ReUse vases all vary slightly in size (a sign of mouth blown design!) and look equally beautiful alone as they do on the table in a set of three. I used a single stem - which is all it needs! 

For our spring table I combined the ReUse Collection with a white linen tablecloth, striped linen napkins, and simple ceramic plates - for a relaxed, yet formal rustic setting. 

Let's hope the Brantmark table manners can live up to the setting (there's work to be done, I can tell you *rolls eyes*!). Having said that, there is a relaxed feel to the setting too - which gives way to chatting and laughter into the small hours - hygge style!). 

I love antique silverware, how about you? It always reminds me of lunch at my Grandmother's house as a child.  There was something about the slightly tainted, unpolished appearance of this silverware which made it a perfect fit with the ReUse collection (at least that's my excuse for not polishing it! That obvious?). 

The ReUse glass bowl is great for soup, cereal or just about anything really and it matches the drinking glasses perfectly. 


My favourite item in the collection has to be the ReUse oil lamp.  I'm a big fan of oil lamps in general - they've been slowly replacing candles in my home since they're a bit Moore convenient! I particularly the simplicity of this one. It's also SUPER easy to refill and light (as an oil lamp expert, this isn't always the case!). I now have three of these beauties dotted around - because they work absolutely anywhere in the house - on a coffee table, windowsill (well away from the curtains of course), on my desk (in Sweden it's perfectly normal to have a lit candle on your desk on a dark day - something I've been quick to embrace!) - anywhere! 

I showed this beauty to my sister Cas last night over a Zoom call, and she actually paused the call to buy one! Let's hope those mouth blowers can work quickly, I have a feeling these are going to be a big hit! 

It feels like we're all set for Easter now! One month early too! t  

In the meantime, I'll be burning the oil lamps to warm up these chilly Scandinavian evenings and enjoying my granola even more from my glass bowl!

I hope there's something in this collection that has caught your eye too. Pernille Bülow ships worldwide (more info here). 

Would you like to see more from their collection? Take a peek at the SKY Lamp here, here and here in my home and the Pernille Bülow Odin glassware captured at my summer cottage (I have such great memories from that day!), and also the ReUse outdoor light chain in my little back garden. So many lovely things in one place! 

If you have any questions about anything else you see in these pictures please do give me a shout in the comment section below, I'll be happy to help. 

Right friends, I think that's it for the week! 

Wishing you all a wonderful couple of days and see you Monday!

Niki

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

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Cosy Autumn Ideas From Laura and Nora's Beautiful Homes

I have heard that Autumn is fairly late around the Northern Hemisphere this year, is this the case where you are? In Sweden, it has hit us with full force! Think blustery gusts sending golden leaves spiralling through the chilly October air and dark candlelit days. It's definitely time to update the home to embrace the golden season to the full! 

I have been following Laura and Nora for many years and never tire of the beautiful inspiration they share. Famous for their recipes, the pair live in Germany (although once flirted with a summerhouse in Southern Sweden) and love to share snapshots of their apartment in Berlin and country home. Here are some Autumnal (that's 'fall' for you guys across the pond!) touches from their living spaces (including several tablescapes!) to get us into the spirit and fill us with ideas for the new season ahead. 

Nothing says Autumn like an artisan teapot* and a steaming cuppa to warm the cockles! 

A little side table in their outhouse can be pulled out at dinnertime. At this time of year, small items foraged from the great outdoors help to bring nature in. Why not create a simple bowl of acorns, conquers and other items for an instant display. 

Blankets are your best friend in Autumn and winter - add them to sofas, armchairs and beds so that you can curl up, get cosy and keep the chill at bay! 

Cosy sheepskins add to the cosiness of the season. This Danish-made Little Petra chair is a favourite of mine, but simply draping sheepskins* on furniture can make a difference! 

A thick rug (by Cappelen Dimyr) and branches with berries help to add a cosy in-season touch to their cosy sitting room. 


A simple vase of foraged branches with golden leaves looks so pretty on the dining table. 

Or if you'd like to go all out, hang branches from the ceiling for an autumn dining table with wow factor! 

Edible berries and fallen leaves make a charming touch to the table setting. 

I couldn't resist sharing a snapshot from their powder room. Although tiny, it packs a punch thanks to the textured wall, pretty tiles and linen towel. 

Extend the season outdoors by adding string lights, candles and plenty of cushions and blankets! 

Pumpkins make a really lovely touch to the autumn table. I've noticed that  green pumpkins are particularly popular this season! 

Rustic linen in tones of brown add to the texture of the season and a bouquet of Autumn flowers ensures a burst of colour. 

Don't forget to wrap up warm in cosy knits to keep the chill at bay! 

Trust Nora and Laura to create such beautiful autumn table scapes - great inspiration for the coming months, don't you think?

Is there a particular way you like to update your home in Autumn? if so, I'd love to hear about it in the comments below. 

In the meantime, here is a little more Autumn inspiration for the weekend: 


Have a cosy weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Our Food Stories, shared with kind permission

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