Simply Christmas: Scandi Style
- rkokonaski
- Nov 30, 2024
- 5 min read
📷randiklifestyleblog
My Norwegian heritage is speaking to me, and Scandinavian Design Style is what's happening this Christmas holiday. Scandinavian style is clean, minimal and natural. The simple aesthetic just allows you to enjoy the environment feeling stress free.
What is Scandi Christmas Style?
Scandinavian design is characterized by its minimalist approach, clean lines, and focus on nature. Other elements of Scandinavian design include:
Bright, airy spaces
Warm wood
Light, muted colors
Sustainable and eco-friendly materials
Gentle contours and organic shapes
The Scandinavians live by the"hygge"(hoo-ga) lifestyle, especially over the holidays.
What is hygge?
"Hygge is all about feeling good inside. Imagine being in your comfiest pajamas, sipping a warm drink, with no rush to do anything. You’re happy with the present moment and happy to be yourself within it. That’s the hygge vibe." How to Practice Hygge calm.com
White and more white!
Fresh & clean!
I added white sheers to the windows so the light filters in and giving a nice bright, white glow. Reminds me of when snowfall brightens up your space with the snows reflection.
Now we have set the tone.
Sheers can be found HERE
Dining Chairs found HERE
Scandi style is decorating your windows.
A Christmas star is often found hanging in windows at Christmas time. Most are lit with lights and is said to represent the Star of Bethlehem
Most are lit with lights.
Here is how to make your own Christmas Star.
You can use white paper lunch bags as well!
🔆DIY Paper Star
Materials:
9 paper sandwich bags
hot glue
scissors
hole punch
twine or ribbon
*Put bags all face down, (glue T shape) down center & along bottom
*Glue each bag together lining up the sides
*Cut pointed end, cut 1/2 circle on each side this creates a pattern.
*Fan open and glue ends together.
*Punch hole & hang!
Minimalistic,
simple tree
Less is more, let the evergreen tree, usually fir, shine! Many decorate their trees on
Christmas Eve in Scandinavia.
My Scandinavian inspired tree has pops of red, DIY Scandi Style ornament, with pewter touches.
"Since the Roman times, Scandinavian pewter craftsmen have been producing unique wares."
-Home to Norway
Christmas Tree Candles
Early Christmas trees in Sweden were decorated with live candles, fruit treats and candy. Apples were often hung from the branches to keep the candles more parallel to the ground. "A celebration of light in the dark winters." -Scandinavisk
I love these candle lights I found them on Amazon HERE
Simple, Natural Paper Wrap
Embellished with greenery.🌿
Add a touch of whimsy!
These little characters, "gnomes", have become popular in recent years.
In Scandinavia, they are called,"nisse"or "tomte" and have been part of their culture for centuries .
The story of Scandinavian nisse and tomte.
"A nisse (usually Norwegian) and a tomte (usually Swedish) are similar characters. They are mischievous domestic sprites responsible for the protection and welfare of the farmstead and its buildings." -Ingebretsens Blog
A Knod to Nature
Nature takes center stage in Scandinavian decor. Living in nature and celebrating is the Scandinavian way. "A name in Norwegian, called “friluftsliv” or “fresh-air life,” basically means a lifestyle that embraces the outdoors." -skandibaking
I am just loving the fresh evergreens against the neutral backdrop.
The wood cut chargers bring the Scandi natural style home for me.
Chargers found HERE
Bring nature into your Scandinavian
Christmas decor with boughs of green.
I just love this natural centerpiece and candle project below.
Natural Centerpiece DIY
Bottles can be found at dollar store. Add fresh pine stems, can add water to keep fresh, and add candle, voila! Simple, natural and easy! So Scandi!
My Scandinavian Home
Handmade goodness is Scandinavian style
Handmade, folk art is a significant part of Scandinavian culture.
We have made these wonderful stars for our windows, now let's create these clean,
simple paper ornaments below.
Scandinavian Inspired Ornament
Materials:
ornament pattern
white cardstock
scissors
glue stick
hole punch
twine or ribbon
Trace pattern 4 times, cut, fold in half, glue 4 together on folded sides. Hole punch and hang! Pattern 4" x4" HERE
Incorporate dried orange garlands & fragrant pomanders.
🍊Garland from Lavender Home Front HERE
🍊Orange Pomander Balls from Craft Bits HERE
🍊Dried orange slices HERE
Gingerbread
Gingerbread is intrinsically linked to Christmas in Sweden and is believed to have come here in the late 19th century, inspired by the Brothers Grimm and their legendary fairy tale about Hansel and Gretel. Centuries on, gingerbread comes to symbolize Christmas in Sweden.
In addition to gingerbread cookies , the gingerbread house ('pepparkakshus' in Swedish)is a Scandinavian favorite! Crafting these edible houses is a seasonal highlight for children and grown-ups alike.
Make the dough from scratch or buy it ready-made. Check out templates online as well as ready-made gingerbread house kits.
I created these hanging gingerbread ornament stars✨ they are so fragrant and fill the room with spicy cloves and cinnamon.
Gingerbread Ornaments are easy & fragrant!
Recipe from HGTV HERE
Add Texture
Scandinavians love fur throws!
Warmth: Fur throws provide warmth, especially in the long, dark winters of Scandinavia
Comfort: Fur throws are soft and fuzzy, adding comfort to a space
Style: Fur throws are a stylish accent that can be draped over furniture
Natural materials: Fur throws are made from natural materials like wool, which helps connect with nature and bring a sense of calm
Layering: Layering textiles like throws and blankets is a key technique in Scandinavian design to create a cozy atmosphere
✨I made my throws form faux fur at Joanns Craft Store
Candlelight
Days are short in Scandinavia
winters. Lights and candle light are a mainstay.
✨Lights everywhere!✨
Change Artwork
Switching out your artwork is a great way to create
a winter oasis❄️
Canvas Wall Art HERE
Add a fun Advent calendar!
Put a treat, gift card or ornament in a box for each day leading up to Christmas.
🏠Gingerbread boxes are simply tied with twine to a wooden dowel at different levels, each box is numbered.
Gingerbread box found HERE
Craft dowel found HERE
God jul!
Scandinavian style is clean, minimal, celebrates nature, homemade decor with a touch of whimsy.
Celebrate this holiday "Scandi Style".
Resources:
How to Practice Hygge- calm.com, Sheers & dining chairs-Amazon, Star light-Amazon, Pewter Art-Home to Norway,5/20/2020, Candle Lights-Amazon, Legend of Nisse-Ingebretsens Blog,12/20/23, 8 Scandinavian Must-Haves for Christmas and New Year’s, Skandibaking,12/16/2023, Candle DIY-My Scandinavian Home;Niki Brantmark,11/13/24, garland-Lavender Home Front, pomander-Craft Bits, gingerbread stars-HGTV, faux fur-Joann Craft Store, winter canvas-Amazon
Simply beautiful ❄️