Christmas Time
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas filled with warmth and love. I hope this festive season brings joy, peace, and comfort to all. For those who are feeling lonely or going through a difficult time, know you're in my thoughts as many find it hard to get through the holidays. We spent Christmas Eve with my husband's family, and Christmas day at our home with loved ones, creating beautiful memories. It was a lovely time, and I hope everyone can find moments of peace and happiness this holiday season. Here's to a fresh start and a bright New Year ahead!
Slowing down for Christmas
As Sunday settles in, it is time to take care of some last minute food shopping and cleaning and then slow down and savor the simple joys and the anticipation of Christmas. I wanted to prepare some easy, comforting snacks to enjoy around the house, and let the warmth of the season fill every corner. We are going to watch a Christmas movie, letting the soft glow of the tree lights and the quiet hum of holiday tunes bring a sense of calm. With just two days until Christmas Eve, this is the perfect moment to soak in the cozy atmosphere, relax, and create cherished moments of rest before the holiday festivities begin.
As Christmas draws near, it’s easy to get swept up in the rush of to-dos and expectations. But the true Christmas spirit often lies in the small, meaningful moments that bring peace and joy. Start by slowing down and taking a long walk outside—let the crisp air and the quiet beauty of nature fill you with a sense of calm. Whether it’s the sparkle of holiday lights or the stillness of a winter afternoon, nature has a way of reminding us of the season’s simplicity. Whether you are alone or with family, it is the little things that can create your own Christmas feeling.
Back at home, the kitchen is a perfect place to reconnect with the spirit of Christmas. Cook something that warms you—maybe it’s a cozy soup, freshly baked cookies, or a dish that’s tied to fond memories. As the aroma fills the house, take a moment to appreciate the act of creating something with love.
Don’t forget the little things that can spark joy: wrapping gifts slowly, reading a Christmas book, or playing your favourite holiday songs. Christmas isn’t just about big celebrations or material things—it’s about creating an atmosphere of warmth, kindness, and togerthness. By embracing these small, meaningful moments, you’ll find that the Christmas spirit is already within you.
The weather was beautiful yesterday with all the snow
Elevated breakfast for days leading up to Christmas
Now that it is only a couple of days until Christmas eve, our home has transformed into a cosy little space, where I am trying to soak up as much moments together as possible. I wanted to share one of my simple but absolutely delicious breakfast ideas if you are into cured fish. Essentially make a plate of sliced cured fish. On this fish, add thinly sliced red onions, dollops of smetana (or creme fraiche) chopped dill, black pepper, chopped nuts of choice ( I used pistachio this time) and a good squeeze of lemon juice on top. You can add this spread on top of fresh sourdough or boiled jammy eggs, the way I like it.
Cured salmon slices
smetana
lemon juice
chopped dill
chopped pistachios
sliced red onion
black pepper
Citrus plate with melted sage butter
This simple citrus plate is wonderful: You slice orange and bloog orange onto a beautiful plate. Then take a little pot, melt some butter with sage leaves. Let it brown a little and pour it over the citrus fruit. What a luxurious combination. I also added a little bit of parma ham as I had some laying around in the fridge. I also started creating another wreath so it is fresh and fragrant for Christmas.
Elegant Deep Purple Table Setting
Table setting inspiration for Christmas
For a dramatic yet timeless Christmas table setting, I’ve chosen deep, rich purple tones paired with soft white candles for a striking contrast. At the center, a large flower arrangement in an urn with a simple Skimma plant, filled with moss (and other woodland material), is the focal point. I’ve added purple tulips and trailing ivy for a wild, organic feel. To elevate the elegance, I’ve used antique silverware, glass, and crystal, with silver and brass accents that complement each other beautifully. Fresh pine branches line the center of the table, added on the day of the party to ensure a fresh, natural look. Sage green napkins drape elegantly over antique plates, while my favorite crystal glasses bring a touch of sparkle. A few delicate baubles are scattered throughout, softening the overall effect and adding a playful touch to this sophisticated yet festive setting.
Fresh tulips white and purple, along with some white roses.
To add a final touch of elegance and freshness to the atmosphere, I’ve placed fresh flowers around the house, including delicate white tulips and soft roses. Their clean, pure tones complement the dramatic purple and deep greens of the table setting, creating a seamless flow of beauty throughout the space. The flowers bring a sense of life and softness, contrasting beautifully with the more structured elements like the silverware and glassware, and enhancing the overall refined yet inviting ambiance of the holiday setting.
The key to a stunning table setting is creating balance through varied heights, complementary colors, and a mix of textures that still feel cohesive. I used terracotta, old urns and used greens from herbs, ivy, woodland material and store bought flowers. By playing with different heights, such as tall candles, low flower arrangements, and varying the size of vases, you create visual interest and movement on the table.
Colours, like the rich purple, green and white harmonize yet contrast — the deep tones add drama while the whites bring lightness and freshness. This balance ensures the setting feels sophisticated but not overwhelming.
Mixing textures is also essential. The contrast between the smooth glass and crystal with the rustic feel of moss, pine branches, and the soft droopy petals of flowers makes the table feel multidimensional. Different vases, from the urn to antique crystal, create layers of texture that tie the look together without it feeling too busy.
By focusing on these elements — heights, balanced colors, and varied textures — you ensure that every part of the table enhances the others, resulting in a beautifully cohesive, cosy and elegant setting.
Canapé tip: Puff pastry bottom that is topped with bluecheese, a small slice of blood orange, fresh thyme and jam. Small canapés make a sophisticated way to start the dinner or just enjoy them to yourself, as I did when I set up some flowers.
Used these small french urns and added moss and poked ivy into it along with a candle to create a effortless candle holder.
Christmas Wrapping & Florals
Rich, Jewel-Toned Colours inspired by Paris
Once you have a lovely urn, pot or basket, you can create all kinds of center pieces in a few steps. If you access to foraging, I highly recommended bringing parts of the forest, garden or even fallen material from trees found in parks into a floral arrangement as it adds a beautiful degree of wildness. For this arrangment, I bought a ‘skimmia’ potted plant from the store and used some ivy from my balcony pots. The rest of the material has been found from the woods. I also used moss, that creates a lovely base layer and covers up all empty parts from the urn. Because this urn is so big, I used actual rocks underneath to fill up the space and lay the moss on top. Then I just poked, very randomly some twigs into the moss. I added juniper twigs that are covered with berries and some blueberry and lingonberry twigs. In the end I added a few long threads of ivy that I pulled from the balcony pots as this adds a lovely flow and casualness to the arrangement.
This year I just love the ‘skimmia’ flower as a main Christmas flower, even though I often love hyacinths and hellabores. However, this year the deep burgundy colour spoked to me, I think I was invoked in Paris and find deep rich colours, even lots of pattern and texture very inspirational. I found deep purple, almost aubergine coloured candles that I thought would look quite interesting on a brass candle holder on a Christmas table. This same deep colour palette is shown in the way I’m wrapping gifts this year, lots of thick ribbons, a little foliage added (like pine cones and florals) added on top. I feel like Parisian Christmas decorations evoked the elegance of a Fabergé egg. When you think about those stunning, intricate ornaments, you’re seeing a fusion of opulence and delicate artistry. The rich colours, sophisticated patterns, and the way ribbons and textures intertwine are part of what makes them so captivating.
Linen clothes can also be used as an organic way to wrap up gifts
Rich, Jewel-Toned Colours
Fabergé eggs are famous for their use of deep, luxurious colors — think rich emerald greens, ruby reds, sapphire blues, and golds. To evoke this in your holiday decorations, start with a color palette that mirrors these precious tones. Combine classic reds and golds with unexpected pops of deep purple, teal, or even charcoal gray. The mix of these jewel tones will feel both festive and elegant. Parisian window displays showed an array of textures and patterns that work in harmony. From the sheen of velvet ribbons to the lustre of glass ornaments, it’s all about adding depth and interest. Consider combining patterns like:
Damask or brocade textures on ribbons or table runners.
Intricate lace or metallic-thread details in garlands or tree skirts.
Glass or ceramic ornaments in shapes like flowers, snowflakes, or even vintage-style baubles, to add that intricate, delicate feel.
The key is layering these elements so each one contributes to the overall richness without overwhelming the senses. Ribbons are essential in creating a sense of sophistication and festivity. Look for luxurious materials like silk, satin, or velvet in gold, deep red, or forest green. You can use them to:
Tie elegant bows on wreaths, garlands, or tree branches.
Create cascading ribbons that flow down a mantelpiece or chandelier.
Wrap around candle holders or vases to add an extra touch of glamour.
Don’t be afraid to combine several types of ribbons (e.g., a velvet ribbon with a metallic gold thread) to create texture and dimension.
Gilded Details and Metallic Accents
A touch of gold or silver can elevate the most humble decoration into something luxurious. Parisian Christmas windows often feature gilded elements, from gold leaf accents on ornaments to shining silver tinsel. You can use:
Gold leaf details on candles, small vases, or frames.
Metallic spray-painted branches or pinecones for a modern twist on classic decorations.
Gold-painted ribbons or even decorative gold beads hanging from garlands.
Parisian windows are known for their glowing warmth. You can achieve this by using a combination of fairy lights or candlelight to create a soft, golden ambiance. Consider:
Soft fairy lights woven through garlands or draped on the tree.
Candles in elegant holders, like mercury glass or crystal, to provide a flickering, warm light.
Luminous glass ornaments that reflect and refract the light in the most magical way.
Much like a Fabergé egg, every element in Parisian displays is meticulously arranged. Think about the balance and flow of your decorations:
Centralize a statement piece (perhaps an intricate wreath, a centerpiece, or a large, opulent ornament) and then surround it with smaller pieces that complement the overall theme.
Cluster ornaments in odd numbers for a more dynamic and visually interesting display.
Use height variations (e.g., tall candlesticks, tiered displays, or ornaments of different sizes) to create movement and interest.
Incorporating fresh or faux florals adds an organic yet luxurious feel to your arrangements. Parisian displays often use a lot of natural material that is very organic:
Burgundy or deep red poinsettias, combined with soft silver or gold leaves.
Sprigs of holly, mistletoe, or ivy intertwined with ribbons or garlands.
Rose gold or frosted pinecones mixed with evergreen sprigs.
By combining these elements — rich colors, elegant patterns, luxurious materials, and delicate finishing touches — you’ll be able to create holiday arrangements that have the same lavish, intricate beauty as a Fabergé egg. It’s all about balance: each piece should feel intentional, contributing to an overall sense of opulence, harmony, and joy.
Read more about Christmas decorating from here
French Style Christmas Florals
Here you can see a lovely pot of skimmia in Paris
Helsinki Christmas market
Riding the carusel (that is free)
Exploring the Helsinki Christmas Market: Tuomaanmarkkinat and a Cozy Advent Tradition
In honor of the second Advent, we decided to take a dog stroll around the market, a lovely way to enhance our Christmas spirit. The streets around the market were filled with other families, many of them also bringing their pets along for the festive occasion. Helsinki is known for being a dog-friendly city, and it was heartwarming to see so many dogs bundled up in coats, happily walking alongside their owners through the market. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with the scent of pine trees and the soft glow of Christmas lights creating a sense of peace and joy. As we strolled, we paused to admire the handcrafted gifts on display, from delicate ornaments to candles and food, like jams and lots of cured fish that you could take back home.
The holiday season in Helsinki is truly magical, and one of the best ways to soak in the festive spirit is by visiting the renowned Tuomaanmarkkinat (St. Thomas Christmas Market). Nestled in the heart of the city, this charming Christmas market has become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike. From twinkling lights to festive treats, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. We are lucky this year, as we have a light coating of snow on the ground which makes it all that more lovely.
Tuomaanmarkkinat is located in the historic Senate Square, a picturesque setting with the iconic Helsinki Cathedral as its backdrop. The market is a delightful blend of Finnish tradition and modern holiday cheer. As we arrived, the scent of spiced mulled wine and roasted chestnuts filled the air. It’s a sensory experience, with each stall offering something unique, from hand-made crafts to delicious local treats. One of the highlights of the market for families is the carusel, a beautifully Venetian style carousel that’s free to ride. We couldn’t resist hopping on for a couple of spins, and the joy on my little one’s face as we rode around was priceless. The vibrant colors of the carousel horses and the festive atmosphere made it feel like we had stepped into a Christmas fairy tale.
Warming Up with Glögi, roasted chestnuts and Rice Porridge
No visit to a Finnish Christmas market is complete without sipping on glögi, the traditional Finnish mulled wine. Served warm and infused with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, glögi is the perfect drink to warm you up on a chilly December day. We also enjoyed a cup of this festive drink while exploring the market—nothing beats the cozy feeling of wrapping your hands around a warm mug on a frosty day. As we wandered through the stalls, we were tempted by another holiday favorite: rice porridge with cinnamon. In Finland, it’s customary to serve this dish during Christmas time. The creamy porridge, dusted with cinnamon and sugar, was the perfect comfort food to enjoy as we took in the festive sights and sounds around us. It’s a taste of tradition that immediately transports you to the heart of Finnish Christmas celebrations.
If you are looking for more Christmas markets, the one in Porvoo is lovely too.
Love this roasted chestnut display
This year, there was a typical Finnish style smoked salmon display, that is cooked on an open fire. Our little one tasted glögi for the first time this year and he loved the warm spiced berry juice. Don’t forget to walk on Alexanterinkatu towards Stockmann’s department store and look at their Christmas window display, which children love.
Porvoo Christmas Market
Experience the Charm of Porvoo Christmas Markets
Just a 40-minute drive from Helsinki, Porvoo is a charming town that becomes even more magical during the Christmas season. Its picturesque Old Town, with cobbled streets, colourful wooden houses, and cozy shops, provides the perfect backdrop for a festive day trip. The Porvoo Christmas Market, held along the riverside, brings a touch of old-world Christmas magic to the heart of the town.
As you stroll through the market, you'll find a delightful mix of local vendors selling handmade goods, Christmas decorations, and festive treats. The air is filled with the warm scent of mulled wine and cinnamon, inviting you to stop and enjoy a hot drink or a snack. It is very atmospheric and worth a visit. One of the highlights is the traditional carousel—a whimsical ride that will transport you back in time while offering beautiful views of the river and the surrounding market. If you walk along the paths, you will find another carusel for smaller children in the park.
Porvoo’s Old Town is a feast for the eyes during the holidays, with its charming boutiques, restaurants/bakeries, church and galleries decorated for the season. Whether you're shopping for gifts or simply soaking in the cozy atmosphere, the town’s magical vibe will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas postcard.
With its combination of history, festive cheer, and scenic beauty, Porvoo offers a perfect day-trip destination for anyone looking to experience a classic Finnish Christmas market.
Timeless Christmas Decorating
Embracing Nordic Christmas Decor: Simplicity, Nature, and Timeless Beauty
When it comes to Christmas decorating, the Nordic style offers a refreshing departure from the glitzy, commercialized trends often associated with the holiday season. Rooted in the traditions of Scandinavia, this approach to Christmas décor is all about creating a serene, simple, and cozy environment, filled with natural elements that evoke a sense of calm and timeless beauty.
A Return to Nature
In Nordic Christmas decorating, nature is the star. The forests surrounding Scandinavian homes provide an endless array of materials that can be incorporated into festive décor. Think of lush greenery, moss-covered rocks, and rustic wooden accents. The beauty of a Nordic-inspired Christmas lies in its embrace of these organic elements.
Handmade wreaths, often crafted from fresh fir, pine, or ivy, are a staple of this style. Their simple elegance speaks to a deep connection with the forest, while also evoking the tranquil beauty of wintertime. These wreaths can be adorned minimally with small pinecones, dried berries, or even hand-tied linen ribbons, which add to the feeling of authenticity and warmth.
The hallmark of Nordic décor is its focus on simplicity and functionality. Antique pots, vases, and baskets are often used to hold greenery, flowers, or candles. These treasured heirlooms, with their weathered patinas, contribute to the understated elegance that defines this style. Rather than relying on overly ornate decorations, Nordic Christmas décor often favors the charm of well-worn items and beautiful, natural textures.
Candles play a significant role in creating the atmosphere. In Nordic homes, lighting is key to setting the mood during the long winter nights. Candles in antique candleholders, placed on mantels, windowsills, or dining tables, cast a soft, warm glow that fills the room with an intimate ambiance. The flickering flame not only provides light but symbolizes the warmth and hope that carry families through the dark winter months.
Deep, Earthy Tones
Color schemes in my décor are often muted, embracing deep, earthy tones that echo the colours of the forest. Rich greens from pine branches and sprigs of spruce complement the deep reds of seasonal florals like amaryllis or dried berries, like lingonberry or rowan berries. These tones are harmonized with soft neutrals such as warm beige, ivory, and natural linens, which lend an air of understated elegance to the space. All these elements paired with a table setting dressed with old-world crystal ware and silver creates a luxurious and effortless look. This creates a warm, inviting space where time seems to slow down, offering a peaceful escape from the frenzy of the season. These deep hues, when paired with natural textures, bring out the beauty of simplicity and evoke a feeling of nostalgia and quiet contemplation.
Floral Arrangements with a Forest Touch
My floral arrangements often feature a mix of seasonal flowers and foliage, blending with elements found in the forest. Hyacinths, amaryllis, and hellebores are favorites, their elegant blooms adding a touch of beauty amidst the simplicity. These flowers, when paired with ivy, branches, or moss, create arrangements that feel as though they were freshly gathered from the surrounding woodlands. The key is to keep things natural and organic. Flowers are not arranged in overly structured bouquets, but instead, they are placed in simple glass jars, brass vases, or terracotta pots, allowing their natural beauty to shine. The addition of moss or small branches brings (like juniper, spruce or any evergreen) a sense of the outdoors inside, further enhancing the connection to nature.
Creating Calm and Contemplation
A Nordic Christmas is more than just a decorating style; it’s a way of being in the season. It’s about embracing the quiet beauty of winter, slowing down, and appreciating the little things. While the overall aesthetic might feel a bit melancholic, with its quiet tones and simplicity, it also invites a deeper sense of beauty and peace. It is a space where time stands still, and the hustle and bustle of the world outside can be momentarily forgotten.
In a Nordic-style Christmas home, every detail—from the handmade wreaths and soft, natural linens to the candles and flower arrangements—comes together to create a peaceful sanctuary. The simplicity of this décor reminds us that Christmas doesn’t need to be loud or extravagant to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most beautiful moments are those that are quiet and still.
Conclusion
Nordic Christmas decorating is all about returning to the roots of the season—finding joy in nature, simplicity, and the beauty of handmade touches. It’s about creating a space that feels calm, timeless, and filled with warmth, where the natural world plays a central role. With its muted color palette, natural materials, and subtle elegance, this style offers a refreshing and deeply authentic way to celebrate the holiday season.
Easy Rowan Berry Recipes
Rowan berries, also known as mountain ash berries, are small, vibrant fruits that begin to ripen in the late autumn, making them a perfect symbol of the transition from the cooler months to the heart of the festive season. Their bright red hue and striking clusters make them a popular choice for creating beautiful, natural wreaths, adding a touch of seasonal charm to any home. As November rolls in and we prepare for the holidays, these berries mark the stepping stone to more festive traditions.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, rowan berries offer a wealth of health benefits and can be transformed into a variety of delicious recipes. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, these berries have long been used in folk medicine for their ability to support immune health, improve digestion, and even help with inflammation. They are also known for their natural ability to boost circulation and maintain heart health.
In the kitchen, rowan berries can be used in a range of delightful treats, from homemade jams to soothing teas. A warming cup of rowan berry tea is perfect for cold evenings, while rowan berry compote can add a tangy twist to your breakfast spread.
Rowan Berry Compote Recipe
If you prefer a simpler, less sweet option than jam, a rowan berry compote can be made, which is perfect for serving with desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes. To slowly introduce Christmas season, we had it with rice porridge this weekend.
Ingredients:
500 g fresh rowan berries
1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
1 cup water
1-2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Prepare the Berries:
Rinse the rowan berries and remove them from the stems.
Cook the Berries:
Place the rowan berries in a saucepan with the water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, and lemon juice, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Simmer:
Simmer the compote for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries are soft and the mixture thickens into a syrupy consistency.
Cool and Store:
Once the compote has thickened, remove from heat and discard the cinnamon sticks.
Allow the compote to cool before transferring it to a jar or serving dish.
Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Rowan berry tea is a delightful, warming beverage that combines the tartness of the berries with the aromatic flavors of herbs and spices. Here’s a cozy Rowan Berry Tea Recipe that incorporates rosemary, honey, and a touch of cinnamon for an added festive touch.
Rowan Berry Tea with Rosemary, Honey, and Cinnamon
Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh rowan berries (about 20-30 berries)
1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
2 cups water
Optional: a slice of lemon or a few cloves for extra flavor
Instructions:
Prepare the Berries:
Rinse the rowan berries thoroughly. If using fresh berries, crush them lightly with the back of a spoon or a muddler to release their flavor.
Boil the Water:
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Add the Ingredients:
Add the crushed rowan berries, rosemary, cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), and any optional spices like cloves or lemon slices to the water.
Simmer the Tea:
Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together, and the water takes on a deep, reddish hue from the rowan berries.
Strain and Sweeten:
Remove from heat and strain the tea into a cup, discarding the solid ingredients (or keeping the rosemary sprig for decoration).
Stir in honey to taste, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.
Serve:
Enjoy the tea warm, and if desired, garnish with a small sprig of rosemary or a thin slice of lemon.
Tips:
If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can let the tea steep for a longer time or crush the rowan berries more to release more of their juices.
Rowan berries are naturally quite tart, so the honey will help balance that out. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave if you prefer.
The cinnamon and rosemary complement the rowan berries nicely, but feel free to adjust or add other spices like cloves or star anise for a more festive, spiced aroma.
This rowan berry tea, with its mix of herbs, spices, and natural sweetness, is perfect for warming up during the colder months and can become a comforting ritual as you get ready for the holidays.
2x Christmas Wreaths
Forage some greens - mainly spruce, pine and blueberry/lingonberry branches
Wreath base
You need bendable young branches or thick florist wire to create the base. If you can forage young branches that bend easily, collect a bunch and bend them into a circle. Secure the circle with florist wire that is twisted around the branches so it stays in place.
If you do not have branches- you can simple twist thick florist wire into a circle and repeat this process a few times so it create strength into the base.
Creating a wreath with foraged goods is a wonderful way to bring a touch of nature into your home. Here's a step-by-step tutorial to guide you through the process:
Materials Needed:
Florist wire or a sturdy wire frame
Pruners or scissors
Foraged goods such as evergreen branches, twigs, pinecones, dried flowers, and berries
Ribbon or twine for hanging
Make the Wreath
Step 1: Gather Your Materials Collect a variety of foraged goods from your garden, local park, or nearby woods. Look for items like evergreen branches, twigs, pinecones, dried flowers, and berries. Ensure they are in good condition and free of pests.
Step 2: Prepare the Base: If you're using a wire frame, shape it into a circle or any desired wreath shape. If you don't have a wire frame, you can create a base by bending a sturdy wire into a circular shape. Ensure the base is strong enough to hold the weight of the foraged materials. You can also make the base from bendable twigs.
Step 3: Create Small Bouquets Take small bunches of foraged goods, making sure they are of similar length. Arrange them in a way that looks pleasing to you. Hold the bundle together and trim the ends to a uniform length.
Step 4: Secure with Florist Wire Use florist wire to tightly bind the trimmed ends of the bouquet. Wrap the wire around the stems a few times and twist the ends together to secure the bundle.
Step 5: Attach to the Base Place the secured bouquet on the wire frame and use additional florist wire to attach it securely. Wrap the wire around the stems and the base, ensuring it's tight and stable.
Step 6: Repeat the Process Continue creating small bouquets and attaching them to the base. Overlap each bouquet with the previous one to ensure full coverage and a lush appearance. Vary the types of foraged goods to add texture and interest to your wreath.
Step 7: Fill Gaps As you work, fill in any gaps or sparse areas by adding smaller pieces of greenery or other foraged items. This will give your wreath a more polished and cohesive look.
Step 8: Add a Hanging Mechanism Once the wreath is complete, attach a ribbon or twine to the top for hanging. Ensure it's securely fastened, especially if your wreath is on the heavier side.
Step 9: Trim Excess Trim any excess stems or wire to give your wreath a neat and finished appearance or let it be wild and free, imperfectly perfect.
Step 10: Hang and Enjoy Find a suitable place to hang your foraged wreath, whether it's on your front door, above the fireplace, or as a beautiful centerpiece. Admire your creation and enjoy the natural beauty it brings to your space.
Gift Wrapping Inspo
As the countdown to Christmas Eve dwindles down to just ten days, the fleeting nature of this time becomes all too apparent. This year's Christmas season has unfolded against the backdrop of a distinctive landscape, markedly different from the usual array of little gatherings and festive cocktails in town, a departure enforced by the prevailing pandemic. Undeterred, we're determined to infuse the season with the warmth of the holidays, despite the unconventional circumstances.
As the countdown to Christmas Eve dwindles down to just ten days, the fleeting nature of this time becomes all too apparent. This year's Christmas season has unfolded against the backdrop of a distinctive landscape, markedly different from the usual array of little gatherings and festive cocktails in town, a departure enforced by the prevailing pandemic. Undeterred, we're determined to infuse the season with the warmth of the holidays, despite the unconventional circumstances.
Venturing into town for the remaining gifts is still on the to-do list, although some thoughtful purchases have already been secured. Amidst the hustle, I find solace in the art of gift wrapping, an activity that elevates the spirit of giving. Personally, I gravitate towards wrapping paper with natural, muted tones, eschewing the ostentatious brightness for a more refined aesthetic. Plain "brown" paper, not only easily recyclable but also exuding sophistication through its simplicity, is my go-to choice. Adorned with delicate strings or the verdant charm of evergreen branches, it attains a subtle yet captivating beauty.
Lace or jute, in an array of muted colors, complements the wrapping paper seamlessly. For an added touch of elegance, consider snipping a fresh flower bud from around the house just before placing the gift under the tree. For recipients who relish adorning their homes, incorporating a homemade wreath or a glass jar filled with dried herbs alongside the presents adds a personalized touch.
For an eco-conscious twist, opt for fabric cloths as reusable gift wrap, destined to be passed down through generations of celebrations. A nugget of information worth noting – glitter-adorned paper may look enchanting, but it isn't recyclable, making it a less eco-friendly choice.
If you find yourself in need of gift ideas, consider the timeless allure of artisan perfumes, the luxury of cashmere, or the indulgence of silk pajamas. Special candles, French soaps, coffee table books, linen, and antiques make for delightful presents, resonating with a touch of sophistication. For the gentlemen, cozy joggers, driving gloves, thick knits, or quality leather goods may be just the ticket.
When visiting friends, a thoughtful gesture can be a nice bottle of wine, accompanied by specialty coffee beans and perhaps a homemade wreath. And in the spirit of the season, never underestimate the allure of edible goods as gifts.
As the evening settles in, I look forward to creating a cozy atmosphere with a steaming mug of glögi and settling down for a heartwarming Christmas movie alongside my beloved husband.
Christmas Morning
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas! The world outside is adorned in a pristine blanket of snow, creating a magical spectacle in the crisp -10-degree weather. This morning holds an extra layer of enchantment as we celebrate our first Christmas as a blossoming family.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas! The world outside is adorned in a pristine blanket of snow, creating a magical spectacle in the crisp -10-degree weather. This morning holds an extra layer of enchantment as we celebrate our first Christmas as a blossoming family. Nestled together in bed, including our dear Siena, who is marking her second birthday today. Our festive feast comprises steaming bowls of rice porridge, generously adorned with a luscious sticky date and plum sauce. Crafting the sauce involves a delightful blend of dates, plums, seasonal spices like cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of orange zest, all harmoniously simmered with a touch of brown sugar if desired. Dried apples and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon crown this delicious creation. Christmas melodies fill the air as we gather around the tree to unwrap a few presents, adorned in cozy pajamas and festive hats. This precious moment, with our little one and my husband, is a cherished dream fulfilled. As we embark on this holiday, surrounded by the warmth of family, the magic of the season, and the joy of loved ones, it's a Christmas morning to be treasured forever.
