Guest Picks: A Scandinavian-Inspired Christmas

20 ways to bring a bit of Nordic style to the holiday season

I love mid century modern design with a vintage, bohemian flare. I like art walls, collections of found objects, neutral palettes with pops of color, ethnic textiles, flea market finds, diy, chalkboard walls, and unexpected design elements. I write about design, style, fashion, travel, and anything else that inspires me on my blog: http://www.thedesignboards.com
I love mid century modern design with a vintage, bohemian flare. I like... More »
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This year I am decorating my home for Christmas with a Scandinavian-inspired theme. I am always drawn to Scandinavian design, and I love to see the way such homes are decorated for Christmas: usually simple and understated with lots of nature-inspired elements, candlelight and a common color theme of reds, whites and wood tones. — Candice from The Design Boards
traditional candles and candle holders by Sukima
by Sukima
by Sukima
Jul Candle Holders »
Warm and cozy candlelight is the perfect mood lighting for dark and cold winter nights. These porcelain candle holders are perfect for displaying a large number of candles together.
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modern holiday decorations by Bodie and Fou
White Paper Star Decorations - GBP 16.50 »
Paper stars like these are the perfect accent to a Scandinavian-inspired Christmas. These are simple, understated and beautiful. I would hang them at different heights in front of a picture window.
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eclectic holiday decorations by Jamali Floral & Garden Supplies
2in Red & White Mushrooms Picks - $8.99 »
Red and white is a common color scheme in Scandinavian Christmas decor. These mushrooms are just so cute and tie right into the color scheme. They are on wires so you just wrap them around your tree branches, and they sit in the tree. I ordered these for my tree this year and I just can't get enough of them!
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eclectic holiday decorations by Terrain
by Terrain
by Terrain
Wicker Tree Skirt - $48.00 »
A common theme in Scandianvian homes is to put the Christmas tree on display in a beautiful basket or bucket. I love this wicker basket from Terrain; it will definitely add a bit of unexpected charm to your tree.
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eclectic vases by Jamali Floral & Garden Supplies
Antique Silver Cylinders - $7.00 »
These antique mercury glass vases cast a beautiful glow when filled with candles, or they could be the perfect vessels for displaying winter branches.
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eclectic candles and candle holders by Not on the High Street
Heart Lantern - GBP 14.75 »
I love the rustic feel of these lanterns. They are a great nature-inspired element to bring to a Scandinavian Christmas theme.
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modern holiday decorations by Sukima
by Sukima
by Sukima
Jul Ornaments »
I am obsessed with these tiny porcelain ornaments. I think they are so simple and beautiful, and I love the red and white butcher's twine they are hung with. They'd be a perfect touch to a Scandinavian-inspired Christmas tree.
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contemporary accessories and decor by Jayson Home
Lucite Antlers - $175.00 »
I love decorating with nature-inspired elements like deer antlers. You can hang ornaments or stockings off of these, and since they're white they blend perfectly with a Scandinavian Christmas color scheme.
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modern holiday decorations by West Elm
Papier-Mâché Reindeer - $39.00 »
Scandinavian Christmas decor always seems to be inspired by nature, which is why these papier-mache reindeer are a perfect addition to the theme. Display them along with some bottle brush trees for a gorgeous holiday display.
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modern throws by West Elm
Faux-Fur Throw - $119.00 »
There is no doubt that it gets cold in Northern Europe! Fur blankets are always on display in Scandinavian homes, and these faux-fur blankets from West Elm are perfect for keeping warm on cold winter nights.
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traditional holiday decorations by Etsy
by Etsy
by Etsy
Dala Horse by Mid Mod Mom »
The Dala horse is a traditional Swedish folk art piece. They are usually seen in red and white but can come in a range of colors. I love the red and white ones because they are perfect for Christmas, and this is one item that you can leave out year-round.
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traditional holiday decorations by Cox & Cox
Great Games Crackers - GBP 12.50 »
Christmas crackers are so much fun and such a great tradition to add to your Christmas meal. I love these because they are red and white and inspired by Scandinavian folk art.
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traditional plants by Pottery Barn
Live Paperwhite Bulb Kit in Gold Leaf Cachepot - $49.50 »
Paperwhites are such beautiful accents this time of year. They are lovely on display in front of a window and such a nice touch of greenery during the coldness of winter.
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eclectic holiday decorations by TOAST
by TOAST
by TOAST
Christmas Stocking - GBP 12.50 »
I love these stockings! I ordered them for my house this year and they are amazing. They look so cute hanging up near the tree. The red and white color palette is perfect for a Scandinavian-inspired theme, and the fact that they are knit adds to their charm.
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eclectic holiday decorations by Paper Source
Faux Bois Wrapping Paper - $7.95 »
Nature is a common theme throughout Scandinavian Christmas decor, and that is why this faux bois wrapping paper is a great option. I am using it this year and embellishing with pine cones, evergreen and twine.
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modern holiday decorations by Terrain
by Terrain
by Terrain
Swedish Star Lantern - $82.00 »
What else could say Scandianvian Christmas like this beautiful Swedish lantern with a folk art design? Hang it in a picture window or entryway to welcome guests into your home.
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eclectic holiday decorations by Not on the High Street
Festive Ribbon Gift Wrap - GBP 6.50 »
This wrapping paper is so charming, cute and inspired by traditional Scandinavian design. It will be the perfect accent for under the tree.
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modern holiday decorations by Not on the High Street
Handpainted Scented Clay Tree Decorations - GBP 4.50 »
This clay ornament with a Swedish folk art design is the perfect touch to a Scandinavian-inspired Christmas theme. I love pieces like these hanging off of door knobs or cabinet pulls to add a little touch of Christmas throughout the entire house.
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eclectic holiday decorations by Mr Yen
by Mr Yen
by Mr Yen
Mr Yen Christmas Tape - GBP 4.50 »
When wrapping gifts, I like using plain papers and dressing them up with embellishments like this red and white holiday tape with a Scandinavian feel.
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eclectic holiday decorations by Folksy
by Folksy
by Folksy
Lino Print Tree Decorations - GBP 3.50 »
One of the things I love about Scandinavian design is the folk art. These tree decorations are a beautiful representation of traditional folk art and are perfect for Christmas.

Next:
Houzz Tour: Scandinavian Style with a Twist
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Comments

2jacs says:
This is one of my favorite posts for Xmas this year...I have embraced my own Norwegian background for many years now, even though I live in Canada. Thanks so much for sharing...this is so cosy! I recently made an advent calendar (see pic below), a big part of their traditions!. You can check out my blog to see where I get my Scandinavian inspiration from...God Jul!
6 months ago ·
Amy Renea says:
I absolutely adore this style...crisp whites and bright, deep reds....I can never keep the palette that clean though and then the effect is gone :(
6 months ago ·
debleavy says:
The Jewish Star of David as a Christmas tree ornament? Seriously? I find it offensive.
5 months ago ·
Thanks Shelley, I'm glad you like it! I love your advent calendar. I wanted to make one myself this year but ran out of time, which usually happens this time of year :)
5 months ago ·
dotknot says:
Sorry debleavy, while the hexagram or six-sided star may be recognized by you as a Jewish symbol, it has been used by other cultures both before and after so I guess it depends on how you look at it. I don't see a Star of David. I see a cute ornament, and take no offense whatsoever. I love the wood heart lanterns!
5 months ago ·
@ debleavy,
Are you aware that the "Christ" of Christmas was a Jewish baby born to one(/two) Jewish parents?
Just wondering.
There are many strange things that happen at Christmastime, which I find peculiar, however I am confused as to why you are offended.
5 months ago ·
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