I've just arrived in New York for the Domino Design Blog Awards tomorrow - so exciting! I love this city! It's soooo chilly though and there's a light dusting of snow on the ground which makes today's post even more apt - it's time to cosy up those homes guys! Here are my 5 top lagom tips (based on my years of living in Sweden!).....
1. Layer on the blankets and throws - waffle, wool, linen and sheepskins are the order of the day at this time of year. Throw them over the backs of chairs, on the seat of your sofa or keep blankets neatly rolled in a basket so you and your guests can grab them when you feel that draught!
2. Bring in a little nature: fill a bowl with pine-cones, create a rustic wreath, place white hyacinths in a glass bowl surrounded by moss (I love the scent, don't you?!) and add a simple branch of pine to a vase. It doesn't need to be complicated - in fact the more simple and imperfect, the more cosy your home will feel!
3. Create a warm glow - an obvious one, but add plenty of candles - and dot them around your sitting room, kitchen, and your bathroom for a warm, cocoon-like feel. If you've got guests over - why not do as our Nordic friends do and place two outdoor candles outside the door for an extra warm welcome?!
4. Put a basket of slippers by the door - In Sweden you always remove your shoes, which kind of makes sense if you really stop to think what you've picked up on the soles during the day. Keep tootsies toasty by keeping a basket of slippers and woolly socks at the door so you and your guests can get comfy the moment you walk in.
5. Get the scent going - there's nothing like the smell (and taste!) of Pepparkaka (ginger thins) at this time of the year. Enjoy them with glögg (mulled wine) and blue cheese (a personal favourite). Don't forget to save a few to hang on your Christmas tree. Not into baking? Hmmm, sounds like someone else I know....ME! Pick up ready made pepparkaka dough from IKEA or pierce oranges with cloves and hang them up with ribbon or bundle cinnamon sticks together to create a centre-piece. Your home will begin to smell like Jul in no time!
Get The Look
Circle Candleholder • ferm LIVING • $199
H&M Moss-knit Throw • H&M • $59.99
Wire Basket Large - Black • ferm LIVING • $124.99
Byredo - Cotton Poplin Scented Candle, 240g - Colorless • Byredo • $80
Brass Extinguisher • ferm LIVING • $31.99
Wondershop 15ct Holiday Accessory Glitter Pinecones • $5
Diptyque Baies Scented Candle, 190g • Diptyque • $64
Do you have any tips to add? If so, I'd love to hear them in the comment section below!
Have a cosy day and stay warm out there! x
PS thank you so much to wonderful Ana for helping with this post - can't tell you how happy I am to work with you!
Photo credits: 1. The home of Christian Duivenvoorden of online shop Artilleriet (Residence magazine. 2 - 6 & 8. Neptune 7. Melanie Barnes / Geoffrey and Grace (FYI this is such a beautiful blog. Find out about their slow living retreats here).
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