It is that time of the year when we bound to err on the side of “excessive” — excessive partying, gifting that makes one’s wallet cry and of course, countless parties to host.
While we can’t save you from most of that and indulgence is indeed, as Nigella Lawson would say, the essence of the festive season, Linda Dekkers is here to offer respite with a less fussy alternative to traditional Christmas decor.
An Instagram sensation (follow her on @liveloudgirl), Dekkers, a Dutch expat, has firmly established herself as one of the leading interiors stylists in the UAE. “When I started out a couple of years ago, a clean Scandinavian palette was a refreshing change in the region,” she recalls of when she launched her blog liveloudgirl.com. “I am inspired by my heritage and adapting that to various occasions has been challenging and fun.”
For your own Scandinavian Christmas, may we recommend you start with a clean backdrop? White becomes the colour of choice as it brings in lightness. “It is the perfect canvas where a muted palette can be punctuated with an array of decor, both bought and homemade” says Dekkers. “The idea is to create a space that is relaxed and warm, not overbearing.” With introspection heavy in the air at this time of the year, your Scandinavian Christmas is the haven you crave.
The Christmas tree is most people’s stress-point when it comes to festive decor. Linda proposes seeking beauty in refinement. Start with a modest evergreen fir tree – and since we are after simplicity, you needn’t spend on the tallest, fullest fir. Its branches will lend a sculptural quality which you best not hide behind heaps of ornaments. Select statement ornaments, preferably in a similar hue (whites, silvers, blush coppers work well) and arrange them such that you can appreciate the natural beauty of the tree.
Nature’s palette works wonders for the festive dinner table as well. If you can find crate wood, use that to create a temporary top for your existing table or use MDF board that is painted white (trust us, your amateur strokes will lend a welcome rustic quality). Limit your tableware to white ceramic, bleached woods and glass to let the food truly shine. Textures are key, so investing in a jute runner and kitchen dishcloth napkins will go a long way. A scattering of tapered white candles and fir garlands on the table hones the spirit of the season. Handwritten place cards held up with a fir segment will lend formality if that is what you are after.
Live greens are indeed your go-to decor elements this year. “Greens fill the house with soothing aromas,” says Dekkers. “From fir and rosemary to eucalyptus, readily available braches are so handy when it comes to DIY ornaments.”
For a festive wreath, all you need is some sturdy copper or aluminum wire fashioned into a round. Two or three concentric circles are best for weaving your cuttings through the form. You can add ornaments, pictures or even battery operated lights through the wreath. Hang with a grosgrain ribbon.
Buy large clear glass baubles and insert foliage through the clasp opening. With rope, suspend from the ceiling at varied heights in a profile akin to a Christmas tree. Mix with hanging crystal strings for an alternative, uber cool installation.
Get the family involved and make your own advent calendar. All you need is a sturdy branch of evergreen hooked onto a wall or a curtain rod. Use ribbon or thin rope to suspend cards, sweets or trinket boxes. You could also use the installation as a feature suspended above your dining table to add a bit of design drama to the proceedings.
Last but not least, ditch your old fairy lights for string lights. These diode like LED based lights are woven through copper or aluminum wires and come battery operable. Fill up bell jars or suspend from the ceiling like a cloud. The metal wire allows the lights to keep their assigned form and reflects light to lend a magical glow.
