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Are you, like me, not wanting the outdoor life to end with ‘back-to-school’, or the September 21st fall equinox which seems to signal an ‘official’ end to summer, despite continued warm days? Are you contemplating the sheer enjoyment of being out-of-doors, and continuing to share that joy with others? Dreaming of lovely autumn days, or evenings, with friends and family at outdoor parties or get-togethers? Let us offer some suggestions for hosting.
It is noted that in countries like Sweden, garden parties and outdoor lunches hold sway whenever the weather permits, with around 65% of people preferring an outdoor grill. Far from being limited to the summer, barbecues are celebrated on warm days in Autumn, and indeed, many would say that this season in Scandinavia is one of the most flavorful of the year. Since Scandinavians love a good barbecue, they don’t let any coolness in an autumn day stop them from enjoying an outdoor get-together, and indeed, many carry on barbecuing all through the winter as well! It's all about catching up with close friends and family al fresco!
If this Scandinavian approach resonates with you, then you may wish to ‘up the ante’ and consider hosting these gatherings in your own backyard, or patio! And you don’t have to worry about having sufficient of the same style of chairs to accommodate a large group!
Scandinavian design includes the eclecticism of mixing various pieces, something typical of Scandinavian style and a natural part of their ethos – that fabulous eclectic mix that is unexpected but perfectly designed. So, whether it’s chairs, dishes, glasses, cutlery or table linens, don’t worry about having all matching items sufficient to host a large party. Just bring together your various colours and styles, all-weather rattan, wood and aluminum dining chairs – even your indoor dining chairs on a dry day. Mix and match your dishes, glassware and table linens as well, as it’s all about the conviviality of getting together!
The good news is, the Scandinavians have been pros at this for years. Visit a café or restaurant in Sweden, Denmark and Norway, and you'll find every chair in the outdoor area has been prepped with a fleece blanket. And they don't stop there... sheepskins, outdoors rugs, string lights, lanterns, candles and fire pits are all pre-requisites to a cosy evening al fresco – that sense of Hygge – regardless of weather! We in North America are now catching on to this trend, as we see some restaurants and cafes bringing sheepskins, cozy blankets and portable patio heaters to their sidewalk cafes.
The Scandinavian concept of “Hygge” is a cozy feeling in your soul – a chair or group of chairs pulled up to a glowing fire in a fireplace or firepit, a softly flickering candle on a table set for dinner for two, a convivial moment between friends, or just a general feeling of contentment in a simple setting. Hygge can be all of these and more. It means comfort, joy and well being – more of a feeling and a concept than a specific thing. So, round up some soft and cozy pillows and fleecy throws, extra chunky blankets, and sheepskins - and put them within easy reach for you and your guests to grab. You can never have too many for your own cozy Hygge feeling!
Covelo Outdoor Dining Chairs Laurion Outdoor Dining Table
Midway Outdoor Floor Lamp Pamir Outdoor Hanging Lights
The Scandinavian culture has it right again! Applying this concept to your own space, early Autumn nights call for candles, lanterns, a beautiful set, or sets, of string lights and maybe even the warmth of an open flame (or a patio heater). All of this to not only illuminate your outdoor space, but also to create a relaxing ambience and the kind of comfort which all of us crave!
Scandinavian style is very much about adding and celebrating light, as Scandinavians traditionally try to interject as much light as possible into their lives. The Lucia festival, which happens on December 13th every year, is just one example of this, but light doesn’t just mean actual light, it also means comfort, joy and wellbeing. It is a philosophy and way of living that consistently lands the Scandinavian countries on the Top 10 list of the happiest people on earth, and something we perhaps might consider striving toward!
Organic and natural materials often take pride of place in Scandinavian design, reflecting the Scandinavian and Nordic countries relationship to nature. And you can easily take advantage of this whimsical, timeless décor aesthetic.
Have you, or do you know someone who has recently trimmed their shrubs, such as curly willow or red leaf dogwood? Collecting the branches for decoration allows you to create a natural bouquet of the branches, with curly willow providing textural interest or red leaf dogwood adding a pop of natural red colour.
You could also create a pretty wreath of found branches or create one using strands of grapevine, that you can find growing wild and which seem plentiful this year. Then whitewash your wreath for that natural Scandinavian feel. Use the wreath at your party, then hang it indoors or outdoors for an organic touch.
Another easy craft project using natural materials is to create twig name tag flags as place cards for guests at your table. Using homemade place cards at parties can make every guest feel extra special. These whimsical ones are made with twigs and branches, and they help bring the feel of an enchanted forest right to your party table.
Twig Name Tag Flags – Melissa Bahen
Materials and Tools:
Instructions:
Notes:
Tree branch slices are also available from the wood hobby aisle of your local craft store.
If you have a drill with a small-gauge drill bit, it will make holes in your branch slices much faster than a hammer and a nail. Just make sure you use a drill bit that is about the same size around as your twigs.
Scandinavian food is simple, easy
and has a deep respect for the ingredients!
Paul Lowe founder and EIC of Sweet Paul Magazine
Of the many Scandinavian cooking styles that appear in the fall, barbecue, grilled, and smoked foods appeal, thanks to the wonderful warm sensations they bring, along with the range of delicious sauces and sides that make for a perfect meal.
At a typical barbecue or grill party in Sweden in the Autumn, you could expect to find a host of different meat types—something for every taste(!) — including sausages, shellfish, salmon, calf liver, and lamb. Game is also big in the autumn in many Scandinavian countries. The Scandi marinades for meats are not as sweet as traditional sweet barbecue sauces in North America: a simple but well-loved recipe involves marinading meat in a blend of vegetable oil, beer, soy sauce, garlic cloves, onion, and smashed whole black pepper (and a little jalapeño chili if you like things spicy!).
Scandinavians also enjoy celebrating seasonal fruits and vegetables during their barbecue bashes. So skewer up your favourite autumn fruits – including apples, pears and the plentiful late strawberries in this area. And of course, vegetables make the perfect sides, so instead of serving mashed potatoes or fries, you could boost the antioxidant goodness of your meal with grilled root vegetables like squash carrots and parsnips. These ingredients can also form part of a warm soup or sautéed dish to accompany your grilled meats. In later fall, Swedish yellow pea soup will warm your guests up while they are waiting for meat to grill, while a lovely Vitkål sallader (featuring cabbage tossed in a warm vinaigrette) will be perfect once your meat dishes have been served.
Don’t forget to bring our local corn-on-the-cob while it’s available! It’s a staple at most Scandinavian barbecues, as are cherry tomatoes, green and red peppers, mushrooms, and onions. If you love umami flavors, opt for chanterelle or porcini mushrooms. Pop them directly on the grill or in your favorite side soup.
With all these ideas, you are sure to find some you like, and ensure you are popular hosts for get-togethers that extend our precious outdoor days! Enjoy our beautiful days!!
Written by Ryan Castillo
With its centuries-old weaving technique and organic textures, wicker offers a delightful way to infuse warmth and character into the living spaces of your home. From a coastal-inspired oasis to a bohemian retreat to a classic and inviting atmosphere, wicker seamlessly adapts to a diverse range of interior styles. In this Redfin article, we will explore the versatility and allure of wicker furniture, decor accents, and even textured wallpapers that can breathe new life into your home. So whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Indianapolis or purchase a home in Charleston, discover the beauty of this age-old craftsmanship and uncover how wicker can elevate your home’s design.
Wicker is a versatile and time-honored material used to craft furniture, baskets, and various decorative items. “Wicker furniture and accessories are made from natural materials such as rattan, bamboo, or reed. It brings an organic and earthy vibe to your living space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere,” says Santa Barbara Interiors.
Creating wicker involves intertwining these flexible materials into intricate patterns, often forming a strong and lightweight structure. Wicker’s history can be traced back to ancient Egypt, and its popularity has endured through the ages due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
“Wicker and rattan are popular choices for interior design as these materials are lightweight, durable, and add natural texture to the home,” shares Morgan Desquenne of 3DVIA. “Wicker and rattan can be used in various ways, from side chairs to coffee tables to poofs, stools, and even bed frames.”
CASS Design Co. notes, “Our best tip to use wicker in a way that elevates your space versus making it feel dated is to use it sparingly. Think accent pieces like lighting, side tables, side chairs or benches, or even vases. When you add these pieces here and there, it adds an element of warmth and interest. If it’s overdone, like an entire matching set, there isn’t as much visual interest.”
Here are 10 more ways to easily include wicker design in your home.
Wicker planters are stylish and functional containers specifically designed for holding and showcasing plants, flowers, and herbs.
“Bring a touch of nature indoors by using wicker planters to display your favorite houseplants. These planters can be placed on window sills, shelves, or even hung from the ceiling to create an eye-catching display. The combination of green foliage and the earthy tones of wicker creates a soothing and inviting atmosphere in your home,” notes Wicker Guides.
Wicker lighting fixtures bring nature-inspired aesthetics and warm illumination to any living space. Whether in pendant lights, chandeliers, or table lamps, these fixtures cast beautiful patterns of light and shadows that infuse the room with a cozy and inviting ambiance.
“Wicker lighting is a great way to create ambiance,” notes Cottage Culture. “The natural fibers of the lamp soften and warm the space while the soft cascading pattern of light that falls from a chandelier truly sets a mood. Don’t have space for a chandelier? Try a wicker floor lamp to add interest to your space.”
Wicker headboards offer rustic charm to bedroom decor, adding texture and warmth to the overall ambiance. Their woven design, typically crafted from materials like rattan or willow, provides a lightweight and airy feel while still serving as a sturdy and supportive backdrop for the bed.
Bree Kotwitz of Wicker Baskt says to, “Give your bedroom a touch of bohemian charm by incorporating a wicker headboard. The natural texture of wicker adds a cozy and inviting feel to the room, especially when paired with soft bedding and neutral tones to create a serene and stylish haven.”
Wicker coffee tables are eye-catching pieces of furniture. “An easy way to add wicker into your home is through a coffee table tray. Add a cute book and plant, and you’ve got a beautiful vignette,” says NB Design Group.
Wicker trunks come in various sizes, from small decorative pieces to larger storage containers, making them suitable for use in bedrooms, living rooms, or even outdoor spaces.
Kim Turner, Principal and Designer at Kim Turner Design, and Advancement Director at Dwell with Dignity notes, “A wicker trunk placed at the foot of a bed serves as an excellent storage solution for extra bedding. In a guest room, it provides a convenient space to stash additional blankets for those who might feel chilly during the night. It also allows you to include extra pillows with varying firmness levels, offering guests a personalized and comfortable sleeping experience.”
Wicker chairs are classic seating options that combine comfort, style, and natural elegance. With their lightweight yet durable construction, wicker chairs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
“Place wicker chairs in your living room, paired with plush cushions to create a cozy reading corner,” recommends Zen Candles Design. “Opt for neutral colors like cream, beige, or pastel hues to create a cohesive look that is both serene and sophisticated.”
Wicker panels and wallpaper are innovative and stylish ways to incorporate the natural appeal of wicker into interior design without the need for actual woven materials.
“Make a striking first impression by covering an accent wall with woven wicker panels or textured wicker wallpaper,” says Lori of Our Repurposed Home. “ Wrap some old books with wicker wallpaper sheets and place them on a shelf and a few plants in wicker baskets. It will give your arrangement some texture and interest. Cover your traditional painted stair risers with wicker panels or wallpaper, adding a unique and unexpected twist to your staircase.”
Wicker baskets come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and designs. “They are the perfect solution for storing items around the house while presenting an aesthetically pleasing decor element. Store blankets, toys, and more in any room while hiding out of view in decorative wicker baskets,” notes Lauren Tieru of Paige & Rye.
Wicker outdoor furniture comes in various forms, including chairs, sofas, dining sets, loungers, and more, catering to different seating and entertainment needs. Its timeless and versatile design allows it to blend seamlessly with various outdoor settings, from garden patios and balconies to poolside areas and porches.
“Wicker is a great option for outdoor furniture,” notes Tara Rydl, Mom Can Do Anything. “I love my outdoor living space with a wicker couch and wicker swivel chairs. As long as I keep it covered during the winter months, it wears well and holds up nicely.”
Wicker indoor furniture brings a charming and natural touch to interior spaces, infusing them with warmth and texture. Due to its lightweight and versatile nature, wicker furniture can easily move around to suit various arrangements and decor styles. Wicker chairs and sofas are often paired with cushions and upholstery for enhanced comfort and a personalized touch.
“Most think of coastal design or outdoor design when they think of using wicker or rattan, but like wood, wicker can warm up any interior space and add some needed texture so a space doesn’t feel cold,” explains ReAbode. “Don’t be afraid to use wicker or rattan furniture indoors mixed with other contemporary furniture, especially with a cool color scheme of blues and greens – a chair or coffee table can add some much-needed warmth and texture.”
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I am in love with Scandinavian design! The minimalist, clean look incorporated with warm hues of nature speaks to me. When it comes to the winter months I am drawn even more to the Scandi vibe. I think this may come from my aversion to the dreary winter months and my constantly looking for ways to bring light and warmth into my home during this cold grey season. With this in mind I thought this year, I would delve more into decorating my home in a Scandi vibe for the holiday season. The simplicity and coziness of the Scandinavian Christmas décor creates a peacefulness (that I think we all need at some point during the holidays).
Here are some decorating tips for a Scandi Christmas vibe to help you bring some peaceful Scandi bliss into your home this holiday season.
Lots of white. As with year-round Scandinavian design white is the main feature. White is traditionally used in Scandinavian interiors to reflect the natural light and spread the light around the home during the long cold winter months. Strings of white beads on Christmas trees along with handmade crochet snowflake ornaments would be one way to infuse white into your Scandi Christmas decorating. Since it is the holiday season be sure to add in pops of colour, red is always a sure-fire fit! Be sure to create contrast and depth by adding pops of black, maybe with candle holders or with your dinnerware when setting the holiday table.
Light natural wood. Woods such as beech, pine and ash are commonly used in Scandinavian design. This carries through with Christmas décor in the way of strings of wooden beads for the Christmas tree, dough bowls used as table décor and even wall décor of various forms. Handmade wooden carvings of horses placed with a sprig of greenery or a little bow placed around the home creates a quick and easy Scandi Christmas décor.
Texture. Texture, texture, texture, this is what brings in the warmth when decorating. The Scandi vibe includes sheepskins anywhere you can use them, chunky knit throws and felt décor pieces. A basket filled with throws and sheepskins placed by the couch in the living room screams “come sit, be cozy!” And cozy is yet another element of Scandi design and maybe one of the main elements! I am sure you have word of the word Hygee. This is the Danish and Norwegian word that loosely translated means coziness and comfort, a feeling of well-being and contentment. Textured pieces create this coziness. Felt bowls filled with extra Christmas tree decorations placed on a shelf or as a center piece or even the use of felt coasters add a layer of texture creating the cozy vibe.
Lighting. Nothing creates a mood more than lighting and this is especially true with the Scandi vibe. The white base of your Scandi design is there to help reflect the light as the available daylight is in short demand. Candles are a must have when you are creating a Scandi Christmas. Candles give you height when used in your table décor and create such a warm and welcoming vibe when lit. There is truly something special about enjoying a meal over candlelight. Another lighting element to consider when you are thinking about your Christmas décor is twinkle lights, a must have for any Christmas decorating. I love the simplicity of the lighted bare branch trees in white either on their own or clustered in a group in a corner. You can choose to hang a few simple red ornaments on them for a festive flare or leave them bare, either looks great and creates a warm feeling. Need help adding light to that far corner of the room? Maybe a textured floor lamp on a dimmer switch would help create the feeling you are looking for? I love the Midway floor lamp; the handwoven rattan floor lamp instantly adds warmth to a corner even when it is not lit up! When the floor lamp is turned on the cascading rays of light on the floor add yet another design element.
Greenery. Bring the outside in! Natural elements are a main principle of Scandi design. Sprigs of evergreen are a must have in Christmas Scandi décor. A simple branch hung on the wall is a great place to display your collection of Christmas cards and well wishes from friends and family. A small evergreen sprig with a tied bow of twine placed at each table setting on top of a linen napkin is great way to incorporate nature into your dining table décor.
Potted plants throughout the home is another Scandinavian design element. To carry this design element through the holiday season, use smaller potted evergreens placed throughout your home. Placed on the foyer table or kitchen countertop these little saplings instantly create a natural holiday flare. These potted evergreens are readily available this time of season and bring a natural pop of colour and texture to the home. Not to mention, this is an environmentally friendly form of seasonal decorating as you can plant these evergreens around your home in the spring.
Less is more. As with traditional Scandi design decluttering is key. Clean lines and minimal adornment carry through to decorating for the holidays. You may find this an easy form of decorating but admittedly this is one of the hardest Scandi decorating tips for me to follow. I tend to decorate an area and leave a box in the room, for the next few days, every time I walk by the decorated area I “edit” taking some pieces away. By the end of the few days, I usually have the desired minimal look.
Make it personal. The holidays are all about family and traditions, don’t forget to incorporate this into your holiday decorating. Even if some items may not align with the Scandi vibe, if these pieces mean something to you it is important to have them in your space. You want your indoor space to be as unique as you, this is what makes it special and memorable.
