The Advent countdown
Photography: Ivyline.
From wreaths to candles, pockets to pouches, there are plenty of ways to countdown the days – or just Advent Sundays – to Christmas. As Niki Brantmark, of myscandinavianhome.com explains, “Christmas in Sweden starts on the first Sunday of Advent. We start with window decorations before unveiling the Advent calendar, adorned with individually wrapped presents (much to the delight of our children). We’ll then don our finest and head off to a glöggmingel (Christmas drinks party) to start the season in style.”
Looking for Advent calendar and candle ideas for your Christmas Scandi home? Try our favourites…
1. Invest in a bring-out-every-year candleholder
Pushed for time to do something with fresh foliage? What about a candleholder that you use each Advent? We love the idea of countdown candles, which you can always swap the colour of to match your scheme each year.
Candleholder; candles; Broste Copenhagen.
2. Fill a pocket calendar with a small treat
Looking for a way to treat the children? A pocket-style Advent calendar can also be used for many a Christmas to come, while also allowing you to pop in notes, activities and treasures as well as wrapped chocolates.
Advent calendar, Sophie Allport.
3. Keep it simple with a fresh pine wreath
Use a wreath as the basis of your Advent decoration. Try wrapping green ribbon around, holding any loose sprigs of pine in place. Then sit on a large plate, with four pillar candles in the centre, one to light each Advent Sunday. This wreath is from Louise’s home, as featured in our Simply Scandi Christmas Special 2021.
Photography: Birgitta Wolfgang/The Sisters Agency.
4. Make an Advent wreath to match your scheme
Every year, Julie, the owner of our cover home in our Simply Scandi Christmas Special 2023, makes an Advent wreath to match her scheme. This year, she’s combined shades of coral, pink and nude with glittering silver spruce for a pretty display.
Photography: Anitta Behrendt.
5. Arrange fresh flowers
Create a tall arrangement for a single Advent candle with fresh poinsettias. Use them to cover the base, securing into florist’s foam, adding a few seed heads for a modern touch.
Photography: Stars for Europe.
Find more Christmas styling ideas in our Simply Scandi Christmas Special 2023.
