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Christmas Decorating Tips from Astrid Marie Vie and Ida Thun
As the days get shorter and colder, we’re reminded that the holidays are just around the corner. There is a warm glow that embodies Nordic Christmases that can be seen in something as simple as a lit candle in the window on a cold winter’s night. Nordic Christmas design feels light and warm, and for inspiration to prepare for this time of year, we have some Christmas magic to share. To help you spread some holiday cheer, we spoke with Astrid Marie Vie and Ida Thun on decorating, their Christmas traditions and what trends we can anticipate this holiday season.
How early is too early?
Astrid likes to start decorating the last day of November, and continues to keep decorating throughout Advent so that everything is ready a few days before Christmas Eve. While she’s not a huge fan of starting too early, she predicts many people are going to begin decorating earlier than usual because of the pandemic. “People are spending more time at home,” she says, “and the days, at least in the North, are dark. Christmas lights and decorations contribute to early cosiness, and that’s more important this year than ever.”
Christmas is different for everyone. Ida explains, “everyone has their own rules about when’s the proper time to start decorating and I say, do what feels best for you! I wait until the first of Advent before I decorate. I love Christmas and I want to enjoy it as much as possible during December.”
Natural, cosy and warm
During Christmas, as with the rest of the year, both Astrid and Ida like to use soft, neutral colours as well as green, brown and beige. Astrid incorporates red and gold, but in small amounts, making sure not to overdo it. A prediction for this year? She anticipates that we’ll see more pastel colours.
Ida explains that for her “Christmas is not as much about the colours, it’s more about soft textures and cosy lighting. You can create a beautiful Christmas setting without adding red and green. It’s more about the feeling than the colours in my opinion. But if you love a traditional feeling then go for it! Christmas is the perfect holiday to go all in.”
A simple, easy and cost-effective decoration are pine cones. Of course, there’s always the wreath on your door. Or take a branch, place it in a vase and string some ornaments on it. Make sure to tie in lights, but if you want to keep it simple and natural, stick to non-coloured, white lights with a nice warm glow. “I love adding that extra cosy feeling with fairy lights, Christmas stars and of Advent candles”, says Ida.
Traditions
It’s important to keep cherished holiday traditions alive. Astrid says she has many traditions in her home, some from her childhood and some new. She always decorates with star lights and candle arches, also beginning on the last day in November. Then, the last weekend before Christmas, the Christmas tree is transformed.
Astrid’s family gets a special Christmas tree treat. “Our neighbour grows Christmas trees, and about one to two weeks before Christmas the whole family spends a day in the forest picking out our tree.”
Sugar, spice and everything nice
Astrid says that each year “we always have to make and decorate our gingerbread house the first week of December, and we also bake cookies with our children. On Christmas Eve we always watch Cinderella (Tre nøtter til Askepott) in our pyjamas, eating sweets. In the evening our family comes for dinner and we open presents. I like to have everything ready on December 22nd, then we can all relax and enjoy the last, exciting days before Christmas.”
In Norway, a Christmas dinner favourite of Astrid’s is Pinnekjøtt (salted lamb or sheep), served with potatoes, cabbage and turnip mash. Homemade fudge and rocky road are also beloved treats this time of year. Traditions transcend borders as Ida’s Christmas favourites are her father’s homemade special meatballs which he only makes at Christmas.
When it snows, you can find Astrid outside with her children: “We live on a farm and have fields and hills that we can play on,” she explains. “We also go skiing or sledding in the snow. When the cold becomes too much, we play board games and watch cosy family movies. Disney movies are always a favourite during Christmas.” The same goes for Ida as she loves having some time off and taking the days as they come. Eating good food, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.” What more could you ask for?
Christmas is more than just the presents and the day itself, but also the buildup – decorating, cooking, baking and spending time with those you love. So God Helg, god jul, Hyvää Joulua, Gleðileg jól! and Glædelig jul!
What are your Christmas traditions? Make sure to share your holiday ideas and decor with us on Instagram, and follow Astrid and Ida for more beautiful interior inspiration.