Make your home merrier with a cheerful

palette and natural trims inspired by

S w e d is h y u L e b id e

traditions.

Striking in its simplicity, a Swedish-style Christmas boasts age-old elements that

easily translate to suit modern-day celebrations. The customary candy-cane color scheme

supplies a sprightly starting point for decking the halls, both here and abroad. In Sweden,

bright-red apples, ribbons, and candles; scarlet tulips; Swedish flags; Dala horses;

red-capped gnomes; ribbon-decked straw goats and straw hearts; snowflakes; and angels

are likely to adorn everything from tabletops to tannenbaums.

We reinterpreted these Scandinavian trims and created decorations with a fresh, up-to-

the-minute look and feel. You’ll love how these red and white fabrics, fringes, papers, and

ribbons spice up a conventional red and green Noel scheme. Take note of the natural wood

finishes and rustic straw embellishments—although neutral in hue, they really pop when

set against a backdrop of greenery.

Whether you’d like to add to your ornament collection or want to give a room an

entirely new holiday view, we’ve got you covered. From cross-stitched stockings and a

snowflake tablescape to straw wreaths and tree-motif pillows, you’ll find a smorgasbord of

ideas for keeping spirits and interiors extra bright during the upcoming season.

PRODUCED BY LORI HELLANDER PHOTOGRAPHED BY KIM CORNELISON WRITTEN BY ANN WILSON

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Best of Christmas Ideas