My mom is from Finland, and while that didn’t extend much beyond eating salmon and dill potatoes and drinking out of the Iittala glassware, our home became a full-on Scandinavian wonderland during the holidays where her Swedish-Finnish traditions were on full display. That meant a fresh tree decked out with red accents (mostly little bearded gnome-like santas, dala horses, and spotted mushrooms) and straw yule goats, bowls with nuts and raisins scattered about the house, and aromatic, spiced glogg warming on the stove.
Growing up in the suburbs of Atlanta, I was the only one I knew with decor like this and you couldn’t find them in any stores. Now, it’s all just a click away and I’m super grateful for that, because in my (clearly biased) opinion, it’s absolutely the best way to decorate for the holidays—not to mention add authentic hygge vibes to your home.
Below, my curated roundup of Nordic decor—basically, all the your essentials for a Scandi-inspired Christmas. The only thing not included? My mom’s secret recipe for pepparkakor cookies (though these are pretty good).
1. Farmhouse Pottery Wood Winter Trees, $30-$55
These carved mini replicas are meant to mimic actual trees from oaks to pines, and they’re made from different wood types, too. Collect a whole forest to decorate a table or mantel.
2. Herringbone Knit Stocking, $48
This wool stocking has a charming off-kilter quality that could only come from being hand knit.
3. Sage in Thyme 7ft Wood Bead Garland, $15.99
A garland strung with unfinished wood beads of varying sizes paired with a second garland of dried orange slices gives any tree, staircase railing, or mantel instant Scandi vibes.
4. ScandinavianShoppe Straw Yule Goat, $19.99
Place this 12-inch tall straw Yule Goat—also known as the bringer of gifts—near your Christmas tree, just as the Swedes do.
5. Dipped Red Taper Candles, Set of 2, $6.95
Classic taper candles done in a festive red will add a warm ambiance to your space.
6. Vintage-Inspired Glass Baubles, $23
This gift-worthy set of glass ball ornaments is designed by Cody Foster and would look super festive whether hung from a Christmas tree or loaded into a decorative bowl on the table.
7. White Ceramic Houses, $24.95-$147.90
Pair these architecturally-inspired ceramic structures with a collection of hand-carved wood trees and you’ll have a charming Scandinavian village. Pro tip: Use tea lights to illuminate your tiny town—just remember to blow them out when you leave the room.
8. DBO Home Remo Long Tray, $325
The leather straps on this ceramic tray—an excellent piece for serving glogg and thin, crispy ginger cookies—are detachable for easy cleaning.
9. Mueller Handcrafted German Beechwood Star Tree Topper, $88
Simple and ornate at the same time, this hand-carved beechwood star is such a lovely way to finish off your Scandi-inspired tree.
10. Haus Indoor Log Holder, $99.99
A stylish way to keep logs on display, so you’re always ready to add another to the fire.
11. Birch Log Tea Light Holder, $46
This natural birch log has five spots carved out and each is perfectly sized to hold a tea light. Line a few down the length of your table to create a beautifully pared-down centerpiece.
13. Lazyspace 24 Piece Straw Star Set, $15
Straw star ornaments are a Scandinavian standard, and they’re super versatile. You can use them to decorate your tree, of course, or string them together as a garland. They can even be tied to a wrapped gift as a special, decorative bauble.
14. Global Goods Partners Handmade Holiday Felt Advent Calendars, $60
Female artisans in Nepal made these felt wall-ready advent calendars by hand, which have 24 numbered pockets just waiting to be filled with goodies.
15. Wooden Mushroom Ornaments – Assorted Set of 2, $19
The mushroom is a recurring motif in Scandinavian design—and also happens to be super on-trend right now. Add a few of these wood versions to your tree for an authentic Nordic look.
16. Antler Mug, $24
Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate, glogg, or a regular ol’ coffee, all your beverages will feel extra special served in these ceramic mugs, thanks to their fun antler-shaped handles (obviously inspired by reindeers, right?!).
How do you like to decorate your space for the holidays? Let us know below!
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