Article: Why every Scandi home needs paper decorations
Why every Scandi home needs paper decorations
With the festive season upon once again our Simply Noted editor Nicola Capper shares her love for paper decorations and how to style them in your Scandi home
When it comes to the happy task of decorating a pared back and carefully considered Scandi home for Christmas, one of the most beautiful and sustainable ways to do this is with paper decorations. Not only are they affordable and environmentally friendly, but they also offer a variety of fun-filled possibilities, providing the perfect festive touch without the fuss.
Here are my top picks… and tricks.
1 Start with a star
On the 1 December people across Scandinavia hang a large five-pointed Advent star in their window. Made from paper and often paired with a bulb and socket to give the cut-out details extra glow, whether you stick with traditional white or opt for a pop of colour, it will instantly bring a touch of Nordic magic to your home.
2 Keep your tree traditional
The perfect combination of tradition and craft, no Christmas tree in Scandinavia is complete without a woven paper heart or two. And, while the exact origins of these handmade origami style decorations remain unknown, the oldest examples in existence are those by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen in 1860.
3 Include some sweet treats
Kræmmerhuse or woven paper cones are also one of the oldest and most loved traditional Christmas tree ornaments in Denmark. Hung from branches by a handle glued inside, they are then filled with sweets, biscuits, or nuts making them both delightful to look at as well as delicious to eat as a festive sweet treat over the holidays.
 Ferm Living Paper star sun, £65, lifestoryshop.com |
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4 Always add a tree topper
Scandinavian families traditionally top their tree with a star. Said to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem, directly underneath they then sit three fairy lights to signify the three wise men. The rest of the lights are then evenly scattered throughout the remaining branches to represent the shepherds.
5 Transform your table
When it comes to dressing your festive table classic doesn’t have to be boring. Take inspiration from Royal Copenhagen’s annual Christmas exhibition, where each setting is packed full of wonder and whimsy, mixing traditional linen, crockery and glassware with a selection of honeycomb baubles, charming folklore figures and masses of paper flowers.
6 Make your mantlepiece sing
To bring a festive touch to the reminder of your home paper chains and garlands hung in layers and at different heights are a great way to give your staircase, walls and mantlepiece the 'wow factor'. Whether you choose plain, patterned, brights or neutrals, combining small and large sizes together will add even more impact.
 Angel honeycome decoration, £15 for two, Burford |
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7 Limit your colour palette
With so many colour schemes in the shops it can be hard to decide on a favourite, but when creating a truly Scandinavian setting limiting your palette always pays off. By sticking to two or three tones, such as the traditional red, white and green, your Christmas decor will look more cohesive and fit in with the rest of your room.
8 Odd numbers only
Another golden rule, not just for Christmas but for any objects your styling, is that pieces look much more aesthetically pleasing when grouped in odd numbers, for example one mini-Christmas tree or three, instead of two. This will ensure everything looks more naturally balanced rather than feeling overly formal and forced.
9 Get creative
Don’t just hang baubles on your tree, get creative by tying paper stars between branches to fill space and add interest, or in true Nordic style get foraging and pop in sprigs of holly or pinecones. It’s also fun to include paper decorations in the shape of birds, angels or fruits too, especially if you have children coming over for the holidays.
10 Use them again
Designed to minimise waste, paper decorations often come flat. To put them up, or take them down, all you need to do is unfold them and carefully fasten either the string or magnets hidden inside. This also means they are super safe in the hands of little helpers and once celebrations are over can be easily stored away for reuse year after year.
 Supersized honeycomb paper tree, £30, coxandcox.co.uk |
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