Monday, December 6, 2010

A Swedish Christmas



I decorated my daughter's room for a 'Swedish Christmas' to prepare for our guests!  Swedish country design is typically light and clean.  I tried to keep it simple by using just red and white decorations.
I made this sock garland for the foot of the bed.  You can see the tutorial over at Sommer's Designer Gardener!  I will also be posting it soon to link to Centsational Girl's Holiday Home Craft Party!
I tucked into the socks some vintage toys and ornaments.
This little shoe used to belong to my daughter.  We lost the match long ago!  It was too cute to toss, so I filled a small silver vase with some evergreen and placed it on the bedside table.  The baby picture is of my mother.

I made some pillow cases out of the red and white check fabric from the wonderful Ikea which houses all things Swedish (as if you didn't know!) The red and white stripped pillow is French and the little red velvet pillow was made by my great-grandmother.  It has a little tree knitted on the front.
The little felt heart is decidedly Swedish!
The wreath above the bed is made from four different decorative branches I purchased last year after the holiday.  I attempted to make a circle, but it seems to be pulling off a mishap look!


I love this nativity that I found at TJMaxx for $14!
A little sprig of Nandina berries add some color to this spot.
The stocking is made from the backing of an old warn out quilt.
This tree might be gettin' a little 'busy' for a simple Swedish theme, but I had several treasures I wanted to display!  The 'tree skirt' is a dish towel.
The dolls in the crib were replaced with all the Christmas books we have been given through the years!  This sits right next to a big chair...perfect for reading all the fun stories!

My mother's baby spoon hangs from some Baker's twine next to a vintage wooden angel ornament.
This Danish wooden marionette hung on our tree, when I was little.
Several of my children's silver keepsakes hang on the tree.  I am reminded of when they were tiny babies every time I look at this!
I painted 'God Jul' on an old piece of a fence.  It is Swedish for 'Merry Christmas!'  The Dala horse is symbolic of Sweden.  I am in the process of refinishing this old secretary.  Here it stands...unfinished!
(update: to see the finished secretary, click here!)
The pitcher is French and seems quaint for this little spot!  The little Danish bunny and red hand towel add some whimsy to the space.  Also, I tied more red and white check ribbon around my daughter's little ballet shoes. 


More ribbon is added to these wooden clogs.


A little Finnegan (Danish elf ) is tucked in with all the animals!
I bought the little rocking horse at a flea market when my daughter was born.  Here is the room all ready and cozy for our guests!

And here is the room normally...after all, she is only four and would get lost in all those pillows!

My daughter models the wooden clogs!

Thanks for stopping by our 'Swedish Christmas!'

I am joining Sherry for her Holiday Party at No Minimalist Here!  Check out her incredible home and all the lovely decor!
I am linking to my regular list of parties and will note any Christmas parties as I go along!  Please check out all the wonderful blogs and their parties!  There are some amazing folks out there with incredible ideas!  I am also joining the Purdy Party at the DIYclub, because of all the hard work I have been doing on the secretary!  You can click the link below!

PURDY AWESOME PARTY

Thanks Donna for the feature!








I was featured on FJI
 
And to the CSI Project's Amanda!
Thank you Kristin for this lovely feature!
 My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Agneta gave a lovely feature of this Swedish room over at her wonderful site wabi and sabi!  She is Swedish and has true Swedish style...love her photos!  Thank you Agneta for the kind words!
Pin It Now!

96 comments :

It's me said...

God Jul !!!!! wowwwww this is amazing !!! like what i see here today.........lovely week Warm hugs Ria.....

tracy mooney said...

I love your guest room , it's so calm and cozy but cheery too.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

I absolutely love every bit of this!! This is a look I hope to try next year. :)

Erin said...

I love this room, so fresh and inviting. And the red, oh oh, love it!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Christie...

Ohhh my goodness...I want to be a guest and stay in this gorgeous room, my friend! Your guests will be sooo pleased...it's all sooo very beautiful! I love that you chose to do a simple red and white Swedish Christmas theme...it's perfect!!! Each and every little detail is utterly fabulous...sure wished that you could have heard all my ooohs and aaahs as I was going through each photo! Hehe! I love the garland that you made for the footboard of the bed...too cute! And...I think your wreath and Christmas tree is gorgeous!!! Hmmm...I'm thinking that your guest are never going to leave! wink! Your guestroom totally ROCKS, my friend! Thank you sooo much for sharing it with us today...what a treat!

Warmest Christmas wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Becca Bertotti said...

Your Swedish Christmas is absolutely FABULOUS !! I love the simplicity of it ... the red decorations againt your crisp white pieces. And, the stocking garland at the foot of the bed is genious !! Your guests will not want to leave !! And, thank you so much for your sweet note about my Christmas dining room. Vanessa rocks ... she's truly a great gal. And, small world that you're not *that* far away in Rock Hill !! Have a great night, Becca

tracy mooney said...

Hi Christie, did you paint the furniture in the bedroom? I love the color of the bed frame. I love everything about the room.

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Wow...all your little touches are making a beautiful big statement!! Love it!!

Kelly said...

So pretty and light! I love the contrast of the lighter colors with the red. The garland on the foot of the bed is perfect.

Linnea said...

That's a fantastic room! I love the simplicity of Swedish design but can never seem to pull it off myself. You've done an amazing job decorating and photographing! Wow!

Unknown said...

am i looking at some famous country home magazines???? my, love everything here. the color motiff, the design, yes i know, is very ikea, but i love everything vintage and country here...

well done! guests would be coming over and over again!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

This is such a beautiful room...love all of it...hard to pick a favorite here!!!

Blessings,
Linda

Gemma Wiseman said...

Very beautiful ideas for Christmas decorations! Loved seeing this fascinating series of photos! My favourite is the delightful wreath!

Maria Babin said...

Gorgeous photos! And i love the little crib with the Christmas books! Books like music help set the mood for a joyful Christmas. Beautiful red and white decorations! so cozy. Thanks for linking up and i'm looking forward to seeing more of your ideas!
xo,
maria
http://busyasabeeinparis.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-ideas-for-children-des-idees.html

The Inspired Nest said...

This room is amazing! I love swedish design but I am not brave enough to use it with my dirty kids! I love how the pillows look.
Lacy

KimMalk said...

Dearest Christie, Your room is beautiful with every single minute detail. This room is magazine gorgeous. The head and foot boards are perfect backgrounds for your sweet garland, I adore everything, but I'll pick a few favorites: The hutch that holds some items <3 the chunkiness, the stocking made from an old quilt, and the TJ Maxx nativity (who knew). Perfect, girl, I'd never want to leave. Hugs, Kim

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

I LOVE it... I'd change to the Swedish style if I didn't have so much invested in cottage.... It's so fresh and clean looking...

Warm blessings,
Spencer

Anonymous said...

I'm rather speechless trying to think of words to describe this lovely room. I keep coming back to "magical". I LOVE IT!

Ticking and Toile said...

Hi Christie,
Oh my goodness....I am so in love w/ this room!!! Funny, I just made a red & white checked pillowcase for my daughter's light blue bedroom that has white furniture & bed linens ~ definitely going for the same look!!! Your room is a swedish delight! You have done an amazing job....I need to do some more in her room (if I only had * t i m e * :) ) I'll look at yours for now...;)

xo,
Shellagh

Melissa Miller said...

Hello Christie,
It's nice to meet you! Thank you for your kind visit my friend. Stop by anytime.

The room is yummy and adorable in every way. The checked throw would be perfect in here. Darling job Mom!

Stay warm! ~Melissa :)

Pamela said...

So beautiful! I LOVE the simplicity of your holiday decor!! It truly is soo warm and inviting!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Christie, the way you have this room fixed up is like a magazine spread. I love every little inch of it. It is pretty in it's normal look, but oh the new look for your guests at the holidays is over the top. I have been working on our guest rooms, too and will share them soon. Yours is a dream though. Love that secretary. You have such great pieces. I love her bed, too. Great colors in this room. Thank you so much for sharing this at the party!

Princess Danell said...

Loverly! And I want that bed! Gorgeous. My daughter is away at college. She just might come home for Christmas to an all white room. Thanks for the inspiration!

It's a Wannabe Decorator's Life said...

I absolutely adore her room! It is just precious! I can't wait to explore your blog! I would love for you to come and visit me at blog!

Honeycomb Creative Co. said...

Wow this is SO beautiful! I love Swedish decor and you've captured it perfectly! Thank you for sharing!
-Courtney

Cindy at Some Really Neat Stuff said...

So, so beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

Restoration House said...

Wow! I love it all! I love all the red with the mix of that lovely blue and white. Really lovely.
Kim:)

Amanda Dale said...

LOve it! Such great inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing!
-Amanda
www.theivycottageblog.blogspot.com

Kat's Purrfect Boutique said...

God Jul! Thanks for sharing your Swedish Christmas. My parents are both from Sweden to I have many good Swedish memories too. This Friday I'm posting about Santa Lucia. Maybe you could check it out. http://katspurrfectboutique.blogspot.com

Tak, Katharine

Farah said...

Hi Christie, so glad to found you. what a lovely room it is, your bed looks beautiful with both bedsheets, and the little heart hang on the knob is a darling one... I am going to follow you
I would love if you come and enjoy the fragrance of sweet potpourri heart at
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah

Unknown said...

Christie, your attention to detail amazes me! I. love. every. little. thing. about this room. My fav is the keepsake tree. What a great idea to use a baby spoon as an ornament.

Bumblebee and Sophie said...

I love this! It is understated, but still so festive. And the white and red seem so fresh.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

This is fabulous, it has to be one of my favorite girls rooms, she must love it!
I'm so glad you stopped by, I've missed it here too !
Merry Christmas!
XO
Kristin

Anonymous said...

I love the bed, I love cane it is always so pretty. Wonderful room.

Honey at 2805 said...

You have created a really beautiful room!

Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden said...

Simply gorgeous from start to finish! Thanks for sharing at My Backyard Eden!

Anonymous said...

Oh! I love it all but the lamb lamp is my favorite!

Take care,
Lisa

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

Very simple and sweet...I love the white wreath!

Megan Gunyan said...

So picturesque! Love the wreath!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

I adore what you did with that room! It is so charming and I love the swedish style- the red with the pale blue is delightful!

NanE said...

I love everything about this room, gorgeous! TFS, Nan

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

What a darling room to welcome guests! Charming! You've done a wonderful job!

Grannys Attic said...

I love it all so pretty and that Rocking Horse is beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

viridian said...

Thanks for sharing.
Happy VTT!

Lisa Nelsen-Woods said...

God Jul! I'm Danish and love your decor. I try to incorporate some traditions in my Christmas decor too.

GwendolynKay said...

White , crisp, clean and charming! I love it!
Gwenny~

Anna said...

This room is breathtaking. It has so much to look at, so much detail and yet it is not at all overwhelming. I love it!

Signing Out said...

Gorgeous! I love every inch of the room. It's so festive, yet serene.

Jane
frugalfineliving.com

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

Wow, you have some excellent decorating ideas! I love the stocking garland and the vase in the adorable little red shoe! thanks so much for sharing!

i'm your newest follower :)

Carrie
http://inthehammockvintage.blogspot.com

april's craft nest said...

wow! this room is amazing! and i LOVE that lamb lamp! where ever did you find it? i agree with the comment above mine--tons of detail, but easy to look at. :) beautiful!

Nikki@KreativeKnack said...

I absolutely love this room! It is so beautifully decorated... I love the little red shoe! lord know we all have one of those lonely shoes laying around (and its always a cute one) Wonderful job! I would love to get lost in all those pillows :)

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Nice, Christie! I love the simplicity and the way you put everything together. Especially love the color scheme at Christmas!

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Beautiful. Very inviting.

I don't think I've ever been introduced to Swedish style decor. You've peeked my interest for sure!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! I love the little tree!

Tricia said...

What a beautiful room. It is very cozy, yet simple. The little red socks at the end of the bed look so cute :)

Finding Home said...

So beautiful, thanks so much for sharing! I just became a follower! Take care, Laura

saltbox
treasures
said...

Hi. Visiting from French Country Cottage. Love your Swedish Christmas. Such clean and simple beauty and wonderful vignettes. I love your blog and am your newest follower. I also love your description of home.
~ Julie

Unknown said...

Oh' My' that room is darn right precious... every single detail. Right out of a magazine. I love the garland on the foot board and I ADORE that precious little tree. Love the bedding in white with the contrast of red pillows. BRILLIANT! jen

Sandy said...

This is just the sweetest decor! I love the bright pops of red against the white background. Love the elephant in the tiny red stocking. Stunning!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Stopping back by to say thanks so much for sharing this at my party this week!

Funky Junk Interiors said...

Truely, one of the most beautifully decorated rooms I've ever seen. So charming! LOVE the red stockings on the bed... they won me over.

SNS #60 sidebar feature for your lovely room!

Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

Nita Stacy said...

This is just the prettiest xmas bedroom I've ever seen. What a joy to wake up Christmas morning in there!

Unknown said...

so lovely! i really love the red-white combination! ^^)

Courtenay@Signal Hill Interiors said...

I love it all! Everything. I had no choice but to become your newest follower!

Ricki Treleaven said...

How pretty. I love all the red and white....my very favorite color combination for all seasons!

The Frosted Gardner said...

Comfy cozy and bright. It is all beautiful. I am your newest follower. So glad I stopped by.

Karen said...

So beautifully put together. I'll bet it's really beautiful in the evening as well.

Dannyelle said...

What a beautiful little room, any little girl would love it! Visiting from www.lifeisaparty.ca

Tammy @ Type A said...

i just love this room so beautiful

bammajan10 said...

Can I come have a sleepover? That is just gorgeous.
I'm making some felt ornaments for my grandkids this year. I loved yours!
Jan

Anonymous said...

When I first read this, I thought you did this room for your daughter and wondered how on earth did you keep white clean with a young child. Then I read closer and realized you fixed the room up for guests.

All your decorations are pretty and I love the simplicity and the red and white tradtional colors. My favorite though is the rocky horse with the simple bow.

Merlin said...

It is "magazine cover" material! It is wonderful. franki

Unknown said...

Christy, my goodness, here I am thinking "I have to follow this one" because I simply love this room and I HAVE that same quilt on my own bed and I'm Swedish (well, my great grandparents on both sides came from Sweden and England anyway)... and I already do follow you! My kids are between 12 and 20 now but I have a few things I've saved up in the attic - their teddy bears, a child's rocker, and I think I'm going to bring down that rocker and put one of the teddy bears in it next to the tree this year! Here I thought I was saving it for grandchildren some day! Thanks so much for the inspiration. Stop by my blog sometime though I'm behind and don't have any Christmas decorating up yet (maybe I would if I wasn't spending so much time on all these gorgeous blogs instead!) :)

Michelle

THE VERANDA HOUSE said...

Y LOVE EVERY THING OF YOUR BLOG ALL YOUR DECOR MARRY CHRITSMAS TO YOU AND BLESSINGS

Scribbler said...

Absolutely adorable! I am big girl, but I could move right in.

Carolyn said...

I love how you decorated your daughter's room- so fresh and bright!

Carolyn

Donene said...

The room is so cute, I love the white and red!

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

Stunning, stunning, stunning!

Stop by and see me sometime at the Beach Bungalow!

Sue
xo

Unknown said...

Love everything in this room. It is so serene and the red color adds all the punch it requires.

Jo Julia said...

Beautiful room. I'd love to post on Ohdeedoh tomorrow at 4 pm.

Lesslie said...

Exquisite taste! This is my favorite room in your house! It used to be Ashlyn's room and now it's Brooke Owen's room! Love it!

Allison said...

I am in awe of your room! It is gorgeous. Your attention to detail is amazing and so fun. I have been trying to do a little Swedish red and white theme in my guest room this year in honor of my mom and grandmother. I am still searching for the right decor! You really have done an outstanding job. I think your room should be featured in a magazine!

vintage girl at heart said...

hello!!
i am your 501 follower!!
love this room and all of your sweet touches!!
would love to be the guest that enjoys it!!
they will be thrilled by it!
blessings~

Free Art Printables said...

I love your sweet bedroom!

Willow Decor said...

Just found you and LOVE your style!! Have a great day!!
xx-Gina

Jen @ RamblingRenovators said...

Such a gorgeous room! A perfect room for a 4year old to fill with her Christmas wishes.

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Christie, this room is gorgeous! Your guests will feel as though they've traveled to distant lands for the holidays. ;)

As always, thanks for linking to my party. Have you entered my giveaway for a Danish porcelain-enamel sign? If not, just click on the top picture in my sidebar for details.

Blessings and a very Merry Christmas!
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://www.thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Samantha said...

What a beautiful room! I'd love to know where to find that rug. It's hard to find a true blue that isn't that aqua blue color and that one is perfect!

Kim said...

What a great room. The thing that stuck out to me was the shoe..lol. We have a shoe that practically brand new that we lost the mate too. I've held onto it..hoping it was lost in the back of a closet somewhere. Never thought about decorating with it.

Rie said...

I love all your swedish touches! It's all so beautiful.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Christy, This room is gorgeous...absolutely gorgeous. I love the bed, bedding and all the Swedish style Christmas decorations are fabulous. Thank you for sharing this at my party and I wish you and your family a very blessed and Merry Christmas.
Sherry

Christie Jones Ray said...

I had to pop over to this post...this bedroom is precious! I gained several ideas, as I have family silver baby spoons used 4 generations and my children's silver baby cup and rattle..you are so very clever, Young Christie! I also have the Danish bunny and 3 little ones, the wardrobe, ironing board and drying rack, bed and highchair. They "live" in my laundry room and come down to play when the grandchildren visit...I also enjoy seeing them as I do my laundry;))
Blessings,
Older Christie

Heather said...

I knonw this post is almost a year old now, but it is beautiful! I am so inspired! I'm hoping to do a swedish christmas theme this year as well and this is so inspiring!~

Bruce said...

Thanks for a great Christmas Blog
Christmas joy n spirit

Anonymous said...

Your daughters bed is gorgeous - everything about it! Where did you get the bed itself - the white with the caning? Thanks...Sherri

Christie said...

Sherri, The bed came from Ballard Designs. Good luck and thank you for the kind words! Christie

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