We Love This: Scandinavian Christmas tableware
By Signe Hansen | Press photos
It’s simple – when you live in a region where daylight is rarer than harmony during family board games, the Christmas table becomes the shining centre of the home. Plates, bowls, and candleholders aren’t just practical – they’re vessels for festive nostalgia, giving the indulgence an air of sophistication over comfort eating. Danish porcelain, Finnish glass, or Norwegian elves – Scandinavians know that Christmas provides an excuse for it all, even when the comforting hum of Last Christmas is played for the 47th time.
Festivo candleholder – Timo Sarpaneva
There are few things more Finnish than glass that looks like ice – and few brands that capture that spirit better than Iittala. Designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1967, the Festivo candleholder is both retro and forever modern, a true icon of Finnish design. Whether stacked in clusters or shining solo, it turns candlelight into art. The textured glass catches light like frosted snow, though unlike the real stuff, it won’t melt before dessert. Price: GBP 85

Julemorgen Water Glass – Wik & Walsøe
The Julemorgen water glass from Norwegian design studio Wik & Walsøe combines elegance and simplic- ity in true Scandinavian style. With its gently curved bell, slender stem and a small frozen-drop detail at the base, the glass is refined yet full of character. It’s part of the Julemorgen collection – a complete Christ- mas tableware series in fine bone china and glass designed for everyday use throughout the festive sea- son. Since 2006, Wik & Walsøe has been known for creating long-lasting designs inspired by the purity and calm of Nordic nature – pieces made to accompa- ny both grand Christmas dinners and quiet moments at the table. Price: EUR 35

Star Fluted Christmas – Royal Copenhagen
Decked in wreaths of spruce, golden ribbons and tiny ornaments, Royal Copenhagen’s Star Fluted Christmas service has quickly become a classic at Danish family feasts since it was launched in 2006. The dinner plates glow softly in candlelight – preferably surrounded by enough gravy to make any designer sweat – and bring a touch of timeless elegance to the chaos of holiday cooking. Dinner plate 27cm. Price: from DKK 479
SEASON Candleholder – Maria Berntsen
Maria Berntsen’s Season Candleholder for Georg Jensen has all the charm of a traditional advent wreath – just without the messy pine needles. Crafted in stainless steel and plated with 18-carat gold, it’s designed to glow with understated luxury. Add ribbons and greenery, or leave it bare for a minimalist, purist look. Either way, it’s a staple in the Scandinavian Christmas survival kit. Price: DKK 1,099

Hammershøi Christmas – Hans-Christian Bauer
When it comes to nostalgia, Kähler’s Hammershøi Christmas line hits all the right sentimental notes. The porcelain mugs, designed by Hans-Christian Bauer and illustrated by Rikke Jacob- sen, invite you into a world of elves, cedar branches and handmade cookies – or, in real life, gløgg and whipped cream. This year’s version even hides a tiny elf inside the cup, ready to peek out mid-sip. Perfect for hot drinks and quiet moments after the Christmas marathon. Price: from EUR 32

