IN THE HOME
‘Tis the season of the long, dark, and crisp night. A time to collect sprigs of pine, juniper, and fir for your home on your walks in the forest. To simmer a fragrant potpourri of citrus and cinnamon on the woodstove, and to simply fill your days with the warm glow of the season.
Photo by Jessica Delp on Unsplash
Norway and the Scandinavian countries are cold and dark, especially in the months of November and December - a time when several holidays are observed. Yet, culturally people lean into the season, looking forward to it as a time to get cozy in their homes, offices, and third spaces. Candles are lit all around the house as the sun goes down (around 4 p.m. in the Winter). There are even candles lit and put into tastefully designed lanterns outside where you enter a home or restaurant. Furs are pulled out to sit on and cozy knit socks and plush sheep’s wool slippers are at the ready. Cups of glogg, coffee, and tea are offered to be enjoyed with a good book in front of the fire.
In addition to lighting a fire and candles around our home at sunset, I like to simmer a pot of fragrance on the woodstove as a way to evoke the festivity of the season. It’s nice for hosting guests or just for you. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:
Simmering Potpourri Fragrance Blends
you can use dried or fresh fruit, herbs, and flowers
orange peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise
vanilla bean, lavender, coconut milk
mint sprigs and lemon peel
apple, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger
citrus, rosemary, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus
pine, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, oranges
Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash
Looking for holiday gifts on your list?
hand-painted ornaments, b&w cabin drawings,
and original paintings
Best Wishes this Holiday Season, from Katie Brines Art & Design
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash