A Scandinavian Christmas // Starbucks Giveaway

on Thursday, November 29, 2012 about Giveaways, Home and Garden
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As you may already know, around here  Christmas is in full swing. I just can’t help it. Once I set out the holiday merchandise in my Gift Shoppe, I’m ready to decorate the rest of my house.

Last year time flew by way too quickly, and I ended up barely decorating my house for Christmas. I got so wrapped up in everything else, I completely lost the motivation and time to decorate. I’m chalking that up to a lesson learned and getting started early this year.

You probably know that my style is a mix of vintage and modern with a splash of traditional and glam. Talk about eclectic, right? I’ve always had a hard time defining myself because I’m a fan of so many different styles. The one thing I love about today’s trends is that eclectic design is totally “in,” and even encouraged.

Anyway, one area of design that I’m constantly pulling inspiration from is Scandinavian style. It suits me so well. In my opinion it is the perfect mix of old and new. It’s simple and clean while still full of color and character. I love that! I love it even more around the holidays. It reminds me of the Christmases of my past. The Christmases that focused on family and tradition, not gifts and Black Friday sales. As I decorate this year, I am going to try and recreate my most beloved holiday memories.

So the other day I searched Pinterest for beautiful Scandinavian-inspired holiday decor. Here’s what I found:

Images via ACME Party Box Company

What a delightful†project! It’s great when crafters think outside the box and use nontraditional colors. Totally modern with a touch of rustic coziness!

Images via Good Housekeeping

Good Housekeeping knows what a wonderful and warm touch Scandinavian design provides during the holidays. Their mantel display is gorgeous.

Images via Good Housekeeping

And that cardboard Rudolf head. Fabulous! Thankfully no reindeer were harmed in the making of that beauty.

Images via Emmelines Blogg

Written in Swedish, I have no idea what Emmeline is talking about, but that doesn’t stop me from being inspired by her glorious holiday photos. Her displays are magazine worthy. That adorable tin village is begging for a place at my house.

Images via West Elm

Even one of my favorite stores has a touch of Scandinavian style. Check out these fun twine trees from West Elm. I’m also loving that star made from string lights. So simple, yet so dramatic!

Images via Lantliv

This is probably among the best holiday houses I’ve ever seen. The simplicity and charm is breathtaking.

Images via Lantliv

The pops of red and green set against white walls and blonde, rough finished wood floors†make†my little holiday heart flutter with delight. I’m also a huge fan of their almost-Charlie-Brown-looking Christmas tree.

Images via Inspired by Charm

I even found some Scandinavian style in my own Gift Shoppe. Who knew I could be inspired by things I already had in my own house!

Beautiful inspiration, right? This year, why not muster up a little design courage and decorate from your heart? Use the things you love and cherish to create a home you are proud to share. And, let’s get the decorating done early so there is plenty of time left to fill our homes with friends and laughter!

My friends at BlogHer have been so generous to offer a $50 Starbucks Gift Card to one lucky IBC reader. Just leave a comment below with your answer to the following question to be entered for a chance to win:

How are you preparing for the holiday season?

Rules:

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the

following unique term in your tweet message: “”#SweepstakesEntry”"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules (available here) to learn about an alternate form of entry.

Please, no duplicate comments.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. 

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. 

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.


The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 11/29/12 -12/9/12.

Visit the Starbucks brand page on BlogHer.com. 

You can read other bloggers posts and find more chances to win!

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  3. Funnelcloud Rachel at

    Michael, your timing is uncanny! I’ve been dreaming of a Scandinavian-themed Christmas since I took my tree down last year! Also, I’m currently prepping my Handmade Holiday posts and the series should kick-off this week with lots of DIY Christmas projects throughout the month of December!

    Reply
  4. Lindsey at

    I thought with a 2-year-old decorating would be hard. However, boundaries have been set and he knows to look and not touch! It is so much more magical this year when he understands a little bit what is going on and it makes me want to vomit glitter and lights and garland over every inch of the house. If only someone was there to clean it up come January!

    Reply
  5. DecorandtheDog at

    I’m sitting on the couch reading blogs. :P Actually, I am sewing up some stockings today and adding Christmas lights to our windows. Then I will start shopping. Bring it, holidays.

    Reply
  6. Tanya S. at

    I’m preparing by cleaning. A good, deep, out with the unused, in with the idea of an empty shelf doesn’t mean I need something new, enjoy the memory not the stuff type of clean. And I’m loving it so far…
    Thanks! Love the blog!

    Reply
  9. Anonymous at

    Just purchased special candles for Chanuka, and looking online and in cookbooks for different, unique recipes (spotted one recently for jelly doughnut cupcakes!)

    -Amy F., former coordinator of McElwain

    (I’d love to win, but I’d rather not leave my e-mail address in such a public venue.)

    Reply
  12. Mami2jcn at

    We get into the holiday spirit by putting up the tree the day after Thanksgiving.

    Hopefully soon my husband will work on exterior illumination.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    Reply
  13. suburban prep at

    We have begun by putting up the 30 or so German nutcrackers. We also put out the nativity scenes that we have and some ornament balls go into bowls. We put seasonal candles out on the mantle and I have a wreath on the front door.
    In a week or so we will get the tree (fresh) and decorate it.
    We have already put out the lights in the front of the house.

    Reply
  16. emily @ cabin fervor at

    I prepare by keeping it simple! If the thought of decorating stresses me out at all, I let myself off the hook and remind myself that I don’t need all of that to fully appreciate the holidays. Some Christmas tunes and a cup of hot chocolate really do the trick when things get busy!

    Reply
  21. Jane S. at

    I get ready for the holiday season by cleaning. Blehh! Not fun but it is necessary. I’ve been working on gifts for a good month, and once Dec. 1 rolls around there will be holiday music playing and bit by bit I’ll get stuff put up on the walls, get lights put up, and then the tree will go up. I’m getting excited just writing about it!!

    Thanks for the Scandinavian Christmas pics, and for the nice giveaway. :)

    Reply
  23. Heather at

    Pouring over my December home and cooking magazines (I never throw out the December issues, I have several from years past). I never know what will inspire me every year. Also looking at blogs like yours on the internet for great ideas.

    Reply
  28. Dead Flowers at

    We decorated the house, inside and out, and we’re listening to our ever-growing dedicated Christmas iPod, full of an eclectic selection of OUR favorite Christmas music. I’m sure baking will be involved at one point.

    Reply
  37. Amy Reed at

    My step-daughters will be coming for a visit this weekend – so excited to go pick out our Christmas tree at the local tree farm and put up my Dickens village houses!

    Reply
  42. fresh modern at

    I’m preparing by looking online for decor ideas, that’s how I found you! We’re going with simple and elegant but homey. The Scandinavian look is what I’m after and starting to pull together.

    Reply
  47. Emily at

    I’ve decorated my house for the holidays! My tiny silver tree is up, the interior of the apartment is decked out in white lights, and there is gold and red garland in the kitchen! Thanks for the lovely giveaway!

    Reply
  51. karenmed409 at

    Love the Cardboard Reindeer!
    Well the Tree was trimmed last weekend, now the kids are busy making their ornaments they make each to hang on tree. Unpacking the Holiday dishes and candles for the table setting for the family to arrive for dinner. And scanning my favorite place pinterest for more decorating ideas.

    Reply
  58. Anika at

    So far, I have been shopping and wrapping. Hoping to decorate the house this weekend…anyone have ideas for how to keep 2 twenty-month-old boys from destroying the tree? :)

    Reply
  59. Erin Kaven at

    Now that the kids are older, we’re preparing for Christmas by trying new things. Going to see “A Christmas Carol on the Air” instead of the Nutcraker, trying new recipes and experimenting with new traditions.

    Reply
  68. Mairin at

    I am preparing by taking a large portion of my decorations to work where I am running a GIVE-ing Tree collecting gifts for Teens and Seniors (2 often overlooked groups during the holiday season)…

    Reply
  69. Erin at

    I’m preparing by being a little more on the ball for the gift stuff so I can focus on the simple but meaningful gifts that last even longer: service opportunities and time spent with the people I love.

    Reply
  70. Cheryl at

    I’m gathering items from around the house, garage, and yard to decorate for Christmas this year. I’m going for anything neutral, shiny, or rusted.

    Reply
  71. 3212 at

    I decided that “less is more” this year and going with lime green and browns and white this year. Very clean, but still festive.
    The decorating starts this weekend!!!

    Reply
  74. Scarlett Lane at

    I am online shopping for ceramic christmas tree bulbs for my grandmothers old tree that I found in the garage. I can’t wait.

    Reply
  76. Linda McWilliams at

    I have been sewing Christmas decorations and gifts for a month now. I love Christmas and giving hand made gifts!

    Reply
  78. Jessica at

    I am done with christmas shopping but still have all of my holiday decor to put up so hopefully I will get it done this weekend!

    jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com

    Reply
  80. Jackie at

    We have already started decorating and we are getting our tree this weekend. We love making the house filled with pinecones and greens!!
    Thanks for a chance :) happy holidays

    Reply
  81. coco at

    Just getting started good! First i gave my house a really good cleaning and decluttering. It helps to start with a semi-blank canvas. I try not to do the same thing with the same decorations every year. Now the fun begins!

    Reply
  83. mitchiesmom at

    I haven’t done a thing yet – but I’ve thought alot about it!! Just getting our Marine home from Afghanistan is our #1 priority!! He is on US soil – will be in our home 12/15!!! Can’t wait!!!

    Reply
  84. VColeman at

    How are you preparing for the holiday season? Getting ready to make our gingerbread houses with the grandchildren, a family tradition since they were 2! The oldest is almost 9 and can’t wait to show the little guys his skills.

    Reply
  85. Lynda at

    I’m preparing for the holiday season by decorating the tree with my hubby and getting the advent calendar ready with tiny treats and bible verses. :)

    Reply
  87. Jodi at

    We’re decking the halls with our Scandinavian-inspired tree (lots of straw ornaments) this weekend, and I’m starting the holiday baking!

    Reply
  88. keizerfire at

    We are getting ready to start baking, which will include cinnamon ornaments to hang on the tree! And the opening of the advent calendar starts in the morning!

    Lisa R (keizerfire@aol.com)

    Reply
  95. Cassie Malone at

    I love the Scandinavian theme! It reminds me of old world traditions, when family actually meant being together and spending time together. Love it! I already have my tree up with decorations from family and friends. Most of the ornaments have a special meaning, so its nice to think about that when putting them on the tree.

    Reply
  97. Christina at

    I am preparing for the holiday season by decorating my house with Christmas lighting and flowers, also I’ll bake cookies as gifts for my friends and neighbors.

    ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com

    Reply
  107. Jennifer Monton at

    To get ready for the holidays, I am making as many decorations for our new home as I can. Since I stay home with our toddler and teen, I have the opportunity to do a lot of things with them, but it also means that I’m doing it all on a shoestring budget. I have a lot of friends who are in the same boat, so we are getting together to make some of the decorations (or write letters to Santa) together:)

    Reply
  108. Unknown at

    Because of your contagious inspiration, I started my Christmas decorating 2 weeks before Christmas, all the while drooling over you creativity and wishing that you would come and decorate for me. Last weekend the outside lights and fresh garland went up. Now onto making Christmas Ornaments and garlands to send friends around the world. Some Christmas shopping is done thanks to Amazon.com. Let the baking begin.

    Reply
  112. sy at

    I’m preparing to travel to few places to see family, I’m doing more gift shopping than decorating this year. I’m also making some handmade gifts, maybe a smaller version of the cardboard rudolf head? Thanks for the ideas and giveaway.
    songyueyu at gmail

    Reply
  121. Mindy at

    Since my Christmas season is limited due to grad school, I’m preparing by listening to Pandora christmas stations NONSTOP as I study! I love the Michael Buble Christmas station!

    Reply
  125. ms-texas at

    i already have my tree and decorations up and I’m planning to try to wrap at least one gift a day so I don’t get overwhelmed at the last minute!

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  127. Judy B. at

    Your ideas have inspired me! The Scandinavian influence is very clean, different, and interesting. At this point I am still “preparing” to decorate by cleaning, moving things around, and planning.

    Reply
  131. Kerry at

    I’ve been decorating the house little by little this year instead of being overwhelmed doing it all in one weekend!
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

    Reply
  133. cw at

    We just put up the christmas tree and we went through ornament and gave away ones that didn’t mean anything to us…we kept the sentimental ones only…now when I look at the tree, I can feel the love. My daughter also helped put the christmas cards on the door so we can see our friend’s faces as we walk out the door.

    Reply
  134. Angel Jacklyn at

    I usually don’t have a lot of money for gifts come the holidays, so I like to clean out my closet & donate clothes I no longer wear to the salvation army. I honestly prefer to aim for other donation boxes where the clothing is given directly to who needs it verses being sold. I do this year ’round, but doing it at Christmas makes me feel like I’m passing along the “tradition” of gifts.

    As far as around the house, I pull like to hang lights on the windows & decorate them with decal, as well as put up a few things throughout the house (like stockings, as I can’t spend a lot on gifts I try to stuff them with candies & products on sale). Gift exchanging isn’t expected in our family (with the exception of kids), but I still attempt to pick up whatever has a good price tag attached to it a month or so before Christmas & surprise people…!!!

    kytah00@yahoo.com

    Reply
  136. LAMusing at

    Your decoration are so pretty! We aren’t hosting anything this year, but we’re still putting up some decorations to get in the spirit :)
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  137. Norma at

    We’re just starting! We pulled out the decorations and have made a Christmas shopping list.
    bingomamanorma at gmail dot com

    Reply
  141. Tabathia at

    We have put up a christmas tree, decorated the living room and put up a wreath and are about to build a gingerbread house

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  145. journey2wonder at

    This will be a strange year—I am prepping everything for half may family who will be celebrating Christmas with relatives here in the USA…at the same time as planning an itinerary and making reservations for my 10 yr old daughter and me to meet up with our oldest daughter in Germany for the holidays!

    Reply
  146. Kristin at

    I shopped for Christmas presents early, so now I can just enjoy working on my Christmas cookies and candies. I think my husband and I will even have time to work on a Christmas video instead of cards this year, so that will be fun!

    Reply
  152. Tammy C at

    We are simplifying this year…ornaments, decorations, gifts…everything…and we are loving it! Christ will definitely be the focus of our Christmas! Thank you!

    Reply
  155. angie lilly at

    I still have to decorate outside and inside, wrap all the gifts, buy one more gift, and then actually celebrate AFTER the new year. My family lives out of state with the rest of my family and so my parents will not be able to come celebrate with us until after the new year.
    Angie
    14earth at gmail dot com

    Reply
  161. Rebecca Johnson at

    Every Christmas is a Danish Christmas for our family! My mother and granparents hail from Denmark and so I’m half Danish and my children are a quarter. I love the holidays and the traditional Danish decorations we’ve all gathered since before I was born. So beautiful and magical and full of warm memories.

    Reply
  173. ChristineMM at

    I love the clean simple look of the Scandanavian Christmas. This is the antithesis of what I see in my new home in Texas where it is all glitter and matallic and abundant largess.

    Reply
  177. Deb at

    I’ve got two young sons, so they make sure the holiday vibe is felt very strongly! We do a lot with our schools and the scouts to spread cheer throughout the season.

    Reply
  180. TheChattyMom at

    I am trying to get my checklist done…when you add a Christmas Eve birthday it’s ha hectic month. But keeping my Norwegian traditions of cookie baking with my Grandmother’s recipes. :)

    Reply
  183. Anonymous at

    I am preparing for Lefe Day! My family is Norwegian. On Sunday before Christmas Eve we will make Lefse, so it will be nice and fresh. Along with many other desserts
    Crystal

    Reply
  187. cw at

    We are hanging up xmas cards we receive on the door so we can look at our friends/family every time we leave. Also cleaning and then baking!

    Reply
  190. Carmen Nuland at

    Ooo – I like the idea of a Scandinavian Christmas. We have our tree and a few decorations up this year. I still need to make homemade caramels and a few cookies this weekend.

    Reply
  191. Anonymous at

    We making cookie dough that can be frozen and baked a later date and we completed the grocery shopping except for the fresh veggies.

    maynekitty at live dot com

    Reply
  197. Lynn at

    Since we’re celebrating the holidays this year at my mom’s, I don’t have to do much except shop for gifts! :)

    rawrms at gmail dot com

    Reply

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