This year I’m decorating very simply. I don’t feel like having any glitter, I just want a simple calm Christmas.
Wreaths, hyacinths, amaryllises and my hellebores feel perfect this year. And lots of lights and paper stars.
I love the advent light I invested in last year. It really does give me Joy. And there are my advent candles.
This year I added to my decorations by getting this. It screamed my name when I saw it. Beeeeniiiittttaaa, you must buy meeeee! So I did.
The ELLJUSSTAKE SILUETT is very you! Love it and love the idea of a calm Christmas.
Posted by: Jean | November 30, 2011 at 04:22 AM
This post actually made me want to decorate for Christmas. And I *never* want to decorate for Christmas. Nicely done!
Posted by: unabridged | November 30, 2011 at 04:50 AM
Oh I so wish we could decorate this way, but 3 kiddies under 8 years means the tinsel and glitter win!
Posted by: Hxx | November 30, 2011 at 05:34 AM
Most of us cover the house in Christmas decs to hide our dodgy decorating: no need in your house! It looks so calm and peaceful (and you definately deserved to treat yourself to the beautiful silhouette light) enjoy! x
Posted by: Nicola | November 30, 2011 at 06:19 AM
Will you have a tree? Just wondering. I love your soft-glow Christmas touches. Beautiful.
Posted by: Susan | November 30, 2011 at 06:37 AM
So lovely! Wish I could go for the white look too, but I reckon it would look odd in our little cottage, it's just not spacious enough!
Posted by: Petit Filoux | November 30, 2011 at 06:40 AM
Great :-) Just great!
Posted by: jja | November 30, 2011 at 06:45 AM
There will definitely be a tree:). We'll probably set it up around mid December.
Posted by: Carlos | November 30, 2011 at 06:46 AM
But the white would maybe make it seem more spacious :). I love all white cottages!
Posted by: Carlos | November 30, 2011 at 06:47 AM
SImple, white. PERFECT. I am pinning the kitchen photo.
Posted by: Zosia | November 30, 2011 at 07:28 AM
So pretty!
Posted by: Monica | November 30, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Fasen vad jobbigt det är när grejer skriker på en så där i affären. Det händer mig hela tiden ;)
Det ser verkligen så fint ut Benita!
Posted by: Sarah | November 30, 2011 at 07:43 AM
Just beautiful...!!!
Posted by: Sara | November 30, 2011 at 08:29 AM
Pure perfection and so serene! I believe I love your snowy white house even more in the winter twilight...
Hate to be nosy, but is that an electric kettle next to your Salam tea pot? I wonder if you would mind sharing the source?
Posted by: judith b | November 30, 2011 at 10:10 AM
The kettle is by Dualit http://www.dualit.com/products/kettles. I can't see it in white on their site though. I had the same question via e-mail this morning though and found a Swedish source that sells it in white as a Limited Edition item: http://www.bagarenochkocken.se/shop/?artnr=595603
Posted by: Carlos | November 30, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Beautiful, I'm right there with you this year on having a simple yet beautiful christmas this year.
Your home always looks so pristine I love how everything is white.
Posted by: Emily | November 30, 2011 at 10:57 AM
This is stunning! Simple and serene and I love the touches of fresh green. I noticed you had your other 'houses' down at the entrance, will they be joining the new landscape you just got?
Posted by: Giulia | November 30, 2011 at 12:24 PM
So lovely! You have made white my new favorite color! Have you seen the white star ornaments at Ikea...saw them and thought of you. I strung several together for a simple garland.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30186983/
Posted by: Kelly | November 30, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Love it! So beautiful and calming - just what the holiday season needs! :)
Posted by: Danielle | November 30, 2011 at 12:44 PM
So festive, serene and calm - love it! It's like a holiday for the eyes (and soul) - so not noisy and no rush ...
Thanks for sharing the photos!
Posted by: Elisabeth | November 30, 2011 at 01:12 PM
very gentle. we're going with very simple, but that's quite easy as we haven't got much! i'm going to make a few paper pieces to add to our collections,. i like to decorate for winter first and then slowly add christmas decorations, then take them away and leave winter for a while! i love christmas but i can't bear christmas decor once it's over - pack it away! xx
Posted by: elisa | November 30, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Last 2 photos are so peaceful!
Posted by: Love is in the art | November 30, 2011 at 01:37 PM
Thanks so much, Benita! I will go and have a look straight away. Too bad for work, I can't resist checking this out!!
Posted by: judith b | November 30, 2011 at 01:55 PM
I love the simplicity of the wreath against the white hood!! Often I find myself overwhelmed by the vivid colors and the excessive glitter on everything. When we lived near Philadelphia, we enjoyed going to the historic houses open for the Holidays and loved looking at the simple, homemade colonial decorations... dried lemon and orange slices, clove-studded oranges and real garlands and live trees.
I will have a small cut tree for our 2 year-old granddaughter to decorate with homemade ornaments and strings of stars at the windows of our condo.
Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Valeria | November 30, 2011 at 02:47 PM
I'll probably keep it in the hall window. It's the perfect size for there and it looks really neat when lit there :).
Posted by: Carlos | November 30, 2011 at 03:24 PM
I didn't see them at IKEA, very pretty!
Posted by: Carlos | November 30, 2011 at 03:27 PM
Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Carlos | November 30, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Your house is looking so warm, inviting and simple. Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Megan | November 30, 2011 at 03:50 PM
Simple and so chic! Love it.
Happy Holidays
Posted by: Lysann | November 30, 2011 at 04:18 PM
You are such a constant source of inspiration. You are the only blog I religiously look at. Thank you for all your hard work that you share with us all.
And so, LOVE the "calm" Christmas decorations! Your house looks like a perfect oasis of Christmas peace and happiness.
Posted by: blue china studio | November 30, 2011 at 04:19 PM
Beautiful, Benita!
Can I ask where you found the pendant lamp in your bedroom? I have an opaque glass Danish pendant lamp that has got broken and that might be the perfect replacement!
Posted by: Rebecca | November 30, 2011 at 04:46 PM
Your blog is a calming breath of fresh air every day. This is why you are the first and last--bookends of my day. Thank you for your style and your willingness to include us in your quest for a calm home. I very much appreciate it.
Posted by: Peggy | November 30, 2011 at 05:00 PM
It's the $9 Väte at IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=V%C3%84TE+Pendant+lamp+shade
Posted by: Carlos | November 30, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Very calming and beautiful pictures - please show some more?
PS! Where is the "ask me anything" page? I was looking for some links you published there...
Posted by: Benedikte | November 30, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Simple and nice! =) I love Christmas! =D
http://bloobreyplace.blogspot.com
Posted by: Bloobreyplace.blogspot.com | November 30, 2011 at 10:04 PM
your simple decorating style is so calming. your post is just the boost i need to get the decorations out this evening. thanks for sharing your home with us. your style is such a breath of fresh air!
Posted by: christine e-e | November 30, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Several things on that page screamed "ERRRINNN, buy me." to me...can't do it though. I am trying to simplify. The problem is that I am ready to make some rather big changes in my holiday decor, but my wallet isn't...sigh...
Posted by: Erin Kleider | November 30, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Simple. Classic. I love it!!
Posted by: Carly | November 30, 2011 at 11:48 PM
I love the wreath on your kitchen hood. It's simple and let's the beauty of the wreath shine. Also, I just learned how to make paper stars with my mom and sister over the American Thanksgiving; they're fun to make!
Posted by: Kara E. | December 01, 2011 at 12:13 AM
I just love your style. You really got the eye for stuff. Never thinking of going professional?
Posted by: vita_margarita | December 01, 2011 at 03:14 AM
I used to do it prfessionally sort of. I worked at IKEA as an interior designer and from that moved on to window display and visual merchandising. I've been doing that kind of thing since the mid 80's. I have no desire to work as a prop stylist or any kind of stylist though :).
Posted by: Carlos | December 01, 2011 at 04:43 AM
Maybe you can start by paring down what you have, declutter and then just bring out a few of your favorite decorations and possibly revamping them slightly? Switching ribbons, painting a few? That way it'll feel new to you but won't cost an arm and a leg.
Posted by: Carlos | December 01, 2011 at 04:45 AM
Here it is: http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/2010/01/ask-anything.html
And I will show more, promise :).
Posted by: Carlos | December 01, 2011 at 04:47 AM
That is just what I am doing, paring down, repurposing, although I have always favored traditional red and green and this year I am absolutely craving to go with a simpler white and celadon green palette. I cannot justify buying new stuff and I don't have time to make right now...maybe next year I can start earlier. It is feeling good to pare things down though. I find that now that my kids are older, I want a more sophisticated, less toy driven style.
Posted by: Erin Kleider | December 02, 2011 at 12:11 PM
I really really love your bedroom nook! So...Serene. The window and the view out of it just lovely. I have been in need of new bedding for a long time and I just have not been able to decide on color. I am drawn to white but afraid it would be too "cold". You have inspired me to start looking for a white quilt. Any ideas on where I could find one that is well made but reasonably priced? P.S Whats new with Mini and Bonus?
Posted by: Laura | December 03, 2011 at 03:58 PM
I'm afraid I don't know where you'd find a white quilt today. I got mine through a mail order store years ago.
Mini and Bonus are doing well. Bonus went off again about a week and a half ago and I broght him home three days later. He's stayed home since so I'm keeping my fingers crossed...
Posted by: Carlos | December 05, 2011 at 04:52 AM
What a great blog! SO glad to find it. I would love to know where your kitchen hood came from. I have not seen one so stylish! Swedes + white = true love forever.
Posted by: Mz Sundbeck | December 07, 2011 at 11:56 AM
I'm glad you're enjoying it here :). The hood and in fact the entire kitchen is from IKEA.
Posted by: Carlos | December 07, 2011 at 12:09 PM