As Christmas approaches, our friends share their top gift picks from the selection of Finnish Design Shop. This week, it’s blogger Kasia Rutkowiak’s turn. Her gift list is filled with Danish design classics.
Kasia Rutkowiak, what are your Christmas traditions?
”In our home there are two kinds of Christmas traditions – Polish and Danish ones. I moved to Denmark right after my studies and spent there most of my grown up life. As my children were born in Denmark, I feel that it is important to pass the traditions of both countries on to them. In Poland, we celebrate Christmas Eve with a very festive dinner. There should be 13 dishes, including those that are made solely for this evening. My favourites include pierogi filled with plum jam and fried slowly in butter. After our family moved to Warsaw, I added some typical Danish dishes to our Christmas Eve menu as well. We all love flaeskesteg with salty crackling and sweet and light risalamande with cherry sauce.”
What’s the best Christmas gift you have received?
”I don’t know what is the best one, but there is one that I will always remember. In the fall of 1989 my father went to the United States and returned shortly before Christmas. That year we all received presents we had not even dreamed about. I got a beautiful tennis racket. In the 90s, after the Polish borders opened, everything changed for the better. Today, no one considers a racket special, but that memory always makes me think about people living in countries not as fortunate as ours. Therefore, every Christmas we send a package to those who need it.”
Kasia Rutkowiak’s Christmas gift ideas:
1. For the sleepyhead
”As a big fan of both sleeping and Scandinavian design, I have placed Arne Jacobsen’s Bankers alarm clock on top of my own wish list this Christmas. It’s a design classic and a beautiful and practical gift both for women and men.”
2. For the coffee lover
”The EM77 vacuum jug from Stelton has never failed me as a gift, regardless of the receiver’s taste or personal style. Sleek, elegant and beautiful in its simplicity, it is one of my favourite gifts to give. After all, everyone drinks tea or coffee and its timeless design never grows old. Furthermore, it’s a delight to give a gift that lasts and brings joy for years to come.”
"It’s a delight to give a gift that brings joy for years to come.”
3. For elevating the everyday
”I like celebrating everyday moments. A weekend breakfast in bed or evening tea with a book under a blanket is something that I do as often as possible. Still, I have no table tray as such, and this lovely, oak and steel Nomad tray from Skagerak would be perfect for the job! I have friends and family who would be happy for one as well.”
4. For dad
”My love for Eva Solo’s products is well known to the readers of my blog. I remember my first years in Denmark, when I used to visit shops offering beautiful things for home, and always stopping in front of Eva Solo’s shelves, planning to start my collection. Now, many years later, those products accompany us every day. My plan for this Christmas is to buy Eva Solo's bird feeder for my dad. He already has one hanging on a tree in the garden, but since his sight has got worse, I would like to get him this one. It is attached to the window so you can watch birds up close while sitting comfortably in your chair. I will include some good tea for dad as well.”
”As the bird feeder is attached to the window, you can watch birds up close while sitting comfortably in your chair.”
5. For a loved one
”Beautiful lighting can change an average space into an extraordinary one. I love lamps in general, but especially those that are just as decorative lit or not. This summer I had the pleasure of visiting Le Klint’s factory in Odense, Denmark and I was absolutely amazed by the designs, craftsmanship and quality of their collection. This 172 pendant would make a fabulous gift for someone special.”
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Text: Mikko Vaija Images: Manufacturers