As Head of Design at Normann Copenhagen, Simon Legald shares his top gift picks from Finnish Design Shop’s collection and gives us a glimpse into his holiday plans this year.
Hello Simon! How and where will you spend the holidays?
“Hello! I’ll be spending Christmas with family in Southern Funen, the “middle” island of Denmark. For New Year’s, I plan to be at the summerhouse with family, though I haven’t quite finalized plans just yet.”
Do you have any Christmas traditions?
“For me, food is the biggest tradition – I love it! In Denmark the tradition is typically to prepare either duck or roast pork or both. Our family makes duck every year and, of course, the traditional Danish rice pudding dessert called ‘Risalamande’. In Denmark, we also dance around the Christmas tree before opening presents, which is a lovely tradition I look forward to each year.”
“For me, food is the biggest Christmas tradition – I love it!”
What’s your most cherished Christmas memory?
“Oh, sledding in the snow as a kid is the first memory that comes to mind. We’d find a big hill and spend the entire day racing down it, over and over. By the time I’d come inside, I’d be frozen stiff, cheeks red and soaked, but it was completely worth it.”
Gifting tips by Simon:
Rock votive by Kosta Boda
“This piece by Kosta Boda is a beautiful little sculpture with a functional twist. It’s called “The Rock” but the votive is crafted from glass, like a little glass landscape that captures the natural texture of stone in glass.
I’d say this is a perfect gift for a friend or as a thoughtful host gift. Who wouldn’t be happy about a new sculptural candle holder!”
• All candles and candleholders >
Fyr stool by Normann Copenhagen
“I have this one at home, where I use it as a bedside table. I appreciate how the Fyr Stool celebrates pine with its oversized shapes and the beautiful natural texture of the wood.
It’s a multifunctional piece, and works as a nightstand, stool, side table, or even a pedestal, which makes it a good choice for just about anyone who appreciates the natural beauty of wood in their home.”
• More chairs >
Moon Rollin’ TV stand by Pedestal
“I keep the Moon Rollin' TV stand at my summerhouse, and I think it’s very practical. It offers the flexibility to move the TV around rather than having it fixed in a corner. It kind of turns the TV into a bit of its own piece of furniture using simple materials, just steel and wheels. Plus, it can be easily moved out of sight when not in use!”
• All TV stands >
Porta table lamp by Normann Copenhagen
“I might be biased, but I find the portable Porta lamp really good. It creates a cozy atmosphere and can even work as a substitute for candlelight. It’s portable, so you can move it around to set the mood wherever you like.
It’s available in multiple colors, and the new dark green color is my favorite. I think natural colors bring a calming effect to any space. It’s also a versatile gift, perfect for friends, family members, or even for adding a cozy touch to a child’s room.”
• More portable lamps >
• Read also: A conversation with Simon Legald >
Essence red wine glasses by Iittala
“The Essence wine glasses have been on my wish list forever. To me, they’re the epitome of classic design from the Finnish glass brand Iittala. They’re the nicest wine glasses out there in my opinion, and just something I’ve always wanted but never got around to buying.”
See also:
• All designs by Simon Legald >
• More products from Normann Copenhagen >
Text: Design Stories Images: Normann Copenhagen and manufacturers
Gifting made easy
Why not wrap up lifelong joy and gift evergreen design? Finnish Design Shop offers a wide range of both beloved classics and exciting new arrivals – delivered to your front door!
• Visit our Holiday Season Shop >