Danish design influencer Sofie Amalie Rolandsen shared her favorite holiday traditions with Design Stories and picked perfect gifts from Finnish Design Shop's selection for her loved ones – and of course herself! These cheerful gifts also blend beautifully into her bright and colorful home in Copenhagen.
Hi, Sofie Amalie! What have you been up to lately?
“Right now I’m feeling quite a holly jolly. Last year was our first Christmas after recently becoming a family of four, and we were all feeling a bit exhausted, so there was not that much energy left to do the whole Christmas shebang.
This year is different, and I’ve been looking so much forward to decorating the place and doing Christmas shenanigans for my 3-year-old son. Having kids has really brought the magic of Christmas back for me.”
What traditions do you or your family have for end-of-year celebrations?
“In recent years we’ve celebrated Christmas in our summer cottage. So cozy being out in the middle of nowhere, where the skies are dark, the stars are bright and the fireplace warm.
“For me, Christmas is all about the Christmas tree, and I love to look at it all through December.”
For me, Christmas is all about the Christmas tree, and I love to look at it all through December. In my family picking up the Christmas tree has always been a cherished tradition. We go to a nearby farm, where we carefully examine many trees before cutting down the perfect one. Afterwards we enjoy 'gløgg' and 'æbleskiver'.
On Christmas Eve all but one leave the room, then all the lights are turned off and the candles on the tree are lit, before welcoming everyone back in to dance around the tree. The most magical moment!”
What is the best Christmas gift you have received or given?
“My grandmother lived in a huge stately apartment with high ceilings, and I have fond memories of Christmas at her place, and what I remember as a huge towering tree – 13 feet at least, or so it felt. My grandmother, who was a seamstress, had sown my Christmas dress, and my parents gave me a doll house. That evening, that moment is what I always think of first, when thinking of Christmas.”
Sofie Amalie Rolandsen’s gift tips:
Plissé electric kettle by Alessi
“Appliances don’t have to be boring – this Plissé kettle is just beautiful with its geometric design and clean lines. I love it so much that I have one in both our apartment and summer cottage. My sister just bought her first apartment, and I am plotting on giving her one too!”
• Plissé electric kettle by Alessi >
• All kettles >
Vannfall water jug by Nedre Foss
“We’ve been missing a water jug for a long time. This Vannfall one is mouth blown and quite unlike any of our other tableware. Brings such a nice contrast to the dinner table.”
• Vannfall water jug by Nedre Foss >
• All jugs & pitchers >
Sottsass jars by Alessi
“Who says storage can’t be fun? These small Sottsass jars just feel so Italian and extra with their funky colors. Adds a nice splash of color to your kitchen.”
• Sottsass jars by Alessi >
• All jars & boxes >
Atollo table lamp by Oluce
“This gift is from me to me. The Atollo table lamp has been high on my wishlist for ages. Some things are worth the wait, and I’m so glad this one is finally mine.”
• Atollo table lamp by Oluce >
• All table lamps >
Mugs by Marimekko
“I am a big fan of Marimekko’s prints and patterns – quirky, playful, and stylish. Oh, and these mugs have a perfect size, they are not too big, not too small. There is always room for one more in our collection.”
• Unikko mug by Marimekko in Franckly >
• All cups & mugs by Marimekko >
Aalto vase by Iittala
“This Aalto vase reminds me of my mom, my childhood home, and tulips. It is the epitome of a vase and everyone should have one.”
• Aalto vase by Iittala >
• All vases >
Sofie Amalie’s TOP3 this Christmas:
- KLAUS – “This animated Christmas movie has swept right in and become an instant favorite of mine. Highly recommend!”
- ILEX BERRY BRANCHES – “These branches in a vase with a few ornaments on are a Christmas staple of mine. They last all of December and have the perfect Christmassy red color.”
- GLASS BAUBLES – “New and old, classic and quirky, I love to mix different styles and hang them in my windows and on the tree.”
See also:
• Thus the Fuss on Instagram >
• More gift ideas at Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Sarianna Määttänen Images: Sofie Amelie Rolandsen, manufacturers