Set the table for the holiday season

Setting the table for the holidays

In a radio programme from 1945, Estrid Ericson described the comfort found in the familiar. Here, she shared tips on table settings while vividly portraying an inspiring holiday table setting:

"It is Boxing Day. The table is ready for the traditional family dinner, radiant with the Christmas spirit. The table is always set in the same way. No one in the family would want it to change. Every now and then over the years, they long for it. That is the charm of our Swedish Christmas, that it is so rich in traditions - spiritual and material."

This year's Christmas table setting at Svenskt Tenn follows traditional themes. A classic red tablecloth, candied apples, tall candlesticks, and personalised gifts for each guest.

Classic and modern in this year’s holiday table setting

For this year's holiday table setting, we use traditional clear glassware and simple, beautiful porcelain designed by Carina Seth Andersson in 2024. Here, contemporary elements meet historical ones in the form of Egyptian candlesticks by Edvin Öhrström from 1928 and the tablecloth featuring Josef Frank’s Chianti print from 1935-30.

Classic candle holders adds charm

The charming Happy and Grumpy candle holders radiate warmth and personality. They suit both the Christmas table and the windowsill and are certain to become an integral part of traditional Christmas decorations in the home.

Estrid Ericson found the models for the Glader and Butter candle holders while on a buying trip in Italy. She took them home and then created her own versions. From the 1950s to the 1970s they were hand-painted by the store staff. Estrid Ericson oversaw the work and decided which ones would be sold at the store on Strandvägen 5. For Christmas 2024, the candle holders will be produced and painted by hand at Porslinsfabriken (The Porcelain Factory) in Lidköping.

Flower arrangements in the dining room

In the pewter pot with relief designed by Nils Fougstedt in 1928, we have arranged the dining room's holiday flowers, featuring amaryllis and gerbera in beautiful, matching tones. The paradise scene becomes a true Christmas ornament in this interior, with lovely depictions of people and animals in the design.

Shrink pots for storage

Woodcarver Frej Lonnfors has created 10 shrink pots exclusively for Svenskt Tenn, each with a unique, hand-carved geometric pattern. Each design is based on principles he has developed over many years of woodworking and behind every pot lies a remarkable and time-consuming craftsmanship. He describes the shrink pots as small temple buildings or reliquaries, ready to hold all sorts of secrets... or perhaps simply coffee. In the dining room, they can be used to store matches, napkin rings, and other details for the beautifully set table.

Anemon Wreath by Sofia Vusir Jansson

The floral wreath is a timeless decoration dating far back in time. Sofia Vusir Jansson’s interpretation was inspired by Estrid Ericson’s famous table settings and floral wreaths – an elegant balance between the visually beautiful and the symbolically meaningful.