Author name: Ulrika Lindqvist

Holiday Gift Guide December 18th A Festive Stay at Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden Who would not want to spend the holidays in Dresden? During the festive season, the city is filled with the aromas of gingerbread, mulled wine and cinnamon, and Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden captures this atmosphere with timeless elegance. Throughout December, the hotel offers a full programme of seasonal experiences, from beautifully decorated interiors and festive cocktails in the lobby to traditional culinary celebrations. Rooted in Saxony’s rich gastronomic heritage, Das Palais Restaurant serves a classic braised goose menu throughout the month, featuring winter flavours such as red cabbage, caramelised chestnuts and saffron pear. Afternoon tea at Amalie Patisserie and Lounge takes on a celebratory tone with Dresden Christmas stollen and festive pastries, served alongside sandwiches and scones by the fireplace, accompanied by a glass of Taittinger Champagne. The festivities continue with Christmas Eve lunch and dinner at Das Palais, followed by a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Bel Etage with a Champagne reception and carefully selected wine pairings. To welcome the new year, guests are invited to the historic Kurfürstensaal, transformed into an elegant ballroom for a glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration with live music into the early hours. Image Courtesy of Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden

Holiday Gift Guide december 17th The Family Collection By Sofia Wistam  For Christmas, my wish for my family and me is this necklace from Sofia Wistam’s new Family collection.Each small shimmering sphere represents a generation: those who came before and the children who carry our story into the future.By choosing the number of spheres, you create a piece that reflects your own family. Find the necklace here Image Courtesy of By Sofia Wistam

Holiday Gift Guide December 16th BIBBI Perfumes I love receiving perfume as a gift. The reassuring weight of the box, the sense of luxury, and the way the scent with every wear brings my thoughts back to the person who gave it to me. The exclusive fragrance house BIBBI offers a beautiful selection of gifts to place under the Christmas tree. If you are new to the brand, their Discovery Set and The Wardrobe are perfect starting points for exploring the different scents. You may even discover a new favourite. I certainly did with the luxurious Pistachio Game, as well as their latest launch Vanilla Factory, a warm and decadent fragrance that feels perfectly suited to the festive season. Pistachio GameTop notes: kumquat, eucalyptusHeart notes: apple blossom, violet, frankincense, pistachioBase notes: vetiver smoke, sandalwood, white leather, espresso accord Vanilla FactoryTop notes: bergamot, nutmeg, pink pepperHeart notes: black tea, saffron, peonyBase notes: patchouli, papyrus, black amber, vanilla beans Discover the perfumes here Images courtesy of BIBBI Perfumes

Holiday Gift Guide December 19th Eton limited edition pyjamas One of the loveliest surprises to find under the Christmas tree, in our view, is a new pair of pyjamas. Or maybe you are already wearing them as you sit by the tree, opening gifts with a glass of bubbles in hand. These limited edition pyjamas from Eton are crafted from their signature twill, offered in soft neutral tones and rich winter shades, and finished with elegant piping. They are the perfect stylish pyjamas for cosy evenings and slow, relaxed mornings. Discover the pyjamas here Image Courtesy of Eton  

Holiday Gift Guide December 15th The Grand Spa Experience For anyone seeking a peaceful Christmas, a Nordic-inspired spa escape for two makes the perfect gift of serene luxury. At the Grand Spa Experience, guests can relax in the sauna and warm pool, rejuvenate in the sea-inspired fitness area, enjoy a lavish breakfast at Veranda, and savour the treat of a late checkout. Before you leave, don’t miss the chance to add to your Christmas bauble collection with Grand Hotel’s 2025 Christmas ornament. Inspired by their iconic jubilee pattern, this exclusive keepsake is available from early December at Grand Affections for 395 SEK – a festive blend of tradition and modern elegance that’s sure to become a favourite. Read more here Images courtesy of Grand Hotel

Happy Socks Holiday 25 collection Happy Socks steps into the festive season with its F/W 2025 Holiday Collection, a joyful burst of color and cozy cheer. This year’s lineup celebrates the magic of the holidays through playful prints that feel both nostalgic and new. Think cartwheeling Santas, gingerbread characters, candy canes, shimmering stars, and reindeer in every shade imaginable. The collection spans both adult and kids’ styles and arrives with beautifully curated gift sets that make holiday giving effortless. Each set comes ready to delight, perfect for everyone from close friends to Secret Santa surprises. “For F/W 2025, we wanted to amplify the joy and wonder of the season,” says Fiona Murchison, Chief Marketing and Design Officer. “A personal favorite is the Ice Skating in the City sock, a tiny scenic escape all its own.” Crafted with the meticulous detail that defines the brand, the Holiday Collection leans into wintry landscapes and the art of giving. It is an invitation to embrace the season in full color, one pair of socks at a time. Read more here Image Courtesy of Happy Socks

Holiday Gift Guide December 10th My Life in Colors by Martin Brudnizki I have followed Martin Brudnizki for many years, and this book would make the perfect Christmas gift. I can picture myself curling up on the sofa during the holidays, reading his reflections on color and interior design, especially now as I am renovating an apartment and picking up more paint samples than anyone reasonably should. Martin Brudnizki is an internationally acclaimed interior architect and designer based in London and New York. Among many projects, he has designed New York’s Fifth Avenue Hotel, Le Grand Mazarin in Paris, Annabel’s in London, the Hotel Splendido in Portofino, and the Beekman Hotel in New York. This is his first book, and let’s hope it is the first of many. Find the book here Image Courtesy of Rizzoli USA

Holiday Gift Guide December 14th Asics Limited Series Lite-Show Jacket  Give the gift of performance this Christmas by brightening up your winter runs with the Asics Limited Series Lite-Show Jacket  Designed to help create a safer, more comfortable cold-weather run. The jacket moves naturally encouraging freedom of movement for a more enjoyable run engineered by the ASICS Institute of Sport Science. Waterproof, wind-resistant and with a technical hood and built-in headband to keep you dry and at ease when the weather turns. The best part is the limited-edition reflective print that creates a unique and important visibility for both the early and late workouts. The stylish print is a symbol deeply rooted in Japanese culture, representing nature, resilience, and strength. And in the spirit of giving back, at least 50% of the fabric comes from recycled polyester.  A thoughtful gift for anyone looking to stay active, and glowing through the season. Find the jacket here  Image Courtesy of Asics

Holiday Gift Guide December 13th Chanel The Première Galon A timeless gift for the one who appreciates quiet luxury. The Première Galon blends the elegance of Parisian design with the precision of high watchmaking.Choose between two exquisite interpretations: Diamond-set editionCrafted in 18K yellow gold, the case is set with 52 brilliant cut diamonds framing a deep black lacquered dial. The crown holds an additional brilliant cut diamond, while the rigid braid motif bracelet sparkles with 80 more diamonds, adding up to a luminous finish that elevates any wrist during the festive season. Onyx crown editionAn equally refined version in 18K yellow gold, featuring the signature black lacquered dial and a crown adorned with an onyx cabochon, paired with the iconic rigid braid motif bracelet for a sculptural, modern look. A statement of pure elegance, the Première Galon is a gift meant to be cherished for a lifetime. Find the watch here  Image Courtesy of CHANEL