A Danish Christmas gift guide

Nov 17 Written by

As an expat living in Denmark, I like to explore local options when giving Christmas gifts. Denmark is known for many great brands, and I like the idea of giving my loved ones things that they might not ordinarily get their hands on and introduce them to brands that they aren’t familiar with. So I’ve compiled a little guide with Christmas gifts that can inspire you when thinking about presents for your friends and family.

 

For your girlfriend/ wife/ mom/ sister…

  1. Georg Jensen‘s “Daisy” collection is widely famous by now. I really like the silver versions, and this silver bracelet with white emaille details is a timeless and elegant piece. (DKK 775, here)
  2. Not only does Tromborg produce great environmentally friendly beauty care and makeup products, their bottles can easily be used as decorative items in your bathroom! The lavender facial mist refreshes the skin and smells like a summer vacation in Provence. (DKK 210, here)
  3. Who doesn’t enjoy taking a bath? Make your own little home spa with these three salt scrubs from Badeanstalten. (DKK 189, here)

 

For your boyfriend/ husband/ dad/ brother/ …

  1. It’s no secret, gin is on the rise and more and more small distilleries are popping up everywhere. Geranium is a Danish-produced London Dry Gin that draws its name from one of its main ingredients. It has a fresh, citrusy taste. (DKK 279, here)
  2. One of my favorite Danish clothing brands, Filippa K, makes classic, high-quality clothing items for both men and women. This bordeaux sweater would be a great addition to any guy’s closet. (DKK 999, here)
  3. If your guy loves music and you’re not afraid to spend big, why not spoil him with a pair of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H3 earphones? Sound and style combined - definitely beats your standard iPhone earplugs! (DKK 1.499, here)

 

For your kids/ nieces and nephews/ smaller siblings…

  1. I am completely in love with this whale pillow from Ferm Living! Isn’t it just the cutest thing? (DKK 299, here)
  2. It’s a well-known fact all around the world: everyone loves Lego. Except stepping on one of the bricks, which is arguably the worst pain ever. This cool special edition Mærsk freight ship set combines two well known Danish brands and might also be suitable for an older target group. (DKK 1.199, here)
  3. Wouldn’t you just love to snuggle up in the adorable bed set from By Nord? I know I would! This set is specifically for kid’s size beds. (DKK 399, here)

 

For the apartment

  1. Everybody knows Royal Copenhagen. And there’s a reason for that - their classic, white and blue porcelain design is classic and timeless, and it’s a great collectible. Why not start someone’s collection with this set of two coffee cups in a nice gift box? (DKK 999, here)
  2. Do you know anyone who loves design and drinks tea? You’ve just found the perfect gift: this stylish tea pot by Design Letters. The typography was designed by Danish icon Arne Jacobsen. Optionally, add cups with initials! (DKK 599, here)
  3. I’ve mentioned Skandinavisk scented candles before, and I’m really a big fan of them! There are some special winter/ Christmas scents, like this one, “Snow”. (DKK 250, here)

 

To bring

Want to spoil your friends and family with some Danish delicacies for the holidays? How about one of these?

  1. Gold-coated special edition Christmas liquorice from Johan Bülow, 250g. (DKK 100, here)
  2. Classic Danish butter cookies in a funny tin from Tiger. (DKK 30, here)
  3. Christmas beer! So Danish. If you don’t want to go with the classic blue Tuborg cans, opt for Nørrebro Bryghus’ Christmas brew. (ca. DKK 30 per bottle, here)

Homemade Christmas gift idea: Cranberry syrup

Dec 19 Written by

Kochen und Backen sind ja schon seit längerem unter meinen Hobbies zu finden, aber in den letzten Monaten bin ich auch immer mehr unter die Selber-Macher gegangen. Marmeladen, Apfelmus, Chutneys, Pesto - und jetzt eben auch Sirup. Cranberries gehören in die Herbst- und Winterzeit wie Mandarinen und Walnüsse. Bereits zu Thanksgiving habe ich diesen Sirup hergestellt, um ihn im Apéritif zu verwenden (dazu einfach etwas Sirup mit Champagner, Sekt, Prosecco oder Weißwein aufgießen, eventuell mit einer halben Orangenscheibe garnieren). Er eignet sich aber ganz genauso hervorragend über Vanilleeis oder zu anderen Desserts, oder für die Zubereitung von Cocktails. In hübsche Flaschen abgefüllt macht er sich also ganz wunderbar unterm Weihnachtsbaum. Die Step-by-Step-Anleitung findet Ihr hier!

Cooking and baking have been some of my favorite things to do for quite a while now, but recently I’ve also begun making other things on my own, such as jam, apple sauce, chutneys, pesto etc. And then, for Thanksgiving, I decided to make a cranberry syrup to use in my welcome drink (it’s an adaptation of a Kir Royal: simply mix a bit of syrup with champagne, prosecco or white wine and garnish with an orange slice), but this syrup is also a great addition to vanilla ice cream or other desserts, or can be used in cocktails. Therefore, it’s a wonderful Christmas gift. You can find the step-by-step instructions below!

Homemade Cranberry Syrup

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Step 1

500g Cranberries, 250g Zucker und 300ml Wasser in einen großen Topf geben und zum Kochen bringen.

In a large pot, combine 1 pound of cranberries, 250g granulated sugar and 300ml water and bring to a boil.

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Step 2

Bei mittlerer Hitze solange kochen lassen, bis der Zucker vollständig aufgelöst ist - Achtung, die Cranberrys platzen auf (Spritzgefahr!). Unter ständigem Rühren ca. 10-15min weiterköcheln.

Let simmer on medium heat, constantly stirring, until sugar is dissolved - careful, cranberries will pop open! Simmer for about 10-15mins.

 

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Step 3

Die Masse in ein feines Sieb geben und vorsichtig durchstreichen, bis so viel Flüssigkeit wie möglich durchgelaufen ist (Cranberry-Reste können anderweitig verwendet werden, z.B. als Brotaufstrich).

Strain the cranberries through a fine sieve until as much as possible of the fluid has been removed. Keep solids for another use (e.g. bread spread).

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Step 4

Den Saft einer Zitrone auspressen und unter den Sirup rühren. Danach vollständig abkühlen lassen und in Flaschen abfüllen (ergibt ca. 350-400ml).

Squeeze out the juice of one lemon and stir into the syrup. Let cool completely and fill into bottles (yields about 350-400ml of syrup).

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Step 5

Etikettieren und verschenken oder einfach selbst genießen!

Add a pretty label and give away as a Christmas gift or enjoy yourself!