Gather, gift, celebrate: A season of meaningful moments

Selma Lamai, Muuto’s Creative Lead, invites us to embrace the holiday season as a time to gather, reflect, and celebrate. From cherished rituals to thoughtful gifts, she shares her tips for creating meaningful moments filled with warmth and joy.

THE HOLIDAY SEASON is the perfect time to savor every moment, with shared meals and drinks at the center of it all. When setting the table, every detail is thoughtfully chosen to bring a sense of warmth and communion.

Candles are lit, beautiful vases are filled and old holiday decorations come out of storage to add a touch of nostalgia. It’s all about bringing out the large serving dishes and textile napkins – setting things up thoughtfully, giving each item space and attention.

Muuto’s Creative Lead, Selma Lamai, shared her own Christmas memories with us. One of her dearest memories is baking cookies before Christmas.

“My mother collected cookie molds over many years and each December, our whole family would gather on the first weekend to bake together. Growing up, I remember the excitement of visitors arriving and all the preparations,” Selma Lamai says.

Today, she invites her best friend and their children to participate. Together they dedicate a whole day to baking. It's a way to make the moment last a bit longer – make the taste of cookies linger throughout the whole month.

The Mere bowl feels like a true holiday indulgence: it's an elegant centerpiece designed to elevate anything it holds. Its presence adds a sense of occasion. Whether left empty to let its distinctive form shine or filled with seasonal treats, it’s a gift that’s universal yet unique, perfect for those who appreciate the art of a thoughtfully set table.

Selma’s own personal favorite is the Kink vase. The vase, which is available in fresh light green and more saturated red, brings a playful touch to the table and encourages experimentation.

“The Kink Vase can stand alone as a striking object or hold a bouquet with character. Its dual openings invite an intuitive approach to arranging flowers—placing blooms on one side or both, working with heights and volume.”

There’s something special about letting a holiday arrangement be full and bold. Lamai recommends creating a graphic, sculptural bouquet and including something edible – fragrant herbs, for instance – that engages all the senses and allows for a sense of volume and presence.

And if you’re not the biggest fan of a Christmas tree, try adding large branches to a large Ridge vase! The result is as captivating as a traditional tree yet feels less dominant or overwhelming, offering a fresh take on holiday greenery. The combination of delicate glass objects with simple elements, like a green ribbon, adds a relaxed charm.

“The pieces I bring out today are a mix of new items and cherished heirlooms”, says Lamai. Each piece creates a blend of past and present, looking both back and forward. It’s about balancing playful, almost naive shapes with pieces that carry a sense of meaning and history. 

See also:

• All products by Muuto >
• More gift ideas at Finnish Design Shop >

Edit: Susa Pääkkönen Images: Muuto