Holiday gatherings, Copenhagen style – with Freja Bak Josias
In her Frederiksberg home, Freja Bak Josias prepares the candlelit setting she loves for hosting friends.
Hi Freja! Could you briefly introduce yourself to the readers of Design Stories?
“Hi! My name is Freja, I’m 31 years old, married to Magnus and mother to two small children: Ruth, who is three and a half, and Abel, who is six months. We live in Frederiksberg in Copenhagen in a late-19th-century apartment that we’ve been renovating over the past years.
I’m currently on maternity leave, but normally I work at Rønnow Arkitekter, where we specialize in restoring and transforming cultural heritage buildings. I’m trained as a Constructing Architect with a master’s in Building Culture: Sustainability, Strategy and Transformation. It’s meaningful work, it feels important to care for and maintain the beautiful buildings we’ve inherited.”
A neutral home base makes room for books, art and everyday objects. The timeless Aalto table 91 and 69 chairs are by Artek.
Freja collects ornaments and lets her daughter choose a few each year. The white Teema plates are by Iittala.
The red Yoko teapot is by Motarasu, Teema mugs are by Iittala.
How did you come across your current home?
“When we were expecting our first child, my husband suddenly felt we needed more space. We were living in a tiny two-room apartment that I loved, but we started searching.
We found this apartment in our favorite area, Frederiksberg. At first glance it felt dark and a bit cramped, with low ceilings and lots of stuff everywhere, but both of us grew up in top-floor apartments and loved the sloped walls. We saw the potential immediately.
My father-in-law, who is a carpenter, came to check the place with us the next day. We made an offer that same evening and moved in three and a half years ago, just days after our daughter was born. We renovated before moving in: opened up the ceilings, removed a wall to create a larger room and installed a new kitchen. It was hectic as new parents, but we truly enjoy renovating. It was our dream location, and it has become our dream apartment.”
“Simple lines appeal to me, which is why I love Alvar Aalto’s furniture.”
How would you describe your interior style?
“It’s hard to define, but I like to surround myself with things that make me happy: books, art, woolen textiles and beautiful objects. Our base is very neutral: white walls, white floors and mostly wooden or muted furniture. Simple lines appeal to me, which is why I love Alvar Aalto’s furniture.
I shop secondhand whenever I can, sometimes obsessively, but we also have new pieces. What matters most is that our furniture can withstand family life. Things get spilled on, drawn on and jumped on. Our home isn’t a gallery, it’s where we live. The crayons on the table, a tennis racket in the bedroom or my books lying around… These small traces of life are what make our home feel like home.”
Getting ready for the holiday dinner, with the duck and fresh ingredients lined up on the counter. Alessi’s Pulcina espresso maker has an eye-catching design.
Alessi’s Mattina butter dish helps to keep butter longer at the right temperature while enjoying dinner and other meals.
Iittala's minimalist Teema plates suit both everyday use and festive dinners.
Opening a bottle to kick off a relaxed holiday evening with friends. The Essence red wine glasses are by Iittala.
What does the holiday season look like in your home?
“As a child, Christmas was always the same, magical and full of traditions. My father passed away eight years ago, and since then the season has felt different. After having children, I’ve longed to create a warm holiday mood for them, one filled with family, friends and togetherness rather than specific rituals.
We always get a Christmas tree, even though we don’t celebrate at home. My daughter loves picking it out, dragging it down the street and decorating it at the beginning of December. I collect ornaments, and every year she chooses a few. One day, when she moves out, I want to give her a box filled with ornaments she picked throughout her childhood.
December is all about traditional Danish Christmas cookies, gløgg, hot cocoa and rice porridge. My grandfather is a pastry chef and bakes for all of us every year. Most Sundays are spent with family celebrating Advent. Our decorations are a mix collected over many years, nothing too styled, just things we love.”
“Our Holiday decorations are a mix collected over many years, nothing too styled, just things we love.”
How will you be celebrating Christmas this year?
“This year we’re spending Christmas with my family at my brother’s house. I come from a big family – four siblings, and three of us have had children in the past decade – so we’ll be around fifteen people. With many small children, it’s always a bit chaotic in the best possible way.
I love spending the whole day cooking and seeing friends and neighbors drop by to wish us a merry Christmas. It’s a tradition from my childhood: my dad was a butcher and people would come by to pick up their Christmas roasts on the 24th. The house was full, warm and smelled wonderful.
After he passed away, Christmas changed for us, and that was painful. But celebrating with our own children has brought back the excitement, it's almost like rediscovering the season through them. I’m very grateful for that. Christmas is special.”
Candlelight is an essential element for a cozy holiday table. The bronzed brass Duca candle holders are by Audo Copenhagen.
A relaxed holiday meal with roast duck is one of Freja’s seasonal favorites.
Creamy risalamande and cherry sauce bring a true taste of Danish Christmas. The Italian Ice Cup dessert bowls are by HAY.
Could you share one easy idea for setting a cozy holiday table?
“Since we don’t host Christmas at home, I’ll share a general tip for festive dinners or Advent gatherings: candles. Lots of them. The warm glow sets the mood instantly, not only on the table but around the room as well. Handmade name cards are another lovely detail.”
What’s on your own holiday wish list this year?
“I always wish for wool and silk in any form: socks, undershirts, sweaters, scarves, blankets. They’re the way to my heart.
I also collect tableware, so glasses and plates are always welcome replacements. Books are another staple: secondhand classics or new titles from my to-read list.
And every year I add one line: “whatever made you think of me”. Those gifts often end up being the most meaningful.”
Freja’s holiday wish list always includes wool, silk books and timeless tableware.
Freja’s Holiday TOP 3:
1. Holiday song?
“Any theme song from the Danish television Christmas calendars of my childhood. We have a new calendar every year, with one episode daily until the 24th.”
2. Holiday food?
“Duck, Waldorf salad and risalamande.”
3. Holiday movie?
“Home Alone.”
See also:
• Holiday Season Shop at Finnish Design Shop >
Published on 3 Dec, 2025
