Gather, gift, celebrate: A season of meaningful moments

Selma Lamai, who works as a Creative Lead of Muuto, shares her own Christmas memories and traditions with us.

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.
Edit: Susa Pääkkönen

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.

The holiday season is all about cherishing time with your nearest and dearest! Selma Lamai gathers her closest friends and their children for a special day dedicated to baking together.

Baking stems from a cherished family tradition passed down by her mother, who had a collection of different biscuit molds.

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.

Muuto's Mere bowl serves as the perfect tray for all the delicious cookies baked during the holiday season.

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.

The Kink vase is a sculptural piece that’s beautiful in both form and color.

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.”

Kale as Christmas decor

Ornamental branches of kale offer a modern and refreshing twist on traditional Christmas décor.

If a Christmas tree isn’t your style, try garnishing with large branches for a simple yet striking alternative.

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.

Little details help us tune into the moment.

“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 >

Images: Muuto

Published on 4 Dec, 2024

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