Simply Scandi Easter 2021

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EASTER

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ENJOY THIS SPECIAL ISSUE OF YOUR NEW FAVOURITE SCANDI MAGAZINE

EASTER 2021

Scandi buys, ideas & traditions

FROM TABLESCAPING TO EASTER TREES, CUTE TOUCHES TO FEEL-GOOD FOOD

S E C T I O N F E AT U R E

We design and create elegant spaces, pieces and moods that each tell their own story www.greta-mae.co.uk @gretamaeinteriors 1

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ED’S LETTER SCANDI

Hello to you

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e wanted to give our lovely followers a little treat, something that captured freshness and the beauty of the season. It’s also a little thank-you for the amazing support for Simply Scandi since we launched as a print magazine in January. And so we hope you enjoy our Simply Scandi Easter mini mag. It’s full of Scandi loveliness and ideas for making your home special at this time of year. Once again our celebrations might be more muted than in the past, it is still a time of newness and hope. We’ve ideas for Easter branches and trees decorated with beautiful eggs, simple ways to style your Easter table – whether that’s for brunch or lunch – and a delicious Easter salad to try. I do hope we brighten up your day with a little Scandi style, and don’t forget our second print issue is on sale 29 April. You can subscribe or pre-order at www.newsstand.co.uk/simply-scandi or find us in larger supermarkets and retailers in the UK and overseas very soon. Here’s to a relaxed summer – Scandi style. See you then…

Jen x

Jennifer Morgan Editor & Publisher

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Editor Jennifer Morgan jennifer.morgan@rileypublishing.co.uk Art Director Jo Craig (jo@consideredcreative.co) Simply Scandi is a registered trademark ISSN 2752-3047 (print) 2752-3055 (online) (C) Riley Publishing Ltd 2021. All rights reserved. www.simplyscandi.com

ON MY LIST FOR EASTER

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For queries relating to subscriptions, please email subenquiries@newsstand.co.uk To advertise in future issues, email simplyscandi@rileypublishing.co.uk Vol 2 Summer - on sale 29 April 2021 Cover picture hm.com (see page 14 for credits)

1 Twig and feather wreath, £22.50, www.giselagraham.co.uk 2 Owls of the British Isles bag, £95, www.abigailedwards.com 3 Stoneware vase, £20, www.greta-mae.co.uk

Simply Scandi is published by Riley Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without written permission of the publishers, is strictly prohibited. All information is, as far as possible, correct at the time of press.

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IN BLOOM

Style this spring flower garland along your table, £14.99, www.gingerray.co.uk

BUNNY EARS

How adorable are these napkin rings? £12 for four, www.johnlewis.com

CHIRPY CHEEP

Fill this tin with mini eggs and use for years to come, £3.95, www.annabeljames.co.uk

The

COOL FOR CAKES

Show off your hot cross buns on this wire rack, £16, www.lisavalentinehome.co.uk

Scandi edit We’ve been shopping for your Scandi home this Easter and just know you’ll love our finds COLOUR SPLASH

Mix these decorative dinner plates with white ones, £14.75 each, www.roseandgrey.co.uk

EASTER TREE

Hang pretty eggs from this artificial olive tree, £90, www.giselagraham.co.uk

SHINE ON

Perfect for table or mantelpiece, Oldbury cement lantern, £28, www.gardentrading.co.uk

COTTON TAIL

Welcome in Easter, with the Linear bunny cushion, £18, www.next.co.uk

EDIT SCANDI

LOVELY LUNCH

Bring in spring. Darby 12-piece dinnerware set in haze green, £59.99; Mediterraneo recycled glasses, from £3.99; candles, from £4.29; Magifera candleholder, £7.99 for two; all www.dobbies.com

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FLORAL ART What’s your favourite wildflower? How about this beautiful cowslip?

It’s part of a new collection of botanical prints featuring some of Britain’s most-loved wildflowers on GF Smith textured paper, £15, www.creaturecandy.co.uk

HIP HOP Create an Easter lighting display to rival Christmas, with this wooden neon Easter bunny light. Running off batteries, it gives up to 20 hours of light before they’ll need recharging, £19.99, www.lights4fun.co.uk

TOO CUTE

Bunny love Little ones will hop into Easter with a big smile, thanks to this beautiful artificial floral headdress with grey bunny ears and adjustable strap, £20. Team with a pretty dress for the perfect Easter outfit. www.ellajames.co.uk

GET CRACKING These decorated eggs are almost too pretty to eat… we said ‘almost’. Why not arrange on a dish or cake stand as an Easter centrepiece that can be broken up to share after lunch? Floral Easter eggs in raspberry and milk chocolate, £16 each, www.johnlewis.com

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EDIT SCANDI

BAKE OFF

Treat yourself to a new pinny for your Easter baking. Linen-blend apron, £17.99, www.hm.com

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SCANDI EDIT

BRANCHING OUT Style a simply-yet-gorgeous Easter tree with these whimsical eggs in shades of blue. Made of felt and foam, they are lightweight so won’t weigh delicate branches down, £25 for six, www.oka.com

BUNNY PAL Swap a chocolate bunny for this delightful wooden stacking toy one, which will bring hours of fun and learning (and last a lot longer!).

It comes with a detachable head and three stacking rings on a base and is made from sustainable beechwood from PEFC certified forests. You could even hide one as the ‘star prize’ on an egg hunt, £14.50, www.bluebrontide.com

A N D R E P E AT. . .

When tablescaping, look at ways you can repeat for a pretty scene. Rather than go for one big floral arrangement, try smaller vases of tulips, with potted bulbs and votives lined up in between. Keep place settings identical, leaving a little gift to the same side of each of your napkins. Carmen pure linen napkins in white, £60 for four, www.thefinecottoncompany.co.uk

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Words: Jennifer Morgan.

Table style

H A N D - D R AW N WA L L PA PE R & T E X T I L E S I N S P I R E D BY N AT U R E

www.abigailedwards.com @abigailjedwards

MOMENTS SCANDI

LEFT The Easter weekend sees many Swedes opening up summer cottages after winter THIS PAGE Exploring the forest, collecting twigs for Easter, smörgåsbords with eggs and the aroma of fresh coffee

Photography: Annie Spratt, Gus Ruballo, Rachael Gorjestani and Greg Rosenke; all on Unsplash.

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raditionally a religious holiday around the world, Easter or Påsk is seen as a more secular affair in Sweden,” says Niki.

“Although most Swedes live in the city these days, many flock to their summer cottages in the countryside to celebrate Påsk. ‘Escaping the city for a rural retreat is a ritual deeply engraved in the Swedish way of life,’ my friend Tove Webster explains. ‘The cottage is the perfect place to gather friends and family for traditional festivities.’

“The public holiday also heralds the first extended weekend of the year and an opportunity to ‘open up’ summer cottages for the season. ‘We turn on the water, throw open the shutters and air the rooms after the long, cold winter,’ another friend, Ullis Sjöström, tells me. ‘And then we put on a pot of a coffee, light a fire and fill our cottage with the smell of firewood and fresh coffee beans.’

“In the south, melting snow makes way for the return of migrating birds, while further north, locals might take to their skis and sledges to enjoy outdoor life before gathering Easter decorations, making the most of the last snow. ‘We love to take a walk in the forest – in any weather – and collect Påskris or birch twigs, which we decorate with colourful feathers,’ Ullis says. ‘And then we tuck into a traditional smörgåsbord made up of eggs, salmon and pickled herring.’

“Outside, children dressed as little Påskkärringor (Easter hags) roam the neighbourhood wearing brightly patterned headscarves, their cheeks painted rosy red and dotted with freckles. And then the egg rolling games begin… but that’s another story!”

Off to the cottage After the long, dark winter, the Easter break sees many Swedes leaving the city and heading to the countryside.

Niki Brantmark – a Londoner now living in Malmö with her own cottage plans – tells us more about Easter in Sweden FOLLOW NIKI @MYSCANDINAVIANHOME

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S E C T I O N F E AT U R E

The

Scandi home at EASTER Easter provides a beautiful opportunity to decorate, adding in touches of spring around your home – from tablescape ideas to trees and branches trimmed with eggs

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MOOD SCANDI

Easter living Lighten up your sofa with cushions and throws in softer colours and natural materials. Try working in sage green or daffodil yellow for a lovely spring palette – they are the perfect pairing for a Scandi grey/ neutral scheme. Go even stronger with glassware and ceramics, choosing olive and ochre for a vibrant display.

Hang egg decorations from branches of willow or forsythia. Either snip some from your garden – if you are lucky enough to have it growing – or look for a faux branch that you can bring out every Easter. Pop in a narrow-necked vase that is fairly heavy, keeping your Easter tree steady.

Then dress with hanging eggs.

Build up a stash of precious Easter decorations, which you can add to each year – just as you do for Christmas. In Scandinavia, decorations are traditionally brightly coloured, but if your style is more muted, look for lovely finishes and techniques instead.

FAR LEFT Jacquard weave cushion, £29.99; floral cushion covers, £6.99 each; stripe cushion cover, £6.99; rectangular tasselled cushion (in basket), £39.99; metal serving trolley, £139.99; low lounge chair, £199.99; tasselled cushion cover in green, £17.99; mango wood coffee table, £119.99; rug, from a selection; all www.hm.com ABOVE Hand-painted paiper mâché eggs in black and silver, £6 each; marbled glass hanging egg in orange, from £3 each; clear glass egg, from £2.50; all www.heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk LEFT Glass egg set, £19.95 for six, www.nordichouse.co.uk

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S E C T I O N F E AT U R E

“START WITH AN ALL-WHITE BASE AND ADD PLENTY OF texture, WARMER NEUTRALS AND A TOUCH OF SHIMMER”

MOOD SCANDI

Easter dining Keep to a natural look for your Easter table, playing on soft textures, such as rattan, jute and wicker. Hang a pendant overhead – not only will the shape add interest, the light will playfully cast shadows on the walls when turned on early evening. Crisp white tableware is easy to style up, just add linen napkins, small vases of foliage and a few glass votives.

Look for family-friendly pieces like these mini wooden boards, which are perfect for an Easter smorgasbord or canapés, served indoors or out – and more environmentally friendly than a pile of paper plates. Pass around with linen napkins… very Scandi and sure to get lots of lovely comments.

Add a few fun characters to your table, just as you would with baubles and decorations at Christmas. If you haven’t got an Easter branch or tree to decorate, then nestle eggs, bunnies and chicks around tableware, tie to door handles or even chair backs.

FAR LEFT Elegant dinner candle holders, from £20; Le Creuset pepper and salt mills, £34 each; Portobello tableware, from £10; seagrass woven placemats, £16 for two; natural napkins, £25 for four; piped seat pads, £25 each; Seville tablecloth, £95; all www.thewhitecompany.com ABOVE Mini set of boards, £16.50 for four; black stripe napkins, £24 for two; both www.nordichouse.co.uk LEFT Bruton cutlery, £140 for set of 24; jute woven placemat, £12; Portobello tableware, from £10; gingham napkins, £25 for four; bunny egg cosies, £8 for two; all www.thewhitecompany.com

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SCANDI RECIPES

Louise Hurst’s

Easter salad This simple salad combines quail eggs with hasselback potatoes and asparagus, finished with a sunny-yellow saffron dressing.

The saffron gives a delicious subtly floral yet earthy flavour FOLLOW LOUISE @NORDICKITCHENSTORIES

SERVES 4 8 Charlotte potatoes 150g broad beans (frozen is fine), blanched and shelled (optional) 1 bunch asparagus (12 spears) 12 quails eggs 3 bay leaves, optional 40g butter 1 tbsp grated Parmesan 1 tbsp dried breadcrumbs 1 x 80g bag pea shoots FOR THE SAFFRON DRESSING 1 egg yolk 2 tsps French mustard 2 tsps white wine vinegar 100ml sunflower oil, preferably rapeseed ½ tsp saffron Good pinch cayenne pepper White pepper and fine sea salt 50ml sour cream 1 small clove of garlic Zest and juice half small lemon White wine vinegar Extra virgin olive oil

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1 Begin by crushing the saffron in a very small bowl with the

back of a spoon, add a teaspoon of hot water to the bowl.

Set to one side.

2 Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. Put each potato in the bowl of a wooden spoon and, at roughly 2mm intervals, cut carefully down, but not quite through the potato. Tear the bay leaves, if using, into several pieces and stuff several pieces into each potato.

3 Meanwhile, melt the butter in the pan or tin you are going to cook the potatoes in over a medium heat until sizzling. Put in the potatoes one by one, and carefully turn them in the butter to coat, then pour in enough cold water to come halfway up the sides of the potatoes.

4 Bring to a boil, then roast for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting every 15 minutes. Scatter with the breadcrumbs and parmesan, for the final 15 minutes of cooking. Place the quails eggs in a saucepan of simmering water, cook for 1 minute 45 seconds for soft boiled, remove and place in ice cold water. Peel, then cut in half.

5 For the saffron dressing: Tip the egg yolk, vinegar and mustard into a bowl, season with salt and pepper and whisk together until completely combined. Whisking constantly, add a small drop of oil and whisk until completely combined, (I do this with a hand held electric whisk), then add another drop and continue a drop at a time until the yolks and oil combine and start to thicken. Once confident the oil and egg has emulsified, add the oil a bit more at a time, but be patient, as adding the oil too quickly will cause the mayonnaise to split and curdle. Once all the oil has been added pour in the saffron and sour cream and stir. Add the zest of half a lemon, a splash of the juice and the crushed garlic. Check the seasoning.

6 To assemble the salad: Boil or steam the asparagus for 2-3 minutes. Place the pea shoots in a bowl and add a few drops of white wine vinegar and olive oil with a little salt and pepper, toss. Arrange the pea shoots on a serving platter, followed by the broad beans, asparagus, quails eggs and finally the hasselback potatoes. Drizzle with the saffron dressing and serve.

Tip

Use the bowl of a wooden spoon to hold each potato steady as you make cuts roughly 2mm apart, taking care not to cut right through the potato

FROM THE BLOG Louise lives in Marlow, Buckinghamshire with her husband and two dogs.

She credits her Swedish mother with her passion and love of good food. Visit www.nordickitchenstories.co.uk

Photography: nordickitchenstories.co.uk.

“SURPRISINGLY SAFFRON IS A VERY POPULAR spice AT CHRISTMAS AND EASTER IN SWEDEN, ESPECIALLY IN BAKING” LOUISE HURST

Don’t miss…

Our Summer issue as we merge inside with out, visit more inspiring Scandi homes and enjoy lazy days VO L 2 S U M M E R , O N S A L E 2 9 A P R I L 2 0 2 1 . P R E- O R D E R AT W W W. N E W S S TA N D . C O . U K / S I M P LY- S C A N D I

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Photography: Bloomingville; Dobbies; John Lewis; Freestocks and Linda Søndergaard, both on Unsplash.

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