Subtle Scandi

These embroidered Copenhagen ornaments ($18) depict icons of the home city of design studio Ferm Living, including the kringle pastry and Christiania bike, and add a sweet, nostalgic pop to verdant evergreen boughs. shop.vanspecial.com

Take Flight

An unexpected objet d€™art for the holiday bar, the Saikai crow bottle opener ($43)€”made from Nambu cast iron created in a process that dates back to the 17th century in northern Japan€”is as richly black as the feathered creature from which it takes its form. providehome.com

Nordic Nod

Minimalist and modern, the black-and-white simplicity of this Nordic Tree platter from Crate and Barrel ($30) is a graphic backdrop for Christmas stollen, or anything else you serve guests during the party season. crateandbarrel.com

Cracking Design

Bauhaus melds with cane craftsmanship in this functional-art nutcracker with cane by Carl Auböck ($845). The brass patina and fibre-wrapped handles bring a soft sheen and old-world character to the festive table. avenue-road.com

Giving Tree

Get into the holiday spirit with the wood Advent calendar from West Elm ($111). Its simple shape suggests a Christmas tree, but here the treats are stored within wee drawers for month-long gift-giving. westelm.ca

Snowy Showcase

As cool as the arctic tundra It's inspired by, the (resin, not reindeer!) Hayden antler pendant light ($729), designed by Brett Beldock for CB2, is dramatic yet demure in bright white and warm brass. cb2.com

Barb Sligl

Barb Sligl