Cool Creative Christmas at the Danish Embassy

Tree stumps and glass candles set the scene.

The Entrance Photograph by Chris Svetlik

“Hygge” is a uniquely Danish concept with no direct English translation. “Coziness” and “tranquility” come close to capturing the idea, especially when considered in the context of the home. At the Danish Embassy, white Christmas lights were woven throug

Inside the Lobby Photograph by Chris Svetlik

To honor COP15 and Denmark’s remarkable commitment to eco-consciousness, the artists relied on materials they scavenged from recycling bins and studio shelves to create their ornamentation. This wintry scene was created from large-scale printing paper, co

The Front Window Photograph by Chris Svetlik

Watson, Giannasio, Cramer, Kjøller, and Havndrup looked to Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’s most beloved children’s story author, for project inspiration. Cool Creative Christmas is filled with animals, flowers, and motifs from The Snow Queen, Anderse

Flower Garlands Photograph by Chris Svetlik

The rose is a recurrent symbol in the Snow Queen tale, and most importantly serves as Gerda’s strongest reminder of her love for Kai during her quest to find him.

Witch’s Den Rose Vine Photograph by Chris Svetlik

Hundreds of old issues of the Financial Times—taken from stores of the Danish Embassy—were used to construct the dusty-rose flowers adorning the walls and banisters of the front lobby and coat check stations. This area was transformed into the Snow Queen

A Closer Look Photograph by Chris Svetlik

Party guests were very impressed with the artist’s work.

Up the Staircase Photograph by Chris Svetlik

Havndrup’s paper snowflakes—all cut from discarded documents—may have been created using elementary procedures, but their elegantly intricate design looks anything but.

Hanging Snowflakes Photograph by Chris Svetlik

Look closely—can you see the type?

Snowflake Photograph by Chris Svetlik

Havndrup used an X-acto knife to meticulously cut this hanging mural out of extra-larger printer paper. It depicts the Snow Queen’s reindeer-drawn sleigh skating through an avalanche after she’s kidnapped Kai.

The Snow Queen’s sleigh Photograph by Chris Svetlik

This picture reveals Havndrup’s impressive attention to detail—each reindeer is outlined with a fur border.

The finer details Photograph by Chris Svetlik

This paper-mâché creation keeps theme with a rose-covered tail.

Paper-mâché bird Photograph by Chris Svetlik

The artists collected stray sticks in a tree removal lot to make the base frame of this wreath, which extended over four feet in diameter. Paper-mâchéd crows and other forests birds—all representing endangered species—sit on the branches.

Living Room Wreath Photograph by Chris Svetlik

These incredibly intricate blooms were created during weekly Saturday flower-making sessions.

Rose Bouquet Photograph by Chris Svetlik

Giannasio created realistic looking flowers by curling the edges of her coffee filter petals with a toothpick. Talk about labor intensive!

Roses Close-Up Photograph by Chris Svetlik

Chef Trina Hahnemann surrounded these winter tree branches with a menu of baked cod, pig jaw and onion jam, apple compote, and kransekage—a traditional Danish marzipan ring cake— at the viewing party.

Table Centerpiece Photograph by Chris Svetlik

Recycled glass jars—each filled with a single LED light—prepared guests for a hyggelit evening.

Outside Lighting Photograph by Chris Svetlik

The rose theme motif continued outside the Embassy with these ethereal candles floating in the front yard pond.

Fountain Candles Photograph by Chris Svetlik

Cool Creative Christmas took serious work—the artists worked from 8 AM to 10 PM seven days a week after Thanksgiving to prepare for the unveiling. Their goal was to represent Denmark, The Snow Queen, and sustainability in a single design concept. Our ap

Front Yard Tree Photograph by Chris Svetlik