In Sweden, as soon as it turned cold, everyone had lanterns on their porches and out in front of their shops, and the interiors were filled with candles too. I suggest we adopt this everyday tradition in the Pacific Northwest to help us endure this rainy, dark winter. It makes a world of difference.
Photos by Per Magnus Persson.
wow that's cool. I think new england should do that too!
Posted by: katy | December 15, 2009 at 12:54 PM
What a great idea. We could use some sparkle up here in rainy BC...
Posted by: Erin | December 15, 2009 at 01:10 PM
i think lanterns should be used all times of the year!
Posted by: Shellie | December 15, 2009 at 01:15 PM
I think the Northeast could do with some cozy lanterns as well!
Posted by: jamie | December 15, 2009 at 01:21 PM
great idea, I always have candle going on our grey and rainy days!
Posted by: Lisa Golightly | December 15, 2009 at 01:31 PM
I love this look - so warm and inviting!
Posted by: Blue Satin Sashes | December 15, 2009 at 02:21 PM
I was at Scandinavia House in NYC last week & they had the most beautiful red lanterns on the cafe tables. I think I need to track them down & bring a little Sweden to my home!
Posted by: Alicia | December 15, 2009 at 02:57 PM
I love that idea, what a warm and inviting way to invite guests in!
Posted by: Devon | December 15, 2009 at 05:02 PM
I'm voting that this be adopted in Southern CA as well. It's so incredibly beautiful. How I'd love to have a small shop in a lovely little town.
Posted by: Brandi | December 15, 2009 at 06:47 PM
Where would be the best places to find lanterns? Big, small, medium sizes?
I need more for my house. :)
Posted by: Amber Johnstun | December 15, 2009 at 06:53 PM
we need all the light we can as can draw close to the winter solstice.
Posted by: flwjane@smallbutcharming | December 15, 2009 at 07:02 PM
Try Jamali Garden: https://www.jamaligarden.com/apps/search/results.asp?query=lantern&go.x=12&go.y=6
Pottery Barn
Ikea
Shoestring Home: http://www.shoestringhome.com/rustic_wood_outdoor_lantern.html
Posted by: chelsea | December 15, 2009 at 07:07 PM
I happily browsed in blog land and then I ran across your blog - and I had to sit up straight. How lovely isn't Frolic!! I tried to find out more about your Swedish story, but I didn't come up with anything. What am I missing?
I am a happy Swede in Seattle always craving inspiration from particularly my old home couunty. Can't wait to follow you!
OX, Monika
Posted by: Splendid Willow | December 16, 2009 at 12:49 AM
I concur. It would be the perfect remedy to this bone-aching dampness!
Posted by: Amanda Nicole | December 16, 2009 at 08:06 AM
aw, i love this! candles do make everything happier.
Posted by: joanna goddard | December 16, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Hi Monika,
I just got back from visiting Sweden for 4 months. You can see more here: http://elseachelsea.typepad.com/frolic/globetrotter/
Thanks for finding the blog. Happy you are here!:)
Posted by: chelsea | December 16, 2009 at 10:46 AM
These make me think of Denmark and their term "Hygge", which Wiki describes as "a complete absence of anything annoying, irritating, or emotionally overwhelming, and the presence of and pleasure from comforting, gentle, and soothing things"
It's a major part of why I'm so obsessed with Scandinavia.
Posted by: makool | December 16, 2009 at 04:13 PM
Oh how nice! I love them! We could never have candles at home cuz as a child, my dad's house burned down, and he never let us have any...so I am still hesitant, but I love them!!!!
Posted by: Michelle | December 17, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Beautiful idea! Lanterns are so lovely!
Posted by: This Lovely City | December 17, 2009 at 12:48 PM