Last year, we visited Eleish Van Breems Home in New Preston to get a taste of a Swedish celebration of the season. With locations also in Westport and Nantucket, Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems are known for their clean, elegant and fresh approach to interiors, all with a Scandinavian essence. Here, we chat about what’s on for the holidays.
A small tree tops a Swedish late 18th-century painted tea table inset with manganese tile.
A PH Snowball chandelier by Louis Poulsen hangs in the window above a pair of Theo Club stools by Verellen upholstered in Furocious Arctic fabric.
A large shearling Tomte made for Eleish Van Breems Home by a family of sheep farmers in Dalarna, Sweden. The Tomte is a magical household protector associated with the winter solstice and holiday season.
Holiday plates and bowls designed by Margarette Hemix for Gustavsberg Porcelain are complemented by red linen Axlings kitchen towels at a table set with 19th-century Gustavian-style dining chairs.
Swedish copper pieces here range from 19th-century copper molds to large pots and military lunch pails. Above the sink hangs a rare Swedish kurbit painted folk art piece.
An Enigma 425 pendant light by Louis Poulsen illuminates a Warren Platner chair and ottoman, Model 1705 for Knoll and a 19th-century Swedish faux bois painted chest. Artwork on the far wall is Iceberg by artist Matt Wood.
What brought you back to Litchfield County?
Our original store was in Woodbury in an enchanting 1760 gambrel-roof Colonial with a barn and garden. As the times and our lives changed, we found ourselves both raising our families down in Fairfield and relocated the business to Westport, expanding our design department, as well as encompassing contemporary Scandinavian brands and furniture brands such as Verellen, Thayer Coggin and Lee. When the opportunity to open in the old Dawn Hill Antiques building in New Preston presented itself, we were absolutely delighted. Being back in such a wonderful and unique community has totally energized us, and we look forward to decking out the store for the holidays!
When do the holiday items come out?
Scandinavian holiday is such a special time, and we start to bring things out in November. Bringing the outdoors in is such a huge part of that, and so at this time of year, our antique Swedish Gustavian and Rococo pieces are fully bedecked with juniper, fir and holly.
What are some of the gifts you’ll offer this year?
Our selection of gifts is varied and reflects our current passions. This year, we connected with card makers in England for a selection of truly special Advent calendars and cards. We also have natural herbal skincare and perfume lines from Iceland, design books, festive barware, backgammon sets, vintage Italian and Swedish vases. The luxurious blankets from Johanna Howard in alpaca and chenille to cuddle up under by a fireside are always appreciated as gifts. There really is something for everyone!
Any special items for entertaining?
Our selection of Augarten and Gustavsberg porcelain, Swedish linens, mixed with popular serving pieces by Georg Jensen and jewel-toned glassware by Reijmyre and Murano-crafted tumblers make for a stunning table appropriate for any holiday smorgasbord gathering.
Tell us about the Swedish Tomte gnomes.
The benevolent and mischievous Tomte—also known as Nisse in Norway—is believed to watch over farms and bring good luck to those who treat them with respect and kindness. The Tomte’s blessing of your farm and homestead is critical to ensure good harvests and protection. Despite their diminutive size, they are said to possess great strength and wisdom. On Christmas Eve, the Tomte is left a bowl of porridge as an honor and to ensure a good New Year.
What’s your most sought-after holiday item?
Our New Preston store is known for its wall of antique Swedish culinary copper, and the incredible molds make perfect gifts along with our selection of Swedish cookbooks and hardwood cutting boards for every chef in your life.
Do you have any community holiday projects?
Giving back is the most important part of the season, and our company is proud to contribute to the Nantucket Food Bank and Operation Hope in Fairfield, as well as participate in the Nantucket Festival of Trees.
How does a traditional Scandinavian Christmas differ from a typical American Christmas?
As a part of the Scandinavian tradition, there are lots of fun tricksters and supernatural beings who can give and take from you. These beings are often a holdover from Norse mythology and ancient agricultural rituals. For example, the Yule Lads of Iceland visit children in the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts or potatoes depending on the child’s behavior. These mischievous figures are descended from the mythological jolasveinarnir trolls. In Norway, black cats and elves play a mystical role in gift-giving as does the Joulupukki or Yule Goat in Finland. The Yule Goat in earlier times was significant in that agricultural villages in Sweden, and Finland would construct straw goats to honor the harvest season and ensure a bountiful crop the following year. The goats represented the Norse God Thor’s goats, who drew his sun chariot across the skies. Over time, the tradition has evolved into the iconic Julbock of Swedish Christmas celebrations today.
What’s a favorite memory of a Swedish Christmas?
Rhonda: “I remember making the pepparkakor cookies with my Swedish aunt and my grandmother; I will always associate the delicious aromas of the spices cooking with those happy times. And the European Christmas tree! When we lived in Austria, my grandmother would make fudge, cut it into squares and then wrap each square in foil and adorn with bows, creating tiny individual presents. These were hung on the tree with other gifts of candy for the children.”
Edie: “My favorite Swedish holiday tradition is feeding the wild animals on Christmas Eve. My Swedish-American side of the family loved this heartwarming act of kindness, and as a child, I took it very seriously. From scattering seeds for the birds to leaving out treats of hay, carrots and apples for the woodland creatures, I still cherish this part of the holiday festivities.”
