“Enchanted Christmas” tables at the Royal Copenhagen flagship store.
Photographs by Francesca Polizzi
I have always observed the Royal Copenhagen flagship store from afar..
…in magazines or through a screen. As long as I can remember, I have known the famous Royal Copenhagen, excellence porcelain maison, since my family used to gift one of their collectible Christmas plates to my grandmother, who proudly displayed them on the dining room wall, one next to the other.
This is why the flagship store, at nr. 6 on Copenhagen's central Amagertorv square, was one of my first destinations since setting foot in Copenhagen in this 2022.
For 59 years now, Royal Copenhagen's sumptuous flagship store has hosted a Christmas exhibition that attracts visionary visitors and enthusiasts from all over the world. This 59th edition was the first I saw with my own eyes, accompanied through a delightful private tour by the kindest Katrine Guldager to see each 'Christmas Table' up close.
Impossible to miss, the Royal CPH palace still shines with a sumptuous beauty, made up of the unmistakable details of its typical Danish Renaissance architecture. It is good to take a moment to look at the palace’s facade from the outside, which houses a milestone of Danish and Northern European artistic and cultural heritage. A sparkle on the back seems natural before crossing the threshold. Watching people move inside the small windows is reminiscent of those Christmas carousels, in which inside miniature hand-painted buildings, a mechanism made characters move to the sound of waltzes, to be observed through the windows.
“An Enchanted Christmas”
Each flight of stairs leads to a more intimate environment than the one before; it is like stepping into the ever more authentic world behind the scenes of the maison. It is on the second floor that the exhibition 'Christmas Tables' is presented.
Prominent figures on the Danish artistic and cultural scene are called upon each year to create real Christmas tables, certainly using pieces from existing or past collections, but with an eye to their own memories, their own perception of what a Christmas dinner is, made up of elements that stimulate all the senses. This year's theme was 'An Enchanted Christmas'.
Katrine told me about the individual tables by delving into the personal stories of those who had made them, extrapolating the most human and authentic elements: memories, dreams, experiences, origins; it's amazing what we can do when our creativity is free to express itself without barriers... that's the origin of magic!
CHRISTMAS IN VENICE
By Bente Scavenius
Not the first table one notices when entering the exhibition, but it is not difficult for you to imagine that this table is among those that have struck familiar chords with me. An enveloping warmth, in the comfort of our set table, to the cozy glow of candle lights from bronze candle holders, the same brocaded tablecloth, set with the vintage collection Saxon Flower from Royal Copenhagen.
Some elements typical of southern Italy made me smile, like the small characters of the Neapolitan nativity scene, or the Sicilian marzipan fruit baskets, juxtaposed with the most precious Murano glasses and cups of fruit jam.
All around are plays of light and shadow, juxtapositions of papier-mâché and velvets, warm tones inspired by classic Venetian palaces.
I did not know Bente Christina Brønnum Scavenius; a fascinating, beautiful woman who is clearly able to navigate the deepest meanderings of beauty. It is no coincidence that she is an art historian, art critic and writer of numerous books.
A HEDONISTIC XMAS CABIN
By Anja Vang Kragh & Mia Sstensgaard
Like some Bernini statues, it is necessary to walk around this table, in motion, and observe it from different perspectives, before approaching it for a closer look at the details.
A small stage, enclosing a Christmas table as it changes throughout the day. So many moments compacted into a single scenario: relaxation, celebration, chatting, dinner, the joy of feasting, small slow rituals that follow one another.. champagne, wine, espresso, liqueurs, tea glasses.. telling the story of time passing, slowly.
There are only three guests, who are they? Every corner of the table can be interpreted as an 'act' of the same show. All wrapped in Vang Stensgaard textile panels in a soft and delicate color palette, hung from more than 14 meters of customized curtain rails. The fabrics give the illusion of a proscenium, a reference to the artists' shared love of the stage. A precious service from the Flora collection, which Anja herself designed for Royal CPH decorates the tablecloth.
The duo Vang Stensgaard formed in 2018 based on a desire to create their own textile universe inspired by their work in theater and film. Together they have created a world of beautiful interior textiles. Both Anja and Mia have been appointed knights of the Order of Dannebrog.
CHRISTMAS IN THE WILDERNESS
By Adam Price
Katrine told me about this table with particular emphasis, precisely because she too has a family connection to Greenland and its traditions, as did Adam Price, who wanted to transform his table into a tent set up in Greenland's wilderness; here you can hear the wind gusting through the wild nature outside while the fire crackles and typical chants play.
A table set up with heritage elements (where a plate of butter, ready to spread on warm bread cannot miss!); a Blue Fluted Plain porcelain collection, belonging to Adam's grandmother, sculptures from the animal collection, juxtaposed with small Greenlandic elements, such as the anthropomorphic statues or the delightful napkin rings! I spent some time looking at them... while Katrine told me that the technique of knitting with beads is typical of the Greenlandic craft tradition. I found them an exquisite detail!
Adam Price is a screen-writer, TV host and restaurateur. Head writer of the critically acclaimed Danish drama series ‘Borgen’ and co-owner and founder of the production company Sam Productions. Co-host of 14 seasons of the show ‘Dining with Price’ along with his brother James, with whom he also owns five restaurants.
MY CHRISTMAS LUNCH DREAM
By Frederikke Legaard
Now, this was not the table I was expecting to find. It was an absolutely delightful and ingenious break from tradition; in particular, the ability to fuse so fluidly a whole series of seemingly distant elements, united by a creativity without barriers, that of table setter and multi-artist Frederikke.
An intimate, eclectic, festive and cozy ambience, bringing together Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. A table setting in miniature, where Danish porcelain winks at typical Japanese design. Small elements and curiosities to discover, such as the small chopstick holder in the shape of a tiny fish (which lit up my eyes!), made by the artist herself.
I had the exclusive chance to pass the barrier and walk around the table to observe all the tiny details to the fullest!
Multi artist, cookbook author and winner of 'The Great Danish Bake Off' 2019. Published the cookbook 'Kogekunst' in 2021 featuring dishes that were all created, illustrated and photographed by Frederikke herself during Covid-19. She creates art in her atelier in Nørrebro.
A PERFECTLY IMPERFECT CHRISTMAS
By Søren Le Schmidt
The fashion designer Søren Le Schmidt has made ‘Christmas stress’ the theme of his table. In Søren’s hectic schedule with wife Nikoline and their one-and-a-half-year-old twins, Christmas stress is inevitable, but to him it can also be magical. It is part of the transformation that happens when peace finally settles in on December 24th and everything turns out well after all. A transformation from Christmas stress to Christmas bliss, featuring a unique aesthetic.
On one side everything is white and chaotic. Glass, cutlery and furniture is scattered across the room and Royal Copenhagen’s minimalistic and graphic White Facet collection lies shattered on the table. On the wall a poetic art film plays, underpinning the stress that leads up to Christmas Eve.
The other side of the room displays Christmas as Søren experiences it from December 24th. Calm and full of “hygge” and togetherness. The centerpiece is small Royal Copenhagen UNIKA sculptures by Steen Lykke Madsen.
I found it hilarious that the Christmas trees in both rooms hang from the ceiling, out of children’s reach, exactly as it will in Søren and Nikoline’s own home!
It is an unforgettable journey, which opens the door not only to a precious and fascinating cultural heritage, but also to stories and memories of exceptional people, who, through the many tools of creativity, were able to tell them through their own 'Christmas Table'. The great thing is that we can all identify with some of these elements, we all have nuances that resonate. I would like to know which elements have resonated with you..
..which Christmas Table has touched your strings the most?
I hope you will be able to see yourself one of the next editions, in the magical setting of the FlagShip store building.
With immense gratitude, I thank Katrine for the wonderful and unique opportunity. A precious personal experience that I will always carry in my heart.
