A perfectly pale interior with Nordic influencesScandinavian, Amsterdam

1. Potted dwarf coniferDecorated like a miniature Christmas tree or placed on the mantelpiece as a fresh green accent, a dwarf conifer in a pretty container makes a festive gift for the holiday season. Look for dwarf conifers with blue-green, deep-green or chartreuse foliage. Pick up a plant in a 10- to 13-centimetre pot and drop it into a more decorative vessel such as a roll-down paper bag-inspired container or a red, white or gold ceramic pot.After the holidays, the gift recipient should place the conifer in a sunny spot outside or repot it in a larger outdoor container where it can live for a few years.Need help sourcing decor-savvy designs? Find a stylist or decorator near you on Houzz for expert advice

Keep it simpleScandinavians love nature, and as such, we don’t like to detract from the beauty of the Christmas tree with too many decorations –less is more.We favour minimalist ornaments and like to leave space around items so they have room to ‘breathe’ visually.

… or a festive potted plant that you can use to decorate your Christmas table setting or another part of the home.Tell usDo you prefer a freshly cut Christmas tree, a plastic one or another type entirely? Join the discussion in the Comments below, like this story and save the images.MoreKeen to decorate your home in Scandi-Christmas stye this year? Get an interior designer’s top tips here

Cut the top off a large tree if it’s too imposing in the room, or forego a tree that stands on the floor for a smaller version that can take centrestage on an occasional table or sideboard. This will give you the Christmas tree experience you love without taking up sacred floor space. If you’re really tight on space but have a tree outside a living room window (fir or otherwise), why not drape it with colourful lights and turn it into your Christmas tree?The great Christmas tree debate