Ready for a little holiday shopping with me today? Hi there, it’s Allan and can you believe that it is the last month of the year? Are you excited for the holidays? I know I am because I will be celebrating Christmas with my entire family, which hasn’t happened since I was 8 or 9.

Photo: Ann Ringstrand

I love this season because spending time finding the perfect gift for everyone and to just take my time with shopping makes me happy. I hate stressing, so if I don’t find everything on my list, I don’t sweat it. I’ll try it again next year. I am currently in Los Angeles, until mid-month, then I’ll take a quick trip to Mexico before heading back to Copenhagen. It’s nice to get a few drops of the sun in before the long months of darkness.

I really hope that you enjoyed last months’ “10 Favorites” list. I’ve received a bunch of very nice comments, so please keep it up – and feel free to recommend your favorites, maybe you know of brands and products that I don’t. This month, I have once again collected some of my favorites. Really pay attention to the art section, as these iconic photos are perfect for the wish list this year.

I also want to highlight the grooming sections, which are so much fun, I really am testing every product too, only the best for you guys!

1 // FURNITURE:

If you follow me on Instagram, you would have noticed I just purchased the George Nelson bench designed in 1946. The ash seat has been on the top of my wish list for years, and just a few weeks ago it was finally delivered. I use it as a coffee table, as the width is just perfect in my narrow living room. It comes in two different lengths and the clean linear aesthetic lines make it perfect if you want a simple look in your home.

2 // ART:

I just love the old Hollywood glamour and I am such big fan of those great actors. Some of my favorites are Paul Newman, James Dean, Harrison Ford, Sean Connery and Roger Moore. Sonic Edition has made it their sole mission to make iconic photographs available in super high quality perfect for any gallery wall. They are not only able to deliver magnificent photos of great actors, but also some of the most historic moments in sports and unique moments of some of the greatest musicians of our time. Check out my favorites among hundreds of photos in the Sonic Edition collection.

 3 // DECORATE:

It is the season of lamps though finding the right one(s) is never easy. One thing is certain, you can (almost) never have too many, and most importantly choose lamps that give a warm, soft light. There is nothing worse than a harsh bright glare. For perfect ambiance, you need lamps in every corner, and you certainly do not have to go big, but a small lamp is perfect for a subtle cozy feeling on rainy, dark winter nights. I really recommend the new small, ripped table lamp Fitting #03 from Danish Lyngby Porcelain, which is just so perfect in any corner of your home.

4 // SLEEP:

Just a short train ride from Copenhagen you can check-in to the perfect spa hotel, Skodsborg. A former hospital now transformed into a beautiful spa retreat with a massive spa and sauna area, state of the art fitness facilities, multiple restaurants and amazing rooms. The junior suites have just been updated with new interior – and the views from the balconies are the best overlooking the Baltic Sea.

5 // LISTEN:

What can I say; it’s the holiday season. Just be happy I didn’t choose Jingle bells, jingle bells. Get out your Christmas cards, pop this on the stereo and start writing those cards to all your loved ones. It’s Mariah Carey, All I want for Christmas is you! Classic.

By the way, what’s your favorite Christmas song?

6 // GROOM:

I am over the moon. We finally got our very own Le Labo store in Copenhagen. I quickly dropped by to snatch some of their new men’s grooming collection, including great beard oil and face bronzer, which is just perfect to get you a little bit of a sun-kissed face.

I came across all natural unisex skincare brand, Surface, which claims to be perfect for skin that faces the city, so I snatched up their city set #2, which includes a face mist that works perfectly for a quick fix up when on the go. I also enjoy the energizing face cream; it seems to really boost and revitalize your skin.

Finally, I have been washing my hair with products by Australian brand Kevin Murphy. Honestly, I don’t really wash my hair too often, so when I do, I do like nice products and the Stimulate-Me wash really spoke to me. And while I won’t admit it just yet, I am getting older, which you can see on my fast retrieving hairline, so I had to try the thick.again spray. So far all I can say is that I really like the scent, does it work? I don’t know yet, but keep following me on IG and you might see me rocking a full-on mullet next year.

 7 // READ:

Remodalista has a new book out, a companion to their new website. This compact tome shows how to accomplish an unencumbered life in a home that makes us happy, with more than 100 simple and stylish tips, each clearly presented and accompanied by full-color photographs that are sure to inspire. A really nice book for the coffee table and a great source for updating your home in 2018.

Photo: Rose cafe

8 // EAT:

One of the most iconic restaurants in Venice, LA, and one of my all-time favorites is Rose café. They recently did a major makeover making the outside restaurant even more perfect. The 5-course tasting menu is amazing and lets you taste more or less everything on the menu, and a few you won’t find on the menu. Skip the butcher’s board, but do order the ravioli with braised pork. It is to die for.

9 // SHOP:

As you are probably all shopped out after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and slowly regaining your strength for the Christmas shopping, I’ll make it easy for you this month. If you are in Europe, check out one of my favorite online shops for great design,  Rosborg. Rosborg is just a great site to source those presents – and if you are in the US, you have to check out TRNK, which is ultra-curated designer furnishings and decor that are simply chic. 

10 // SMELL:

Scented candles are everywhere. The trick is to choose the ones that don’t smell too much unlit, as the oils will really send out the scents when heating up. A new one on my radar is Swedish Hope founder Ann Ringstrand, who has started a new brand in her own name. I love the style and scent of the candle in the reusable ceramic cup by Gustavberg. Just perfect as a treat to yourself or perfect on your Christmas wish list.

Happy holidays and I will see you next year. – Allan

(Text, Photos by Allan Torp unless otherwise noted)

[Editor’s Note: Le Labo, Surface, Kevin Murphy, Skodsborg Hotel and Sonic Edition are part of an “in kind” partnership between Allan Torp and the brands. The lamp was part of a paid collaboration between Allan Torp and Lyngby Porcelain for Bungalow5. This review is provided by Allan Torp for decor8, any collaborations are his own. All words and opinions are his own.]

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