The Filipino holiday preparations: Creating a calm setting for socializing and personal space with Ikea

Revamping homes into a warm holiday setup can help create a peaceful space for social gatherings and one’s private space


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Ikea's Vinterfint collection, brings warmth and festive charm with its vibrant decorations 

For Filipinos, during the holiday season, it’s a time for joy, family get-togethers, and social gatherings. Preparation for Christmas often starts as early as September, when vibrant and festive decorations, carols, and holiday shopping give homes and public spaces a joyful spirit of the season. Filipinos treat this festive season with importance and celebrate by attending night masses, organizing Christmas Eve feasts, and hosting parties. These holiday activities are what most Filipinos look forward to as they get the chance to bond and have time for their loved ones. Thus, extending efforts and going the extra mile is not a challenge. 

The exciting season, however, also comes with difficulties. Heavy traffic, overcrowded places, and the holiday rush add to the stress. But the joyous holiday spirit continues as Filipinos prioritize spending time with family and friends despite the hassle. These days, Filipinos are now redefining stressful holiday preparations by implying simple holiday solutions such as creating a checklist, managing schedules, and balancing gatherings and personal time. 

Amid the festivities, Filipinos are excited to have a warm and relaxing space while being with their loved ones. Balancing one’s personal time while also spending quality time with the people who matter the most starts with making home spaces welcoming and relaxing. Revamping homes into a warm holiday setup can help create a peaceful space for social gatherings and one’s private space. And creating holiday-ready homes without breaking the bank is never impossible with Ikea’s affordable solutions that still offer the premium quality and durable designs needed for the home makeover. 

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Comfortable seat selection in furniture sets such as Linanäs loveseat, Fröset chair, and Ingmarso outdoor two-seat sofa

To attain this, one can start using soft and warm lighting like lamps, string lights, or candles to create an ambient atmosphere. Ikea’s decorative lamps and lampshades are ideal items to add to recreating holiday homes. The Vinterfint unscented pillar candle is one to consider as it gives a warm moody light, and its red stripes add a festive feeling to the season. For elevated Christmas lights, one can try incorporating the Solvinden LED string lights that create a nice atmosphere, suitable for outdoor and indoor use. Choosing comfortable and cozy furniture is also a must as it invites people to relax and feel at ease, just like the Linanäs loveseat, which is at an even lower price. The Fröset chair, also at an even lower price, matches this loveseat for social gatherings. For those who want a more intimate setup, the Ingmarsö two-seat sofa is the ideal couch for having close conversations. 

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Solvinden LED string lights

To make it more cozy, try incorporating calming colors like neutral tones of beige, pastels, and soft colors to have a calming effect and create peaceful spaces. The Marstrup rug adds a peaceful vibe due to its neutral color, and its soft material makes it comfortable to sit on. 

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Marstrup rug

Creating cozy nooks or intimate areas can also add a relaxing feeling for guests. The Vinterfint artificial wreath and Vinterfint scented candle in glass can go together to add a more Christmas feel that enhances the festive atmosphere of the place.

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Vinterfint artificial wreath

As Filipinos love to bond over shared meals, Ikea also offers kitchen products that will make culinary spaces in homes more convenient and comfortable. The Hemkoms pot and Finmat saucepan with lids are suitable for all kinds of cooktops and its stainless steel material is durable and easy to clean. Arv Bröllop cake stand with a lid creates a more festive vibe and keeps flies or dust from ruining the delicious contents. To invite more guests to the joyous dinner table, upgrade it by adding the Silverarv tablecloth woven with materials like cotton and jute that create a natural, vibrant texture and a calm expression. 

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Silverarv tablecloth and Rockan bathrobe 

More than reliable home products, Ikea has an array of Christmas gift options if one has run out of ideas. The Måla felt-tip pen with multiple colors is an ideal gift to bring out the kids’ creativity. It is also safe for kids to use at home because it can be washed from most surfaces and materials using soap and lukewarm water. To help kids have a fun way to learn about the colors, shapes, and names of different vegetables, the Duktig 14-piece vegetable set will be appreciated. A place to put all the new gifts can be placed using the Trofast storage box made of durable plastic and can be stacked on the floor if completed with a lid. A nice treat for adults during the season is the comfortable Rockån bathrobe for lazy holiday mornings. Its adjustable belt loops, practical side pockets, and sleeves that are easy to move around in are what make it more comfortable. And to make the receiver feel more excited when receiving these gifts, the Vinterfint gift bag and gift wraps designed by Cecilia Pettersson are the ideal to use. 

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Multiple colors of Mala felt-tip pen and set of Duktig vegetable set 
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Trofast storage box
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Vinterfint gift bag

Ensuring that home items create a balance between functionality and aesthetics contributes to a practical and welcoming space that brings overall comfort. With Ikea's accessible and affordable selection of home items, holiday preparations not only save an individual’s time but also help stay within budget. This can help lessen the stress and worry in preparing for the holidays, making more time for social gatherings and personal downtime. The festive holiday season can be enjoyed by fostering bonds and connection while also ensuring that individuals maintain their personal comfort. 

To look for more holiday home products that invite a relaxing vibe, visit www.ikea.com/ph and enjoy products on sale and even lower prices.