Combining the elements required for everyday life, such as functionality, design, and practicality, Scandinavian tableware is popular among people of all ages.

These tableware, which embody a "philosophy of life" that pursues comfortable living at home during the long, harsh Nordic winters, have simple forms that harmonize with nature, designs that you grow to love the more you use them, and durability, which will satisfy the aesthetic sense of Japanese people, who cherish and continue to use good products for a long time.

If you're wondering what to buy first if you want to incorporate such coveted Scandinavian tableware into your life, we'd like to introduce you to "10 popular series."

1. A tumbler with a simple yet adorable shape

The "Aino Aalto – iittala –" series, one of Iittala's oldest, features a design inspired by ripples in water. This ring-shaped design features a textured surface that feels comfortable in the hand, making it non-slip when held. Its moderate thickness makes it relatively safe for even small children to use. Made from glass with a high refractive index and excellent transparency, it beautifully presents poured beverages in clear glass as well as colored glassware like gray and aqua.

2. Add color to your dishes with colorful stripes

The "Oligo - iittala -" series, featuring a graphic striped pattern, creates a fun and lively atmosphere that adds a touch of elegance to your dining table. Even simple dishes like grilled dishes and potages are brightened up by the colorful surroundings, adding a touch of glamour to your dining table. It can also be used not only as a main dish for serving food directly, but also as an underplate placed under a plain dish, making the most of its vibrant color to add a pop of color to your table coordination. Its simple form makes it suitable for any recipe, whether Japanese, Western, or Chinese.

3. Beautiful glassware that brings a cool feeling to the table

"Kastehelmi" was released in 1964 by Oiva Toikka, a designer of Scandinavian tableware who garnered attention for his bold designs. The name "Kastehelmi" means "dewdrop" in Finnish. As the name suggests, the dotted pattern, resembling a series of droplets, highlights the transparency and cool beauty of the glass, making it perfect for serving fruit at breakfast or desserts at teatime. The thick, chunky glass makes even a small bowl a focal point on the dining table.

4. Simple is best, pursuing ease of use

The "Teema - iittala -" series exemplifies the high practicality of Scandinavian tableware. Its stylish design elevates basic tableware, making it easy to handle and store. It's a versatile item that can be used in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven, so it's recommended for people who are "putting together their own tableware for the first time." Because it has no patterns or designs, the "picture of a plate" is completed by arranging the food on it. It's tableware that can be used regardless of lifestyle, so it would also make a great gift.

5. Add a touch of natural beauty with a Nordic flair to your table

The Nordic-inspired botanical design exudes a relaxing atmosphere just by being on the table. The embossed floral motifs of "Flora - iittala -" have a soft texture that evokes a sense of tranquility. The thin, delicate glassware in the tumblers and pitchers look beautiful not only for drinks but also for vegetable sticks and flowers.The small bowls are also recommended for serving yogurt and fruit for breakfast, or for putting nuts and chocolate on the table when entertaining guests.

6. A magical Nordic fantasy for your table.

"Taika" means "magic" in Finnish. The "Taika - iittala -" series, featuring the fantastical worlds of Finnish artist Klaus Haapaniemi, is designed to be combined with other tableware. Each design is unique, and the variety of designs makes it exciting to discover a special one. It's also fun to choose a motif for each family member and collect them.

7. Bring the sensibility of a Finnish master into your life

Alvar Aalto is renowned for his modern architecture and design, representing Finland. The "Alvar Aalto – iittala" collection, launched in 1936, continues to add color to our lives today, retaining its refined image through the ages. The vases in this series, with their distinctive streamlined shapes, complement any space and act as artistic accents in interiors. The bowls can be used not only as tableware for serving food, but also as a decorative addition to any table by placing olives or dried fruit in them and placing them in the center of the table.

8. Popular Scandinavian Characters You'll Want to Collect

Since its launch, "Moomin -ARABIA-" has continued to release mugs featuring numerous characters. In addition to new releases, seasonal designs are also introduced, and existing designs are sometimes discontinued, so if you find one you like, be sure to get it as soon as possible. The base is made from Teema – iittala -, making it safe for children to use. Combined with simple Teema – iittala - items, this collection makes a lovely accent for your table.

9. Nordic Style for Any Dining Occasion

The indigo pattern around the rim is a true Nordic touch! However, this "24h Tuokio – ARABIA -" tableware also pairs well with Japanese and ethnic cuisine. The collection features functional items designed for use throughout the day, in any setting. For example, the 24cm pasta plate is deep enough to be used for curry or stews, while the 18cm cereal bowl is convenient for serving salad for 2-3 people. The hand-drawn dot pattern makes you grow fonder with use, and the design makes you want to try out different dishes.

10. The sophisticated and cute taste unique to Nordic tableware

Paratissi -ARABIA-, featuring decorative designs of pansies, black currants, grapes, and apples, is a classic series from ARABIA that has been produced since 1969. The retro touch makes it look like a painting, but it blends in with the table without interfering with the colors of the food, which is what makes it so appealing. If you find it beautiful and are not used to having boldly designed tableware on your table, it might be a good idea to start with cups and saucers. Use the set when you have guests, and use the saucers as cake plates or side plates on a regular basis, and you can add a touch of Scandinavian color to your everyday dining table.

[Conclusion] Enhance your lifestyle with Scandinavian tableware

The Iittala and Arabia series, two of the most popular Scandinavian tableware brands, offer a wide variety of designs, from clean, basic designs to bold color variations and patterns. Whether elegant, stylish, or natural, choosing one style to suit your taste and assembling it, or occasionally trying out a new taste, can be part of the joys of life. The simple joy of matching your food with your tableware, and the ingenuity with which you add variety to your everyday dining table, can foster a more relaxed lifestyle and spark lively conversations with those around the table. We encourage you to cultivate a rich lifestyle with your favorite tableware.