Anja Vang Kragh og Mia Stensgaard

A HEDONISTIC CHRISTMAS CABIN
Christmas is an enchanting time. In the middle of a dark December we gather with loved ones and find comfort in traditions. But while you sit in the cosy glow of candle lights and warm yourself with a hot drink, why not allow yourself to dream? What if Christmas was a chance to do something new, grab those closest to you and disappear into a new Christmas universe where dreams and reality come together in the most enchanting of settings? This is the foundation for Royal Copenhagen’s Christmas Table Exhibition 2022.

An enchnated afterparty

For artistic duo Anja Vang Kragh and Mia Stensgaard, Christmas is enchanting when they manage to lower the pace and find calm and togetherness in the middle of a busy December. The days after Christmas Eve plays an important role. ”The afterparty of Christmas is enchanting. Everything has been sent off and there is time and space to enjoy going for a walk, taking a nap and having leftovers,“ says Mia. Together the two have created a Christmas cabin staged as a compact living space where the refined rituals of Christmas meets lively parties as well as ultimate relaxation.

Together the two have created a Christmas cabin staged as a compact living space where the refined rituals of Christmas meets lively parties as well as ultimate relaxation.

The acts of Christmas

The different settings of the table can be seen as acts, but it is up to the audience to determine how many there are, what they entail and who the three guests are. Anja and Mia has created a form of chamber play, which may last several hours or even days with room to enjoy the rituals that require time during the holidays.

The Christmas cabin is engulfed in Vang Stensgaard’s own textile panels in a curated colour palette, which hangs from more than 14 meters of custom curtain track by Stilling. The textiles create a feeling of space and intimacy, while giving the illusion of a proscenium – a reference to their shared love of the stage. 

A table set with Flora

The long table is dressed in a Christmas tablecloth, created for the occasion, which beautifully compliments the poetic Flora collection that Anja has designed for Royal Copenhagen. Plum coloured water glasses and Lalaing crystal glasses are placed among champagne coupes, glasses for port along with espresso cups, carafes and a teapot.

AN ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS

Within the theme “An Enchanted Christmas”, this year’s exhibition explores the invited table decorators’ dreams and thoughts when their creativity is set free. With one foot planted in their own Christmas traditions and the other in their specific branch of the arts, the table decorators reach for a Christmas full of creativity and magic.

items from vang stensgaard's table

ABOUT THE DUO

The duo Vang Stensgaard was formed in 2018 based on desire to create their own textile universe with inspiration from their work in theatre and film. Together they have created a world of beautiful interior textiles. They recently created the staging of the Auguste Rodin exhibition at Glyptoteket in Copenhagen. Both Anja and Mia have been appointed knights of the order of Dannebrog.

Anja Vang Kragh

Anja Vang Kragh (b. 1970) Spent years designing for John Galliano/Christian Dior and Stella Mccartney and has since worked as a scenographer and costume designer in Denmark and abroad. Designer of the Flora collection from Royal Copenhagen.

Mia Stensgaard

Mia Stensgaard (b. 1972) scenographer and costume designer behind major Danish and international ballets, operas and plays as well as movies and TV shows.
A close up of the drapes from the christmas tables 2022

Christmas Tables 2022

Explore the other Christmas Tables on Amagertorv 6 in Copenhagen or online here.

SEE ALL THE TABLES