Norlii Box Review August 2021: Gather Together

As someone who struggles with social anxiety, the thought of entertaining more than a close friend or two can make me a nervous wreck. I’m happiest at home with my little crew, gathering with just the four of us (five when our cat senses food is involved) or enjoying the solitude when I have time alone. I don’t have a set of china for 12 or champagne flutes for a houseful (when would we ever use them?) but I do have many special-but-not-too-precious pieces I love to use every day. And I have Norlii Box to thank for some of my favourites. Every other month the Copenhagen co. curates a small collection of items from renown nordic brands for their Scandinavian home and lifestyle box, Norlii Box. August’s edition celebrates gathering together (to the extent that we can) and it’s absolutely lovely. Even for the gathering-averse. Come take a closer look. *

* They kindly sent us this box for review.

Subscription Details

Each Norlii Box includes 4 to 5 hand-picked items valued at $120 USD or more. Subscriptions are $69.95/box + $9.95 shipping (all prices in USD) and single boxes are $79.95/box + $9.95 shipping. (Free shipping on your first box when you subscribe to Norlii’s newsletter.) Subscribers also have access to a members-only shop where they can purchase select items from past boxes or order additional single boxes. Norlii ships to Canada, the US, the UK and the EU.

Each Norlii Box includes a product card with an introduction on one side and a description of the contents on the other.

“Norlii’s August box makes it easy for you to make a little hygge-get-together, even if it is only for a glass of wine and some salty nuts.” — Linda Hasselbalch, Founder of Norlii

The card is beautifully designed, easy to read and printed on a thick, matte cardstock that feels good to the touch. High-quality. Expensive.

Carafe (Normann Copenhagen/Tivoli)

“Water is vital during the summer, especially if you also drink wine. You can use this mouth-blown carafe in colored glass. I often add mint leaves for freshness, whether it’s still or sparkling water. The Tivoli series from Normann is a tribute to the old and renowned amusement park in the middle of Copenhagen. ($60)”

The bubble-like curves of this carafe are playful and the smokey grey colour lends a certain elegance, making it a beautiful piece to use and display. (I’ve used it for water and for flowers.) Norlii recently added a set of four matching glasses to its Member’s Shop.

Tealight holders (Lyngby)

“How long has it been since you received candle holders in your Norlii Box? Too long, I’d say. Adding Nordic Living to your life, you need to light candles any chance given. It is just so hyggeligt. The ones I have found for you are called Lyngby, named after the northern part of Zealand in Denmark. The design is rooted in the Scandinavian design heritage and tradition. Create an extra cozy atmosphere at home with the fine tealight holders in smoked glass — a great evening color. ($20/set)”

The other candle holders in this post are from Norlii’s December box and I use them often. The fluting on these ones is so pretty and I love how they’re in the same smokey grey as the carafe. A neutral, versatile, calming colour.

Corkscrew (Normann Copenhagen/Basics)

“Want to serve a glass of cold white wine to your guests? Do it with style. This corkscrew is so cool. The design focuses on the basic function — hence the Scandinavian design mantra: form follows function. Normann Copenhagen calls this series Basic. The wine utensil is made in titanium-coated stainless steel and silicone, making it light and comfortable to hold and with a satin-like surface. Pour a tasty glass of wine for yourself and your friends. ($40)”

Basic but not, you know? So easy to use and looks lovely on a bar cart.

Bistro apron (Bitz/Södahl)

“This apron shows the “less is more”-attitude with only the raw edges as a refined details. The apron is a collaboration between Bitz and Södahl (remember the teaspoons and towel in the April Box?). I love how this apron fits, and the color is very Scandinavian. The fact that it is 100% organic makes it even better. I hope you will love the apron as much as I do. ($25)”

A generous size, quality material, simple, classic design and the colour coordinates with the other items in the box. It’s long on me (I’m 5′ 6″ and it’s past my knees) but I’d rather more coverage than less.

August’s Norlii Box is valued at $145 and I think it might be my favourite yet. We’ll get all kinds of use out of all of the items, whether we’re gathering with guests or not. Suitable indoors and out (still 40+ days left of summer!), elegant but not too precious and neutral, classic colours that will stand the test of time. Scandi style is just my style!

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