PHILIPPI : Nils

Elch L

A rather relaxed guest for the festive season

NILS has apparently decided to spend winter indoors. We can understand why. The PHILIPPI NILS Elk in size L brings a playful yet wonderfully understated touch to Christmas decorating with its shaggy white faux fur, natural beechwood and quietly cheerful expression. Measuring 16 cm high, 16 cm wide and 13 cm long, this Christmas figure has enough presence to catch the eye on a sideboard, windowsill or dining table without taking over the entire arrangement. Much of its character comes from the contrast between materials: soft, curly faux fur meets smooth beechwood, used to shape the head, legs and distinctive antlers. Natural tones and pale fur keep the look calm, allowing NILS to sit just as comfortably amongst fir branches and candles as in a pared-back contemporary Christmas setting. At 0.325 kg, the large elk stands reassuringly on its four little wooden legs. And judging by that contented expression, it seems to have found its spot for the winter already.

Christmas can be a little fluffy

Festive decoration does not necessarily need to sparkle, shimmer or arrive dressed in red and gold. NILS takes a different route, combining warmth, natural materials and a gentle sense of humour. This makes the PHILIPPI Elk more than a traditional Christmas figure; it becomes a charming decorative object for the whole winter season. Place it on a wooden tray with branches and candles for a natural arrangement, or use its soft faux fur to add an inviting material contrast alongside glass and metal. The larger version also works beautifully on the dining table, particularly when Christmas styling is intended to feel relaxed rather than overly formal.

NILS belongs to a small family of elks and is available in different sizes and colours. At 16 cm high, size L is the largest member of the collection and comes with pale white fur. Pair it with the smaller brown and caramel NILS figures to create a little herd across a sideboard, console or windowsill. One has plenty of character on its own; several together look suspiciously as though they have quietly checked in for their winter holiday.

Good design is allowed to have fur

PHILIPPI creates home accessories, gifts and lifestyle objects with a distinctive design language. The owner-managed design company, based in Henstedt-Ulzburg near Hamburg, develops its collections in-house and works with materials including stainless steel, iron, ceramics, wood and leather. Its approach favours lasting objects and recognisable forms over short-lived effects, and PHILIPPI products are now sold internationally, with the brand itself stating a presence in more than 90 countries. NILS reveals a particularly playful side of that design world: here, natural beechwood meets fluffy faux fur and a decorative figure that seems to have developed a personality of its own.

That is precisely why this elk feels at home in our LIVOSY selection. We like Christmas decorations that still feel considered after the novelty of the season has passed. Thoughtful materials, clear design and a detail that makes you smile can happily coexist. NILS takes Christmas seriously enough to create atmosphere, but fortunately not seriously enough to become formal.

One elk rarely minds a little company

Used on its own, NILS pairs beautifully with simple candle holders, Advent wreaths, decorative trees and natural branches. Its pale fur looks particularly appealing beside dark wood, warm candlelight and metallic surfaces. Within the PHILIPPI Christmas collection, it can be combined with further festive accessories to create a winter setting that feels personal rather than prescribed. The different NILS sizes also work wonderfully together, creating a charming little ensemble without requiring you to turn the living room into an entire Scandinavian forest.

For those who enjoy PHILIPPI beyond Christmas, our LIVOSY selection also includes chosen vases, bowls, picture frames and bar accessories from the brand. NILS L remains, quite clearly, the one with the most fur. A characterful PHILIPPI Elk for anyone who likes their Christmas decoration contemporary, natural and accompanied by a quiet smile.