PHILIPPI : O Tannenbaum

Nutcracker

This little Christmas tree takes care of the tough nuts

There is a small silver Christmas tree on the table. Decorative, certainly, but it also has a job to do: the PHILIPPI O TANNENBAUM nutcracker combines the familiar silhouette of a fir tree with a functional tool for cracking nuts. Designed by Joerg Langkop, it is made from nickel-plated cast metal with a polished finish. Folded together, the 18 cm long, 6 cm wide and 3 cm high accessory forms a small Christmas tree; open it up and its practical side is revealed. The serrated inner section holds the nut in position, while the two long handles provide leverage for cracking the shell. Weighing approximately 333 g, this silver PHILIPPI nutcracker has a reassuringly substantial feel in the hand. It is one of those Christmas accessories that does not need to disappear into a drawer until walnuts or hazelnuts arrive. O TANNENBAUM can simply stay on display between bowls of nuts, candles and Christmas treats. A kitchen tool shaped like a fir tree has earned its place at the festive table, after all.

From useful tool to part of the Christmas scene

Bowls of nuts have a habit of appearing wherever everyone gathers during the festive season. Rather than placing a purely functional nutcracker beside them, PHILIPPI turns the tool itself into part of the decoration. Its polished silver-coloured surface catches the light and creates a crisp contrast with natural materials such as wood, evergreen branches, linen and the warm brown shells of walnuts and hazelnuts. The overall design remains pleasantly pared back, allowing the O TANNENBAUM nutcracker to work just as naturally on a festive dining table as it does on a sideboard, kitchen island or coffee table. And because there is a genuine function hiding behind its decorative silhouette, it makes a thoughtful Christmas gift for anyone who appreciates home accessories with a little twist. Christmas tree first, nutcracker second – although hunger may occasionally reverse that order.

A little tree with a rather good eye for design

PHILIPPI has developed a distinctive approach to home accessories, gifts and functional design objects, combining clear forms with materials such as metal, stainless steel, ceramics, wood and leather. The owner-managed design company is based in Henstedt-Ulzburg near Hamburg. O TANNENBAUM follows that philosophy particularly neatly: designer Joerg Langkop has not made an everyday object unnecessarily complicated, but simply given it a second role. A nutcracker becomes Christmas decoration and, a moment later, the decoration turns back into a useful tool. The piece is manufactured in China from nickel-plated cast metal. This balance of function, material and an idea that can still raise a smile after many Christmases fits naturally into the LIVOSY selection. We choose objects designed to accompany everyday life without demanding attention, with atmosphere, materials and thoughtful details doing much of the talking.

The nuts may start feeling slightly nervous

The PHILIPPI O TANNENBAUM nutcracker needs very little around it to create a festive setting. A bowl of nuts, a few evergreen branches and warm candlelight are enough; additional PHILIPPI Christmas accessories can extend the scene without making it feel overly arranged. Its polished silver finish pairs particularly well with glass, dark green foliage, wood and warmer metallic tones. Advent wreaths, hanging ornaments, decorative trees or reindeer from the PHILIPPI Christmas collection can add further layers to the display. Once Christmas is over, O TANNENBAUM can of course return to the drawer. During the festive season, however, there is little reason to hide it away: its clean tree silhouette gives it the presence of a decorative object, while its practical purpose ensures it never becomes decoration for decoration's sake. A quietly playful piece of design for Christmas tables that prefer a clever detail to a grand gesture.