Bombki Away

Tree not looking right? Check out these Insider favs to add something special this year.

Bombkarnia (ul. Emilii Plater 47, bombkarnia.pl) Founded in 2006 by Małgorata Esse, Bombkarnia’s success has been such that their baubles found themselves in the official gift packs given to President Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy. Inspired by folk art and Polish Baroque, the elaborate ornaments are mouth-blown, hand-crafted and decorated by Polish artists. 

Christmas Markets (pl. Wilsona and the Barbakan) With Warsaw’s traditional Christmas fair shunted from the Rynek, head instead to the Barbakan to peruse a line of cabins retailing locally produced bombki (baubles) – and have a mug of piping hot wine while you’re there! A different market is also slated to open on pl. Wilsona on December 3rd. 

Fabryka Bombek (Kordeckiego 48, facebook.com/fabryka.bombek.warszawa) Founded in 1948 this bauble factory organizes workshops and suchlike, with over 90% of its stock being exported to America – Dick Cheney is, apparently, a former customer, and so too Pope John Paul II.  

Red Onion (ul. Burakowska 5/7, redonion.pl) Christmas decorations don’t have to be loud and lairy and the proof is supplied by Red Onion. Founded in 1999 by a Canadian, this home design store is great all-year round, but comes into its element each December as a catch-all source for Xmas emergencies: not just for brilliantly quirky gift ideas, but cool extras with a festive spirit.