Hygge is a Swedish word for creating a cozy atmosphere in your home and making it feel warm and welcoming, especially in winter. Long before I heard of hygge, I was good at hygge-ing up my personal space. Maybe it’s because I come from a line of Swedish grandmas, or maybe, it’s because I don’t like being cold, so in winter, I put my energy into making my home feel warm and cozy. Either way, making my winter home feel warm and inviting comes naturally to me. Creating hygge is easy once you get the jist of it. Here’s how do do it:
CLEAN UP CLUTTER
Clean your home and corral clutter. Keep things picked up and put away. Be purposeful about what you keep out and choose towels and sheets etc. that feel good, and dishes and decorations etc. that are calming and pleasant to look at.
CANDLES
Get yourself a lighter and enough white candles to be able to burn them whenever you want, while still having more on hand. Even simple candles like Ikea tea lights placed in short mason jars, will create awesome atmosphere. Try clustering white candles together.
SCENT
Diffuse pure essential oils to clean up stale air, and make your home smell yummy. Try Douglas fir, Siberian Fir, Cinnamon, Cassia, and Wild Orange.
WARM THROWS
Gather cozy throws and blankets and stack them in a big basket for easy access. Make it easy to snuggle up and get warm!
HOT TEA
Keep a selection of teas and hot chocolate mixes, along with sweeteners and little cookies, near mugs, saucers, and a teapot. Make it fast and easy to get something delicious and warm to sip on.
WARM FOOD
Make pots of hearty soups and keep them on the stove during winter storms. Throughout the winter, serve other comforting foods, such as hot bread, casseroles, and warm puddings.
FIRES
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace or stove, it goes without saying that you’ll want to have a fire, with some comfy sofas and chairs placed near by.
RUGS
Place rugs on your floors to help cozy things up in the winter. Keep the rugs clean by having people take off their shoes when they come in your door.
WARM FOOTWEAR
Keep a selection of warm socks and slippers in a basket, for slipping on chilly feet. Make them available to your guests.
READING MATERIAL
Gather some interesting books and magazines and place them on a coffee or end table, for reading and browsing through.
BEDDING
Make your bedrooms pretty and inviting by cleaning up clutter, and putting luxurious sheets and blankets on your beds
SPA STUFF
Keep a good smelling selection of soaps, bath salts, face masks and candles etc. near your tub for in house spa nights. Arrange them in a pretty tray.
LIGHTING
Use string lights to add cozy atmosphere and warmth to rooms and windows.
PLANTS
Place life plants around your home to make it more inviting, and to help keep clean up the air.
HOSPITALITY
Always be friendly and welcoming when people come to your home. Invite them in and offer them something warm and delicious. This is an important part of creating hygge.
Now you know how, make your home hygge, and let's get through winter, y'all!
xo