Hygge: The Danish Art of Coziness
By Sharon White | Photography by Skeebo Reichert
Hy•gge
(Pronunciation: “hue-guh”) / noun
Origin: Danish, from Norwegian
Cozy and comfortable surroundings that invoke an inner sense of contentment and well-being.
Hygge has been called everything from “the art of creating intimacy” to “the absence of annoyance” to “cocoa by candlelight,” according to Meik Wiking, Danish author of The Little Book of HYGGE (HarperCollins, 2017).
Hygge is all about making your home welcoming—and embracing life’s little moments of serenity and comfort.
Picture a family sipping hot cider and snuggling by a roaring fire on a cold winter’s night, or an intimate gathering of friends enjoying a candle-lit dinner and great conversation.
Hygge involves savoring the moment, letting go of the hectic world around you and feeling completely relaxed. It embraces the simple pleasures of good food, good drink and good company.
Create a Basket of Coziness
Imagine giving the gift of coziness with a hygge basket. Include items like these:
• Candles (an important element for creating ambiance)
• Slippers or socks
• A robe or pajamas
• A soft throw
• Hot chocolate mix, tea or coffee
• Cookies, beautiful chocolates or candy
• Wine and wine glasses
• Scented lotion
• Books
• Bubble bath or bath salts
• Puzzles
• Games or cards
• Stationery and a beautiful pen
• A CD of soothing music (think Michael Buble or Kenny G)
A Cup of Love: Charming “Cup of Love” mug from Coton Colors (like this one from Paperdoodles in Temple)
Cozy Throw Blanket from Mud Pie (available at 21 Main in Salado)
A Treat for Your Feet: Warm chilly toes with super-soft Snoozies slippers. They’re fleeced-lined with non-slip soles. (Find them at the Baylor Scott & White Gift Shop in Temple.)
Flicker and Fragrance: No fireplace? No problem! Light a beautiful VOLUSPA Blond Tabac candle and you’ll have any room glowing in no time. (We found this one at Brickwood Boutique in Temple.)
Texas Two-Step Tortilla Soup: Nothing warms the soul like a steaming bowl of soup. Try an easy, two-step gourmet soup mix from Bear Creek Smokehouse (available at Strawberry Patch in Salado).
