How to Hygge Guide|Summer
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Do you know what Hygge means? It’s a Danish/Norwegian word defined as a quality of coziness that gives you a feeling of contentment and conviviality. It’s spending time with people you love, the warmth of a mug of hot coffee in your hands on a crisp morning, it’s an awareness, an appreciation for the small, cozy moments of life.
Remember, Hygge is a feeling; it’s not something you can buy. Sure, cozy blankets and new candles are always lovely, but Hygge is a concept, a mindset that prompts you to enjoy every moment spent with friends, family, and nature.
How to Hygge Guide|Summer
Hygge is a celebration of the simple joys in life.
Some commonly asked questions:
What is Hygge Life?
A Hygge Life is one of appreciation, a joyful celebration of cozy moments.
How is Hygge pronounced?
It’s pronounced “hue-gah,” and it’s a Danish word with Norwegian roots.
How do I live a Hygge Lifestyle in the summer?
Well, read my list below for some tips and my habits for a cozy, hygge summer + a bonus 20 Hygge-Inspired Things to Do This Summer List Below!
I believe that hygge is enhanced with a simpler lifestyle. Sometimes it’s easy to become surrounded by things that take our attention away from the simple joys of life, and I think that sometimes you have to seek a mindful approach to simple living.
How to Hygge Guide | Summer List
Foraging in the Summer.
Foraging in the woods for mushrooms and berries is a beautiful and fruitful way to spend time in the forest. But, urban foraging is another excellent option during the Summer, it’s always surprising how many people are willing to let you harvest their excess cherries, plums, berries, etc. Just ask nicely! 🙂
Explore the local Farmer’s Market.
Going to the Farmer’s Market is a fantastic way to spend a summer morning, and get the best fresh fruit and vegetables for that evening barbecue with friends and family. Also, it’s lovely to support and share the love with local farmers and artisans. Follow my family and I as we explore our local Farmer’s Market here!
Eat outdoors.
Eating outdoors could be laying a blanket in the yard and having an impromptu picnic, to just sitting in a lawn chair and enjoying the sunshine. My family loves to gather around a picnic table in the Summer and enjoy a barbecue dinner of meat and veggies. Here’s a post on cheaply expanding your outdoor living areas!
Taking evening walks.
It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening, and the gentle exercise clears your mind from the stresses of a busy day. Remember to breathe deeply and notice your surroundings. I love spotting beautiful trees, wildflowers, birds, and more.
Go on local adventures.
Pack a lunch and visit that waterfall that’s a couple of hours’ drive from you. Or plan for a day at the lake. Often, there are so many beautiful little places a few hours away from you that with a bit of planning, you can make an adventure out of visiting!
Spend time in the water.
Swimming, floating the river, kayaking, these are all beautiful ways to connect with nature and slow down the daily rush of life.
Gardening.
I’m a firm believer in the therapeutic process of getting your hands dirty, planting and starting seeds, tending to live plants, and the joys of harvesting your fruits and vegetables. Not only can it be a healthy form of relaxing exercise, but it also provides you with delicious, fresh produce.
Bonfires.
Nothing beats the cozy moments one often experiences around a fire at night. Here’s a DIY video tutorial on building a fire pit. I love having friends over for roasted marshmallows, singing, and hot drinks around the fire. Here’s a link to my YouTube Channel Playlist for some delicious hot drinks with video tutorials!
Camping in a canvas tent.
Waking up in the chilly morning with white canvas over your head and the glorious feeling of being outside is what hooked me on canvas tent camping. My eldest daughter moves out of the house every Summer and sleeps in the Canvas Bell Tent that we set up in our woods. Check out my article here on Why We Bought a Canvas Bell Tent.
Create something.
I love cooking for my family, and I think it’s easy to forget that cooking too can be a very creative process (with lots of problem-solving, such as “What am I going to make for dinner tonight?!!!”). Whatever form creativity takes for you, be sure and set aside time to do it, whether it’s journaling, photography, painting, cooking, knitting, etc.
Wear cotton & linen clothing.
Keep cool with nature’s fibers! I love beautiful linen clothing, and I’m working on slowly investing in high-quality pieces that will, with love and care, last me a long time.
Make easy & delicious food.
I’m all about easy foods in the summertime! Bring out the grill, the picnic food, chilled pies in the fridge, and fresh fruit. Try your hand at making some of my Granny’s Cream Pies! Coconut Cream Pie, Cocoa Cream Pie, and a fantastic, flaky, delicious Pie Crust recipe. Or, if you like your iced drinks, use Granny’s Cocoa Sauce to make delicious iced coffees on the cheap!
Spend time with people.
Last but certainly not least, I love the Summer for getting together with friends and family – everyone outdoors, enjoying good food, lovely weather, and time together.Â
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20 Hygge-Inspired Things to Do This Summer
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Have a Slow Morning Outside – Take your coffee or tea outside, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the birds.
Make Homemade Ice Cream – Nothing says summer like churning up a batch of creamy, homemade goodness.
Host a Backyard Picnic – Spread out a blanket, fill a basket with fresh bread, cheese, and fruit, and soak up the sunshine.
Read a Book in a Hammock – Find a shady spot, grab a cozy book, and let yourself get lost in the pages.
Candlelit Outdoor Dinner – Set the table outside, light some candles, and enjoy a slow summer meal under the stars.
Forage for Wildflowers – Gather a bouquet of wildflowers and place them in a simple jar for a touch of natural beauty.
Make Sun Tea – Let the sun work its magic, infusing tea with a gentle warmth that tastes like summer in a glass.
Have a No-Tech Evening – Light candles, play a board game, or just sit on the porch and talk as the sun sets.
Go Berry Picking – Pick fresh berries and turn them into a pie, jam, or simply enjoy them by the handful.
Take a Scenic Drive with the Windows Down – No rush, just the open road, fresh air, and a favorite playlist.
Bake a Fruit Cobbler from Scratch – Use seasonal fruits like peaches, blackberries, or cherries for a delicious homemade treat.
Create a Cozy Outdoor Nook – Add some pillows, string lights, and a throw blanket for the perfect hygge hideaway.
Write Letters to Friends or Family – Slow down with handwritten letters instead of quick texts.
Take an Evening Stroll After Dinner – Walk barefoot in the grass or along a quiet country road as the day cools off.
DIY Herbal Infused Honey – Mix fresh herbs like lavender or chamomile with honey for a simple homemade treat.
Watch the Sunset with a Cold Drink in Hand – No distractions, just you and the painted sky.
Have a Cozy Bonfire Night – Roast marshmallows, sip on something warm, and share stories under the stars.
Go to a Farmer’s Market & Cook a Seasonal Meal – Let the fresh produce inspire your next meal.
Make a Simple Summer Wreath – Use wildflowers, dried herbs, or greenery to craft a homemade wreath.
Lay in the Grass and Watch the Clouds – No agenda, no rush—just the simple joy of watching the sky change.
This list is all about slowing down, savoring the little things, and embracing the cozy side of summer.
Printable version below!Tell me, what does Hygge mean to you?
Leave me a comment and let me know if this How to Hygge Guide|Summer edition helped to inspire you!
Another beautiful post. You explain Hygge so well, taking the mystery out of this odd term. I love the suggestions, the imagery and the gentle way you guide the reader into Hygge.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback and lovely comment! You are too sweet, my dear friend. <3
This is such a fun list! I hadn’t thought about continuing hygge beyond winter, but its a great feeling to capture all year!
Hygge year around has been the best thing to my daily life 🙂
Thanks for sharing! Gardening is such a fun way to slow time down and savor their slow grow!
Yes, I quite agree 🙂
Hello
I love your pictures and because I live in the NM desert it becomes very very hot in the summer, so when my friends come over we just enjoy the ac and wonderful foods in comfy seating lol. I’m originally from NY and I miss my seasons this is home for now and I’m truly blessed with new friends. Thank you for the inspiration.