Everything You Need to Hygge Like a Viking Queen

Nov 6

Nov 6 Everything You Need to Hygge Like a Viking Queen

I like winter. I'm not out there snowshoeing every weekend, but with our first few snowfalls, I've realized that this time of year evokes something emotional in me. Maybe it's the holidays, or the familiarity of growing up with ice crunching beneath my feet for half the year—but I think it also has to do with annual ski trips. When I was younger, my family and a few neighbor families would pack up and pile into a ski-in/ski-out chalet in Michigan. We'd head out in small groups for the day, then meet back at the Bear Necessities for dinner and dominos and rowdy conversation and nowhere to be but huddled up together.

It's those memories that I think help me appreciate this season that many dread, with its darkness and frigidness. I totally get it—but get on the hygge train with me and the next few months will be so much better! Hygge is the trendy Danish word to describe the ritual of enjoying the simple pleasures this time of year brings—warm lighting, cozy blankets, hot chocolate—with gratitude and togetherness, rather than just gritting your teeth through it.

So, how do you hygge? Start with cashmere sweats—something luxurious you'll look forward to slipping into when you get home from a long day at work. Layer on a wool blanket (I love this classic Pendleton) and sherpa slippers (I live in these UGGs). Bring the outside in with an army of Fir & Firewood candles (I'm obsessed with this scent and you get a good amount of burn time for $30). Add some art, decorative objects, fresh flowers in a fancy vase and plants that will make you love spending time in your living room. Trick out your bar cart, try new recipes and host a dinner party (I want to finally starting "entertaining" and just picked up Kate Hudson's new book, Pretty Fun, as my guide!).

Get that elegant wine glass that makes every sip a sensation, read the books that have been gathering dust on your nightstand and treat yourself to a luxurious face mask. I like to add spirit dust—said to help balance anxiety, lessen stress and improve your sense of well-being—to my smoothies in the morning. (I received an sampler box from my boss at Aveda for Christmas last year, and I've kind of gotten into it!) I also pop some Vitamin D in the mornings when there's been a long stretch of dreary days!

I miss summer and love fall, but there's a lot to love about winter—take it from a lifelong Minnesotan with Norwegian/Swedish roots—you just need to know how to hygge! (Also, my sister and I just scheduled a Saturday to hit up the St. Paul Winter Farmers Market and do some Christmas shopping, and I'm roping Chris into an outdoor movie at the Holidazzle. How is it already this time of year?!)

Shop a few extras you might need, like a basket for your cactus and decanters for your bar cart, here (I am personally obsessed with this tabletop peace sign). I also threw some rugs in there because nothing cozies up a room like a great rug—and Lulu & Georgia's collection is just too pretty. Happy hygge-ing!