Getting Hygge

The power of comfort food and pajamas and getting together with friends

Thank you to everyone who reached out to me after my last post. I know it was a bit more “down” than I tend to be and I’m sorry if my existential angst filtered too strongly into my writing. That wasn’t really my intent, but sometimes it happens.

Today I wanted to write about something a bit more… fun. This weekend I am co-hosting a “social” to benefit my daughter’s public elementary school. If you don’t know what a “social” is, you’re not alone. I had no idea myself until last year when I started to get more involved with her school and subsequent fundraising efforts.

In this context, a social is an event parents put together pro bono and sell tickets to other members of the school community to attend. All the ticket proceeds go to the school. Socials build community, raise money and are honestly a lot of fun. This is my first time hosting one.

I didn’t really put together that the social was happening two days after Halloween. Halloween is a disaster in our house. I am already tired thinking about it. (Clearly, I am not in my “fun mom” season.) But planning this social — aptly themed “Getting Hygge with It” — has been exceedingly enjoyable for me!

It is basically a homebody-cozy-as-can-be-comfort-food party for my fellow Moms. I love love love being home and cozy and eating comfort food, and given the state of the world and modern parenting to boot, I am hoping our guests will love it too.

If you’re not familiar with the Danish concept of “hygge” here we go:

“Hygge is often about informal time together with family or close friends. Typically, the setting is at home or another quiet location. It usually involves sharing a meal and wine or beer, or hot chocolate … There is no agenda. You celebrate the small joys of life, or maybe discuss deeper topics. It is an opportunity to unwind and take things slow.”

Doesn’t this sound perfect?

Party planning is not my forte, but in this instance, I am expanding my horizons because I am extra motivated to make this gathering as cozy and comfortable and comforting as possible.

It’s what we all need right now.

Of the four of us co-hosting, we’ve compiled our favorite comfort foods and that’s what we will be serving our lucky guests. Here are some of the highlights in case you’re interested in getting hygge with it too:

• Spinach Artichoke Dip

• Cinnamon Rolls

• Sliders

• Charcuterie Board, provided by one of the school’s teacher’s side hustle

• Pigs in a Blanket

There is no culinary through line on this assortment beyond the idea of comfort and ease and easily shared food, and the fact that they will be delicious.

From a party-design standpoint, we’re in luck because hygge is a design concept I have whole heartedly embraced in designing our home. There are cushions everywhere, comfortable seats everywhere, candles everywhere and loads of throw blankets.

If you’re looking for more hygge design inspo, here are a few resources to explore:

• Vintage Style

• Balance Through Simplicity

• Lavender & Laurel

In closing, it’s going to be an interesting coming week in the US, so please try to find little moments of comfort along the way. I sincerely hope this post inspires some moments of coziness for you and your family.

As always, thank you for reading!