Think the hygge is just for winter? You can embrace hygge this summer even if it’s hot! These 10 simple ideas will get you started.
It’s hot and sweltering out, the last thing that comes to mind is cozy in the summertime. Or is it?
Hygge is what many think of as the heat gives way the crispness of fall and then fades into the chill of winter, but shouldn’t that feeling of coziness follow you throughout spring and summer as well?
There are simple things that can be embraced with every season, even on days when you are dripping from humidity or struggling to beat the 110º heat.
Hygge, can and should be celebrated all year round. Calm and peaceful nights at home, cheerful gatherings, and everything in between.
Cultivating coziness year around makes everything a bit better. Here are some ideas to help you embrace hygge this summer.
10 Ways to Embrace Hygge this Summer
1. Settle in around the campfire
As the evening cools off a bit gather friends and family around a campfire or bonfire. Roast hotdogs, sausages, and marshmallows.
2. Make homemade marshmallows
Speaking of fires, if you are going to roast marshmallows try making your own from scratch! They healthier for you, tastier, and fun to make. Plus you can get creative with flavors. Sure traditional marshmallows are tasty, but what about chocolate honey sweetened ones?
3. Catch lightning bugs
Is there a greater delight in childhood than running barefoot through the grass on a summer evening trying to catch lightning bugs?
Lightning bugs bring out the inner child, even in adults. I have lived most of my life on the West Coast but my roots are in the northern Missouri countryside. The highlight of summer trips to visit family was catching lightning bugs with my cousins long after it had turned dark.
I’m not going to lie, I don’t have any in my area so I’ve been tempted to buy one these jars.
4. Sit on the front porch
Whatever happened to summer evenings on your front porch? Over the years we seem to have lost the art of sitting on our porches in the evening and being front yard people.
Gather with your family or friends and sit a spell. Even if you don’t have a porch you can still be out front on your lawn or in the common area of your apartment complex.
Some of my most memorable moments of the summer have been when a neighbor seeing me walk past invited me to sit and chat.
5. Keep a vase of flowers on your table
A vase of flowers always brings a bit of cheer to your home. They can be wildflowers from a hike, from the farmer’s market, or even from the store. Trader Joe’s is my personal go-to place to buy a simple and inexpensive bunch of flowers.
My dream is to have my own cutting flower garden someday.
6. Make light and easy meals
Summer is the time of year to feast on salads, fresh fruit, and easy to prepare meals. Pull out your slow cooker or Instant Pot for a meal that doesn’t require the use of the stove or oven. Smoothies make for a quick breakfast, lunch, or snack. There are lots of options for fresh and cool meals.
Easy Meals:
7. Defuse “summery” essential oils
Defusing essential oils in the summer gives the air a cheery smell. I typically stick with custom blends of citrus oils because they make me feel happy when I smell them. You can defuse a single oil or a blend of a few.
Rachel of Mason Jar Values’ book 101 Essential Oil Blends for Aromatic and Topical Use is my go-to book whenever I want to create a blend.
Summer Essential Oils:
Be sure to read up on what oils can be safely defused around babies, young children, and pets.
8. Sip on cool drinks
What is more refreshing than a cold drink on a hot day? It’s a perfect way too cool off and sit for a spell, maybe on that front porch.
Drinks to cool off with:
9. Keep cotton linens and blankets on your bed
Light sheets and blanket are perfect for summertime! As spring rolls in I swap my warm linens for lightweight ones that I don’t put away until the fall.
Bright colors, white, or light colors can add a pop of color or make the room feel airy.
10. Lazy days at the pool
What summer is complete without time in the pool? Or better yet a small pond. There is plenty of water those water-loving people and there is a chance to lounge on a chair or under a tree to relax and get out of the sun for a bit.
There are so many ways to embrace hygge this summer! What did I miss? I’d love to know what you do!
These ideas remind me of my own childhood in rural upstate NY. Our family also tries to find such solace in our lives today. I think I’ll try some of the ideas you mention, too. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Diane! I definitely drew on memories from visits to family in Missouri. 🙂