Feeling hygge in the summer looks different than in cooler months. Hygge, a Danish concept that refers to feelings of “cozy contentment and comfort,” seems easy to find in fall and winter, but who says cozy contentment is confined to crackling fireplaces and woolen blankets? (WSET’s meteorology team is calling for highs in the upper 90s as I write this--just thinking about quilts and fires is too much to think about!)
For me, the words “cozy” and “summer” aren’t oxymorons; instead, they conjure memories of catching fireflies in jars, sitting with an ice pop in front of a fan, the sound of a baseball game on TV--very much the vibe of a Country Time lemonade commercial. Your idea of summer contentment might look like going fishing, riding bikes, or opening up the windows and having fresh summer breezes float against the curtains.
Connecting with friends, slowing down, getting outside—these are all cornerstones of hygge. We’re lucky that summer in the Hill City offers inexpensive, easy ways to bring a sense of hygge to our summer days. Here are a few!
1. Spend time in nature
Take a walk in the cool morning air at a local park, in your neighborhood, or under the shady trees along the scenic Blackwater Creek Trail. This is also a great time to visit a garden and enjoy the flora and fauna. If hiking and gardens aren’t your cup of tea, then try the beach! Smith Mountain Lake State Park has a sand beach, calm water, picnic areas, and a snack bar.
2. Celebrate extended daylight
Hygge homes have inviting lighting, so throw open the curtains and bring in more sunshine. At the end of the day, head to your patio, deck, or backyard, feel the warmth on your skin, and have a cocktail or mocktail to toast the day. Eat al fresco as often as you can (or as our humid climate allows!). The Europeans are onto something with this: eating outside makes for a more leisurely, relaxed dining experience.
3. Indulge in seasonal delights
Summer brings its own menu of comfort foods, so treat yourself! Why not make an old-fashioned hot fudge sundae, grab some ice pops on your next grocery trip, or head to your favorite ice cream shop (ours is Mister Goodies!)? You’ll find other summer treats at your local farmer’s market. Feel all kinds of contentment when you summon your inner Ina Garten and make dinner from fresh veggies. (Or simply slice up a ripe tomato, slather mayo on bread, and sink your teeth into the simplest, most delicious summer sandwich).
4. Simple gatherings are the best
The most laid-back dinners make for the coziest gatherings, and hygge thrives on connection. Invite a few of your favorites over for a simple barbecue, cut up a watermelon, and turn on a station that plays the songs you grew up with.
5. Go camping (or something like it)
Many consider camping the ultimate hygge activity, and I get it: connecting with others in a natural setting, slowing down, and living in the moment is very hygge. If that speaks to you, pack your tent, grab some friends, and have at it!
For me, though…not so much. I’ve said it before: I’m not a camper. However, I like the idea of camping--the fragrance of the woods, the roasting of the marshmallows, the starry, starry nights. If you’re like me (a non-camper), you can enjoy all of the hygge-ish things about camping in other ways. Why not spend a day at the Peaks of Otter or around the firepit and revel in the night sky? You can even go stargazing in your own backyard, at a park, or with a group. Blue Ridge Astronomy Club hosts events!
6. Read a book
Return to an old favorite, complete a summer reading challenge, or indulge in a light read. Best done on the porch or on a park bench with a cool drink in hand for the ultimate in summer hygge.
7. Savor cooled-down goodness
Cozy contentment means sweaters for fall but cooling off come summertime. There’s nothing more refreshing than coming in from a hot summer outing and taking a cool shower, putting on fresh clothes (or pjs), and slipping into a bed made with a fresh set of cool sheets.
8. Have a full moon picnic
Love picnics but hate heat? Try a full moon picnic. There’s something majestic about watching a full moon, so pack a picnic, head out to a grassy place away from streetlamps, and check out the Buck Moon (July 21) or the Sturgeon Moon (August 19).
9. Create a summer sanctuary
Bring a sense of summer hygge to your home by storing away throw rugs, replacing winter bedding with breathable linens, or even replacing your usual draperies with an inexpensive set of white sheer curtains. This simple refresh will instantly cool down your space and create a light, welcoming atmosphere.
Summer is a time for slowing down and appreciating life’s simple pleasures. Here’s to transforming our summers into moments of hygge and pure contentment.
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