By Samantha Simma // Photography by Lindley Rust
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When most people hear the word hygge (pronounced hyoo-guh), they picture a crackling fireplace, knit blankets, and the scent of cinnamon wafting from the oven. While hygge is often associated with wintertime coziness, the Danish concept of comfort, connection, and mindfulness is just as present in the summer months. Warm-weather hygge means embracing the outdoors, creating inviting backyard or patio spaces, and slowing down to savor life’s simple pleasures (especially if you live in the mountains where summertime is fleeting). From biking to the People’s Market to crafting an intimate outdoor gathering space, finding ways to bring a sense of hygge into your life elevates the season.
Outdoor Living
A cornerstone of summer hygge is the ability to take life outside. Creating an outdoor space that fosters relaxation and togetherness can make your home feel like an extension of nature.
“The key to a summer hygge-inspired home is to take advantage of natural light. Keep the blinds open and let the sun shine in!” says Hayden Jones of Festive Living in Victor. “Utilize your outdoor spaces by creating cozy sitting areas accented with plenty of flowers and candlelight.”
A well-placed hammock, comfortable seating with soft cushions, and a fire pit for cool evenings can turn a backyard or patio into a true retreat. For added ambiance, string lights over an outdoor dining area or scatter lanterns around your space. Natural elements like stone, wood, and wicker bring warmth and connection to your surroundings, helping to cultivate that unmistakable hygge feeling.
Sourcing Fresh Ingredients
One of the best ways to incorporate summer hygge into daily life is through mindful food shopping. Unlike the weekly bulk-buying trips common in the U.S., many Europeans shop daily, picking up fresh, seasonal ingredients for that evening’s meal. Biking to the Wednesday People’s Market at Center for the Arts, or to the grocery store to select ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, or a loaf of freshly baked bread, fosters a sense of connection — to your food, your community, and the rhythms of the season.
Stephanie Housley of Coral & Tusk in Jackson embraces this approach. “Summer is sacred to me. I do everything I can to deprioritize work and focus on all the magic summer has to offer,” she shares. From stopping by the farmers market to sourcing local produce, summer hygge is about being present and intentional in the small moments.
Savoring Simple Summer Meals
Once you’ve gathered your fresh ingredients, it’s time to craft simple, delicious meals that embody the spirit of the season. Hygge meals are about slowing down and enjoying the act of cooking, eating, and sharing with others. A backyard picnic with a spread of cheese, fresh bread, and fruit, or a casual alfresco dinner featuring grilled vegetables and a chilled soup, creates the perfect hygge dining experience.
A refreshing, non-alcoholic summer beverage can also enhance the moment — like our hygge-inspired serviceberry syrup spritzer on page 23.
Enhancing Summer Comfort
Just as winter hygge incorporates warm wool and soft knits, summer hygge thrives on breathable, lightweight textures.
“For a cozy summer, it’s all about breathable layers, whether that’s what I’m wearing or what I’m decorating with at home,” explains Housley.
Linen and cotton in soft earthy tones create a cool yet inviting space. Lightweight throws, woven baskets, and wooden trays add depth and character without overwhelming a room. For a simple hygge touch, place fresh flowers in ceramic vases or bowls of citrus on the kitchen counter. These small natural accents bring vibrant seasonal charm to any space.
Creating Cozy Gatherings
Summer is a season for togetherness, and nothing feels more hygge than an intimate outdoor gathering with friends and family. Whether it’s a simple wine-and-cheese night on the patio or a picnic at a trailhead (see page 40 for suggestions), setting the right tone is key.
Jones suggests small but impactful details. “Adding candles to a dinner table or fresh flowers to an entryway goes a long way in creating a welcoming space,” she says.
Layering textures with wooden serving boards, ceramic plates, and cloth napkins makes a meal feel extra special. And remember, the focus should always be on connection — whether it’s storytelling around a fire pit or stargazing on a clear night.
Slowing Down
At its core, summer hygge is about being present. It’s the joy of lingering over a meal, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, and appreciating the beauty of a long summer evening. It’s about prioritizing moments of rest and connection over busyness.
“There’s natural synergy between slowing down and prioritizing coziness — since there’s an automatic implication of required awareness in order to achieve the feeling of coziness,” says Housley.
Whether it’s taking a leisurely bike ride, sipping coffee on the porch, or watching wildlife in the backyard, these small moments cultivate a life rich in comfort and contentment.
So, you see, hygge isn’t just about winter nights by the fire — it’s also about summer afternoons in the shade, lazy breakfasts on the patio, and spontaneous outdoor adventures. By incorporating natural elements, simple pleasures, and intentional togetherness into your days, you can fully embrace the warmth and magic of this fleeting season.
