Inspiration for a Hyggelig Fall

Oh fall, how I love thee. Cooler temps, shorter days and unlimited spiced-treat inspiration all make autumn an ideal time for practicing hygge. And this year, with COVID-19 encouraging us to spend more time at home or in our local community, there has never been a better time to embrace the hygge lifestyle.

Remind me again, what is hygge?

Hygge is a Danish concept that roughly translates to a feeling of coziness in English. It’s that feeling of contentment you have when you feel safe, cozy and all is well in the world. It’s learning to be happy with life’s simple joys. You can read my blog article about the meaning of hygge here.

12 Ways to Practice Hygge This Fall

Here are some of my favorite hyggelig ideas for fall:

Go Apple Picking

If you live near an apple orchard, make a fun weekend outing out of apple picking! This is a great family activity that is also social distancing friendly. Spend the morning picking and the afternoon making seasonal goodies like applesauce and apple crisp.

Make a Fall-Inspired Craft

I have a B.A. in Studio Art and have an inclination for all things creative. That being said, you don’t need to be an expert artist to have fun making things. This year, I’ve been having fun sewing my own fabric pumpkins, doing hand embroidery and pursuing a few other new creative ideas. Check out Pinterest for some simple fall or Halloween inspired crafts and get making!

Enjoy a Hot Beverage

Warm apple cider, coffee, cocoa – your pick! It’s all hygge. Elevate the experience by enjoying your beverage out of a fall-inspired mug.

Cozy Up in Your Favorite Sweater

The air is feeling crisper these days! Wrap up in warm knits and revel in the feeling of coziness. We all have a favorite sweater or two, but this year I am especially inspired by these knits from designer Kiel James Patrick. I love how whimsical they are for the autumn season! Click on the links below to shop.

Bake a Fall-Inspired Treat

I love making pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and am a big fan of this recipe from Food Network. I’m also usually good for a pumpkin roll or two! What’s your favorite treat? Share in the comments below!

Explore a Corn Maze

I don’t care how old you are – this never gets old.

Light a Candle

Candles are an essential piece of practicing hygge. The flickering light is incredibly comforting and during the fall we can treat ourselves to the delectable aromas of pumpkin spice and autumn woods. I’ve personally never met a fall candle that I didn’t love.

Decorate Your Home for Fall

Have fun with this one! You can scavenge eco-friendly decorations outside (dried flowers, pumpkins), pick up some seasonal pieces from your favorite retailers or even have fun making some of your own decor. Here are some of my favorite fall home decor finds this year:

Go Leaf Peeping

I’m fortunate that I don’t have to travel far to see spectacular fall leaves! Once it’s peak season, Andy and I will spend a weekend day driving around the hills where we live, enjoying the diverse array of colors. This year, due to COVID-19, leaf peeping may be a little more difficult for those who would have to travel, but if you live within driving distance of a leaf peeping state, I encourage you to take the time to do so! Fresh air paired with magical foliage is the ultimate hygge experience.

Visit Your Local Farmers Market

Support your local famers, your wallet and your taste buds all in one fell swoop. I recently visited my local famers market and picked up some amazing local, organic butternut squash and a bunch of rainbow carrots. Tis the season for fresh, delicious root veggies and squash!

Explore a Pumpkin Patch and Pick Your Own Pumpkin

Is there anything more autumnal than a pumpkin patch adventure? I don’t think so. Rather than picking your pumpkins up at the grocery store this year, consider visiting a local patch (if able) and enjoy the experience of picking your own. Leisure + chilly weather = hygge. Plus, how much more fun will it be carving your jack-o-lantern knowing you picked that specific gourd out of an entire field full?

Get Ready for Halloween

It’s never too early to start planning your costume! Halloween may look differently for most of us this year, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate. Have a Halloween movie marathon at home (Hocus Pocus, anyone?), bake a Halloween-inspired treat, carve a jack-o-lantern or have a virtual costume party with friends.

Share Your Favorite Fall Activity!

Do you have a favorite fall tradition? I’d love to hear about it! Share your favorite autumnal practices in the comments below.