How are we adding hygge into our summer, friends? That’s right. Hygge is not just an autumn and winter concept. I like to embrace hygge year-round, summertime included. I’m all about the cozy vibes, regardless of temperature! Today, I want to share all my favorite ways to enjoy summer. They may inspire you to do the same.
Hygge in the Summer
1. Go berry picking with your family and make homemade strawberry shortcake. This is my favorite tradition thus far, which is a fun family day with a scrumptious ending. We head to our local farm to pick our own berries and make this recipe when we get home.
2. Rise early and enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, or matcha in your yard. I love my back deck and sitting out there for at least 10 minutes in my pajamas does wonders for my mood. On that note…
3. Take 10 minutes to listen to birdsong. If you can just sit in stillness and silence and let the birds do the talking, it will truly calm you.
4. Head to the beach at dusk. This is for those lucky enough to live near the ocean. But this is our favorite time to go to the beach. Less heat/sun and less people! We pack a picnic or snacks and watch the sunset while the kids wear themselves out before bedtime.
While you are at it, collect seashells, driftwood, or sea-glass and bring them into your home to adorn the wind sills and shelves. Bringing in natural treasures from outside to decorate your home is instant hygge.
5. Sprinkler days and popsicles! Another one for moms when they just want to sit and read for a bit while their kids make core memories in the backyard. This is as nostalgic as it’s gonna get. We love a good 80’s and 90’s summer. Our favorite popsicles right now are the organic rainbow Johnny Pops.
6. Cut fresh flowers for indoors. If you have summer blooms in your yard, cut them and bring them inside for an easy breezy centerpiece. Love to do this with my hydrangeas and peonies.
If you don’t grow anything yet, make a plan to grow something simple next year and in the meantime, head to Trader Joe’s for an inexpensive bouquet.
7. S’mores night. I would say this is probably my kids’ personal favorite from the entire list. There’s nothing more hygge than gathering around a small bonfire with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate in hand.
8. Paint your nails fun summer colors (include the kids!) My girls love this tradition. On the first day of summer, we choose the brightest colors for our fingers and toes. This year we went with summer sunset vibes. So fun.
9. Revamp your morning breakfast menu with a few summery favorites. We love homemade acai bowls, mug oats with banana nice cream, yogurt/fruit/granola bowls, and fresh fruit smoothies.
10. Make a summery TBR pile and keep it within reach. Find pockets of your day to sit outside or lounge by the pool with your book in tow. A few favorites for summer right now: Silver Elite by Dani Francis, One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore, Deep End by Ali Hazelwood, Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams.
Quick bonus tips:
- Swap out heavier sheets/bedding for lightweight linen blends.
- Wear loose linen clothing or airy dresses that feel like you’re wearing nothing
- Open the windows during a summer thunderstorm and read a book
- Freeze watermelon and then blend with lime juice and a date for homemade slushies
- Eat chilled cut up watermelon triangles… period.
- Go for an early morning walk in your neighborhood before the heat sets in.
- Add wind chimes to your backyard for a little twinkle.
- Go out for an ice cream cone after dinner.
- Host a dinner with friends and grill.
- Make homemade iced tea and add a splash of store bought lemonade for a delicious (and healthier) Arnold Palmer.
- Have a family game night in the backyard with cornhole or bocce.
- Vow to visit the farmer’s market every weekend and grab a few local ingredients.
- Grow your own basil and make the most delicious pesto pasta for dinner.
- Enjoy a night at the drive-in. Pack all the blankets, pillows, and snacks for the show.
