5 Reasons to Host a Hygge Dinner Party

I love to host dinner parties. But I REALLY love to host a “hygge” dinner party. It is actually something I have been doing for a long time and you probably have too. But now it has a name. It is hygge. It is pronounced hue-guh. Hygge is the Danish art of cozy and there isn’t an exact translation in English. It involves the idea of savoring simple moments, like a cup of coffee and connecting with loved ones. It is about creating a cozy environment that encourages lingering. It is less about perfection and more about embracing imperfection. It is about simplicity and casualness. It is everything that makes home so special.

It is what helps the Danish to endure those long winters. So anything that makes those long cold nights better can be considered hygge.

I am excited that some of my blogging friends wanted to join me and share how they bring hygge to their lives and homes. Follow the links at the end.

So how do you host a hygge dinner party?  Rumpled tablecloths, a dusty house, a vase of greenery, candle light, simple food, maybe even takeout, possibly in stretchy pants.

I would say it is a step above “hanging out” because you want to add small touches that show you care and make it feel special. But not too much or else it isn’t a hygge dinner party.

Are you loving this idea as much as me? Let’s chat about why I like a hygge dinner party so much more.

Oh and my Norwegian friend said that they would say hyggelig dinner party. Please don’t ask me why. LOL. But since hygge is already a jolt to our vocabulary we’ll stick with that.

5 Reasons to Host a Hygge Dinner Party

1.} Less is More.

Less cooking = Less dishes = More Relaxing

Less set up = less stress = More Relaxing

More Relaxing = More Enjoyment = More hygge

It is so easy to set out a couple bottles of wine. Way easier than trying to make mixed drinks. You can let someone else open it while you tend to all the last minute things. I like to go to ALDI for wine. Some of their bottles have a rating so that you know you’re getting a good one and are very reasonable.

I just used this system when choosing wine to pair with seafood for our DATE NIGHT IN with ALDI. I also made a floral runner and set the table for TWO. I shared my easy recipe for Paleo Macadamia Crusted Salmon with Mango Salsa and all the pictures of the table HERE

I always have an appetizer out. I love to make a huge charcuterie board and it is always a favorite. It is fool proof but looks impressive.

For my guests I break out the Chinet. Only the best. But instead of just setting a stack of plates and napkins on the counter, I get a basket, line it with tea towels and set the plates, napkins and utensils in it. Minimal effort but it looks so much better.

Adding some vases of fresh greenery is very simple but adds that extra little something. 

2.} Unplug

I have two teenage boys who would be perfectly happy on their computers all the time. That’s why I like the hygge concept so much. Just having them get off devices and visit with friends is so good for them . You know the whole learning to carry on a conversation thing.

The idea of unplugging and connecting with friends and family speaks to me. {even if it is under coercion}

For a true hygge dinner party you have to unplug! Teenagers included.

3.} Imperfect is Perfectly Hygge

I actually prefer a rumpled linen tablecloth. I love the causal elegance it has. It takes so much effort just to get most of the house presentable for me. So a hygge dinner party is not about getting every detail perfect.

I haven’t dusted these picture ledges for months and you can’t tell when the lights are off!!!!

My favorite times are when friends each bring an appetizer and then you have appetizers for dinner and play cards. Or getting takeout is fun too. In the summer we like to grill something…talk about imperfect!! We’re not exactly grill masters. I also like to just have friends over for dessert. 

4.} That Cozy Atmosphere

Twinkle lights make the world a better place to live. No really, I love them and I tried not to go overboard.

You can see how I add them to the fireplace when it’s not in use… HERE

Where I didn’t have twinkle lights, I put candles!!!

 It was the first rainy, chilly day here in Southern California and we really enjoyed the warm fire.

These stools are coming in handy for extra seating when we need it. I like to add the leaves in the table and fill it up with 10 + people. Then we do little dances to get past each other. Talk about cozy. One of the perks of smaller houses.

5.} Linger Longer

I resist the urge to start cleaning up. I have found that that is a sure fire way to make friends feel uncomfortable or like they have to leave.

We find it so fun to sit around playing cards. We love Hand & Foot. Anyone ever play that? I like to do a simple centerpiece so that it can be moved easily when it’s time to play.

Offering my guests a hot drink encourages them to linger longer and I personally love a cup of coffee after dinner.

To me it says “don’t rush, sit and have a cup of tea.” So I always set this coffee and tea station up. The Keurig makes it so easy for friends to help themselves. Less stress for me!!

So that’s why I think a Hygge Dinner Party is the best kind to have!!

Because you don’t have to dust and you get to have lots of twinkle lights! But really it is because I love connecting with loved ones and that it doesn’t have to be complicated to be special.

Thank you for reading! I hope you can enjoy a hygge dinner party sometime soon, in stretchy pants of course.

Go run to see what my friends have put together that brings hygge to their lives.

Hygge Home Tours:

Jessica | Honey n Hydrangea
Dara | Hood Creek Log Cabin
Nina & Cecilia | Nina & Cecilia
Lisa | Shine Your Light
Beth | 1111 Light Lane
Martha | Simple Cozy Charm
Yuni | Love Your Abode
Kristin | White Arrows Home
Kellie | Gratefully VIntage