Creating Holiday Hygge.

By now we’ve all heard of the Danish word hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), which sounds a little bit like the word hug. The similar sounding word aren’t a coincidence: Hygge is defined as “to cherish oneself; to keep or make oneself snug” and is more or less the art of hunkering down in the winter. Creating a space that is safe, comforting and warm. .. a feeling of well-being, comfort, and togetherness. I probably don’t need to say this (unless you are new here in which case hi and welcome – I’m Grace and I am pretty much the ultimate homebody!) but I am supremely into hygge.

Hygge is me and I am hygge.

Today, in partnership with my friends at Aera, we are going to chat a little bit about how to create that hygge feel in your home over the holidays. The holidays can be the most wonderful time of year but also a little bit stressful, which is why i am always sure to keep my home feeling as warm and inviting as possible so that when I get home from a busy day I can take a deep breath and relax! I’ve featured Aera here before, but I have been using mine for almost two years and love it so much. As a refresher, Aera is an amazing home fragrance company. They make a smart diffuser which can be controlled with your phone or Alexa!

My upstairs neighbor and friend Levi gave me mine when I moved to Brooklyn and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since. I first fell in love with the Simplicity collection (great for everyday: the white tea, lavender, and sandalwood are my favorites) but Aera has a new collection of three holiday scents; meant to capture the true spirit of the holidays – they’re all based on the concept of hygge!

Annnnd we have a special code for you! Use THESTRIPE20 to get 20% off your order (now through 1.31.19). The last day to order and get Christmas delivery is 12.16.18!

How to add a little holiday hygge to your home!

one // indulge in a fancy hot chocolate.

I’m partial to Mariebelle’s Aztec hot chocolate as it has a little spice to it. I’ll warm up some oat milk and add this in. It’s divine.

two // give Aera’s new hygge fragrance collection a whirl.

There are three fragrances: winter light (my personal favorite: fir, freesia, + cedarwood); kith and kin (holiday spices + woods), and woven hearts (think bourbon + vanilla). If hygge could be distilled into a fragrance, these would capture it perfectly.

three // always have a blanket in reach.

It’s possible that I have too many blankets but I just love being cozy. I make sure that every couch and chair has a blanket within arm’s reach. It’s just a nice touch, especially if you’re hosting movie night… no one has to get up and grab a blanket.

four // get a real tree. 

I know, I know, they’re a lot of work (I have to water mine every day as the air is so dry in my apartment!) but they make the space so cozy. If you can’t do a real tree I will say that the winter light Aera fragrance is the next best thing.

five // turn your TV into a fireplace.

This is really nice when you’re hosting a get together and there are a lot of ways to do this (I think Netflix had a yule log too) but I’ve found that the best way to do it is through your phone. This site has some good fireplace apps! I mean, if you don’t live in a tiny New York apartment or are lucky enough to have a fireplace, do that instead. But this feels pretty nice.

six // treat yourself to cozy slippers.

I bought these very indulgent Apiece Apart slippers last year and have to say, I do not regret that purchase even a little bit. They are the best.

seven // regularly put your phone on do not disturb.

Get under a blanket, grab a good book, and tune out for a bit!

eight // and while you’re at it, put away the to-do list.

I’m bad about that. My mind is always racing and I’m constantly thinking about what I have to do next. Hygge discourages this. Put down your phone, close your planner/notebook/computer and let yourself just chill out.

Aera leaves my living room feeling and smelling fresh and fragrant in a subtle, luxurious way.

I really like that you can adjust the settings to diffuse the perfect amount of fragrance. Each fragrance is made from 100% pure fragrance and essential oils, and each capsule lasts for 1440 hours (about 60 days).

The fragrances are free of harmful VOCs and safe for both you and your kids or pets! And it goes without saying this time of year, but Aera would make the perfect gift. Don’t forget to use my code (THESTRIPE20) for 20% off (now through 1.31.19). The last day to order and get Christmas delivery is 12.16.18!

photography by Carter Fish! Created in partnership with Aera, a brand I’ve been using for a long time and truly love. Thank you for reading my blog and supporting the brands that support this blog.