How I Have Hygge-Some of My Favorites this Fall

At Apprentice Art Studio, hygge is seen as an art form that brings warmth, comfort, and connection into daily life. Rooted in Scandinavian culture, this Danish and Norwegian concept is about embracing life’s simple pleasures. Picture cozy evenings spent inside, wrapped in soft wool blankets, surrounded by flickering candles, with the gentle sound of a fire crackling in the background. This is hygge. It's not about indulgence but about creating moments that nurture the soul—a shared meal with family, quiet time with a good book, or even a brisk walk outside, bundled up against the cold, appreciating nature’s stillness.

As the leaves turn golden and firey red-orange and the crispness of autumn fills the air, I feel that the idea of hygge is more relevant than ever. For me this season, it’s about slowing down and savoring the beauty of the changing world. The warmth of soft sweaters, the earthy scent of fallen leaves, the golden light of autumn sunsets and bonfires—all of these create the perfect backdrop for hygge. Autumnal vibes this year embrace hygge with open arms, blending its coziness with the beauty of nature’s transformation. It invites us to enjoy the present, lighting candles as the evenings grow darker and finding contentment in the simplest, most comforting details.

So get cozy, grab a cup of heartwarming tea or coffee, and enjoy my list of fall hygge favorites! Ten ways to be creative, add coziness and hygge activities that perfectly embrace this autumn season:

1. Candlelit Story Evenings, Candlelight Mornings
   Gather with loved ones and take turns reading aloud from your favorite books or telling stories, surrounded by the soft glow of flickering candles. I wake up to the soft flickering glow and a single candle in an old-fashioned hurricane candle holder like this one

2. Warm Blanket Forts and Movie Marathons
   Build a blanket fort with pillows and string lights, then snuggle up for an evening of classic movies or cozy autumnal-themed films. Here is a Pinterest board to get you started

3. Hot Chocolate Bar Night
   Set up a DIY hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and flavored syrups. Invite friends or family for a warm, indulgent treat by the bonfire.

4. Autumn Nature Walks and Sketching
   Take a brisk walk through the woods or a nearby park, bundled in cozy sweaters and scarves. Collect colorful leaves, pinecones, and acorns this year I have been obsessed with wild mushrooms! Yep, I take a photo with my phone then sketch them.

5. Baking Spiced Treats Together
   Spend an afternoon baking classic autumn goodies like cinnamon rolls, pumpkin bread, or spiced apple pie. This year I made my own seasonal creamers from this Youtube video. Oh do they get me in an autumnal mood. The smell of warm spiced goodness in my coffee make me swoon. I made homemade Spiced Pumpkin and Carmel Apple Spice.

   Crocheting and Needle Felting by the Fire
   Settle down by the fireplace with your crochet hook and yarn or felting needles and wool, or any craft project. The repetitive motions and creativity are calming, while the warmth adds a layer of comfort. I took a workshop from Sophie Wheatly, you will notice a theme.

6. Board Games or Puzzle Nights
   Break out your favorite board games or work on a giant puzzle with friends or family. Pair it with warm drinks and cozy blankets for the ultimate hygge experience. My new favorite is Monopoly CARDS!

7. Art Journaling or Letter Writing
   Take time to reflect on the season by journaling about things you're grateful for or writing heartfelt letters to loved ones. Pair this with a hot drink and a cozy spot by the window. Both of these activities make my heart fill with joy.

8. Autumn Picnic by the Fireplace
   Lay out a picnic blanket near your fireplace or set up indoors by a window overlooking the falling leaves. Enjoy warm soup in thermoses, fresh bread, and cozy conversation.

9. DIY Homemade Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu Season
   I have been creating home remedies with plants from my yard, including lip balm with rose honey and mint, Elderberry syrup, and Healing oil for skin abrasions and burns. I recently burned my hand on the opening of our woodstove and I cooled it with tepid water, then put my healing oil on it and by morning there was no pain and I could barely see the mark of the burn.

10. Silent Evenings with Tea and Music
    Spend a quiet evening sipping herbal tea while listening to soft instrumental music or nature sounds. Allow the stillness to create a sense of peace and mindfulness. Here are a couple of my favorite playlists on Spotify Here and Here .

These hygge-inspired activities capture the essence of slowing down, enjoying the warmth of your surroundings, and embracing the comforting simplicity that autumn brings. Incorporating hygge into autumn makes it the season of warmth and introspection, perfectly aligned with the spirit of slowing down and finding joy in life’s everyday magic.