The cosiest kind of party
A hygge party isn’t about impressing anyone. There’s no dress code, no fancy canapés and no pressure. It’s a small group of people you like, gathered somewhere warm, with good food, soft light and plenty of time to talk.
As NPR puts it, the secret to a hygge party is to get cosy and embrace imperfection. Here are ten simple ideas for hosting a cosy get-together of your own.
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10 ideas for a hygge party
1. Keep the guest list small
Hygge works best with a handful of people, so everyone can join in one conversation. Four to eight guests is ideal. Invite people who’ll feel comfortable kicking off their shoes.
Your 15-minute hygge moment: Host a small gathering: just food and company.
2. Light candles everywhere
Switch off the big light and let candles and lamps do the work. Group them on trays, windowsills and the table. Natural beeswax candles (affiliate link) give a warm, clean glow all evening.
Your 15-minute hygge moment: Light every candle in the room.
3. Set up cosy seating
Pile floor cushions around a low table, drape blankets over the sofa and make sure everyone has somewhere soft to sink into. Large floor cushions (affiliate link) are a brilliant investment if you love hosting.
Your 15-minute hygge moment: Set up a cosy spot for a group.
4. Serve simple comfort food
Forget fiddly nibbles. A big pot of chilli or soup, warm bread, a cheese board and something sweet is perfect. Paste Magazine has some tasty ideas for a hygge party menu.
5. Make it a potluck
Ask everyone to bring a dish. It takes the pressure off you, and sharing food that friends have made is wonderfully hygge. Hello Hygge’s tips for holding a hygge party are full of easy ideas like this.
6. Warm drinks on the go
Keep a pan of mulled wine, spiced apple or hot chocolate warming on the hob so guests can help themselves. Serve it in big mugs everyone can wrap their hands around.
7. Play games together
Board games and card games get everyone laughing and talking. The Hygge Game (affiliate link) is made for exactly this, with conversation cards that spark lovely, meaningful chats.
Your 15-minute hygge moment: Play a board game instead of watching TV.
8. Make a cosy playlist
Soft acoustic music, jazz or old favourites in the background set the mood without drowning out conversation. Keep the volume low.
Your 15-minute hygge moment: Make a playlist of songs that feel like home.
9. Host a swap party
Ask everyone to bring books, clothes, plants or homemade treats to swap. It’s sustainable, fun and everyone leaves with something new. Jacquie Ellis explains how a hygge swap party works.
10. Take it outside
On a clear evening, gather round a fire pit with blankets, hot drinks and marshmallows. It’s one of the cosiest ways to spend time together. My guide to the perfect cosy campfire setup will help, and a few marshmallow toasting sticks (affiliate link) are a must.
Your 15-minute hygge moment: Toast marshmallows with people you like.
Relax and enjoy your own party
The best hygge host is a relaxed one. Do as much as you can in advance, let guests help, and don’t worry if things aren’t perfect. Hello I’m 50ish and Quiet Like Horses both have more lovely hosting ideas.
Not ready for a party? Start smaller and invite someone over just for tea, or read how time outdoors improves relationships with family and friends.
More cosy reads: 12 cosy hygge recipes and meals, 12 ideas for a cosy hygge wedding and Hygge Christmas: 12 cosy ways to slow down this December.
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