The idea of granting your attendees the ‘simple pleasures’ creates a more intimate and thoughtful encounter. If you would like to take this concept to your next meeting, retreat, or event, here are a few ways you can create your own hygge-esque attendee experience:
Atmosphere
Use simple and warm decor elements; candlelight, textures, and neutral hues. Consider campfire style meetings near a fireplace or around an actual campfire with cozy lap quilts. Look to create inviting, home-like communal lounge areas for attendees to relax and mingle. You may even consider a ‘tech-free’ zone, wild right, but a great way to keep attendees focused on the moment.
Food
Think comfort foods, homemade sweets, and hot drinks. Employ a local baker, pâtisserie, or chocolatier to create special delights for your guests. Warm drinks can include assortments of tea, coffee, and hot cocoas. (See A Cup of Warmth, pg XX for a few great recipes.)
When dining, look to familiar soul-foods, such as chicken and dumplings or beef stew, to warm your attendees and fill them up.
Activities
Give your attendees the opportunity to be kids again, have a snowman building competition or take a winter morning hike. Create a ‘book nook’ for guests to swap literature throughout the event. Spa time is high on the hygge experience; baths, saunas, and self-care, including yoga and meditation, are all excellent relaxation elements.
Entertainment
Music is a key component. Find an acoustic guitarist for your reception or a local folk artist your guests can enjoy while still being able to hear and participate in the conversations around them.
CSR
Keep the theme warm and cozy. Partner with organizations like Operation Warm or Coats for Kids, who provide winter coats to children in need or Sleep in Heavenly Peace, who provides beds (frame, mattress, pillow, sheets, blankets) to children without beds.
Attendee gifts
Make the gift personal and fun. No matter your budget, find the cozy factor for your guest. This could be knit socks, a personalized mug with cocoa fixings, a sweater, or a lap quilt.
This is just a touch on the value of hygge. Find what works best for your group and give them a little piece of Danish warmth and relaxation at your next event.