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The Hygge Life: Embracing the Nordic Art of Coziness Through Recipes, Entertaining, Decorating, Simple Rituals, and Family Traditions
Equal parts cookbook and lifestyle guide, this cozy little book shows you how to cultivate comfort and contentment and embrace life's small pleasures with the Danish practice of hygge.
Hygge (loosely translated as "coziness") is centered around the idea of inviting comforting elements into day-to-day life while creating warmth, community, and intimacy. The Hygge Life teaches you how small gestures (putting wool blankets and warm cider out for guests) or larger undertakings (building bonfires and making campfire bread to celebrate solstice) can warm the psyche and foster hygge, with more than 30 recipes for cozy and comforting food and drinks.
Hygge (loosely translated as "coziness") is centered around the idea of inviting comforting elements into day-to-day life while creating warmth, community, and intimacy. The Hygge Life teaches you how small gestures (putting wool blankets and warm cider out for guests) or larger undertakings (building bonfires and making campfire bread to celebrate solstice) can warm the psyche and foster hygge, with more than 30 recipes for cozy and comforting food and drinks.
168 pages, Hardcover
Published November 14, 2017
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446 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 31, 2017
I've read several books about the lifestyle of Hygge and unfortunately, this was not the best one I've read. Too many recipes and not enough focus on what Hygge actually is and how to incorporate it into your life. I grew up in Minnesota...where I feel that I grew up with Hygge as a by-product of the strong Scandinavian influence in my state and in my family. It's a lifestyle I've tried to incorporate into my lifestyle in Oregon. I feel that I have been successful in bringing this into my home and my attitude...but it is difficult to bring into the workplace...which is what I would really like to learn more about. The book is ok and has some excellent examples and tips...but with so many books out right now due to the "trendiness" of Hygge...I think there are better books if you are truly wanting to learn about it.
I received a copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I received a copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
July 7, 2018
While I wanted to love this book, it was not outstanding. On a positive note, I have affirmed I already live the hygge life.
July 27, 2017
NOTE: The copy I read was called "The Hygge Life". I'm not sure if that's the new or old title.
This is more a lifestyle book, with a focus on recipes. There is a bit about what hygge actually means, but mostly it is hygge-inspired recipes.
There are over 30 recipes with simple ingredients, ranging for pancakes, to lamb stew, to non-eatables like bath salts. Now, I'm not a hygge-expert, but I feel like a lot of the recipes are debatably hygge. Food is so personal, I think it's hard to really say "this food is hygge". But there are some generally hygge goodies in here, but most of them were non-eatables (such as the bath salts, information on traditions, idea for hygge activities, etc). I wish there was more of a focus on activities and the home rather than food. But if you are into hygge and have read the basic hygge-intro titles, you might get some good ideas from this one.
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
This is more a lifestyle book, with a focus on recipes. There is a bit about what hygge actually means, but mostly it is hygge-inspired recipes.
There are over 30 recipes with simple ingredients, ranging for pancakes, to lamb stew, to non-eatables like bath salts. Now, I'm not a hygge-expert, but I feel like a lot of the recipes are debatably hygge. Food is so personal, I think it's hard to really say "this food is hygge". But there are some generally hygge goodies in here, but most of them were non-eatables (such as the bath salts, information on traditions, idea for hygge activities, etc). I wish there was more of a focus on activities and the home rather than food. But if you are into hygge and have read the basic hygge-intro titles, you might get some good ideas from this one.
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
November 29, 2018
This was a beautiful book that gave me the warm fuzzies through and through. Written by an Icelandic author, I found it interesting that one of the first things he mentioned in his explanation of hygge was how the government provides health care and services to its people so they can pay attention to enjoying their lives and doing nice things for themselves, their families, and their friends. Hygge to the Nordic peoples is more than just finally getting into your fuzzy pjs at the end of a hard day -- it's a way of life. Though I finished reading this book a couple of days ago, I am trying to keep the hygge philosophy of life close at hand. I recommend this book for folks looking for simple delicious recipes as well as those looking for a good feeling to hold onto and uphold. Take care of yourselves and those you love!
November 14, 2017
As someone who has suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder her whole life (long before it had a name!), the idea of actually looking forward to winter is almost alien to me. However, in my desperation for anything to improve my spirits during these dark months, I wanted to explore the concept of hygge. This book is exactly what I was looking for!
The Scandinavians have learned over the centuries of very dark winters how to not only survive but to thrive. And it all begins with taking care of one’s self and caring for others, actively finding (making) comfort in everything one does. It’s much more than interior decorating, cozy fires, or fuzzy socks. Rather, it’s a purposeful communion of spirits in pursuit of that caring for and comforting one another. This book contains gorgeous photography, warm explanations of background and philosophy, and several recipes of Scandinavian comfort food. I can see why hygge is becoming an international sensation!
Maybe by implementing some of these suggestions and rituals, I hope to be able to combat the winter blues better this year!
I gratefully received this book as an eARC from the author, publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
The Scandinavians have learned over the centuries of very dark winters how to not only survive but to thrive. And it all begins with taking care of one’s self and caring for others, actively finding (making) comfort in everything one does. It’s much more than interior decorating, cozy fires, or fuzzy socks. Rather, it’s a purposeful communion of spirits in pursuit of that caring for and comforting one another. This book contains gorgeous photography, warm explanations of background and philosophy, and several recipes of Scandinavian comfort food. I can see why hygge is becoming an international sensation!
Maybe by implementing some of these suggestions and rituals, I hope to be able to combat the winter blues better this year!
I gratefully received this book as an eARC from the author, publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
March 21, 2018
I've read a lot of books about the Scandinavian concept of hygge, or cosiness, but none have been by Icelandic authors; that alone was what drove me to pick up The Hygge Life from the library. The photography included here is stunning, and whilst it does not add anything to the other books about hygge currently on the market, there are some lovely ideas within it. The writing is overly poetic at times, but actually, I feel that it worked well in such a piece of non-fiction. There are some splendid recipes here which I will definitely be trying, to make my life even more hyggelig than it already is. The Hygge Life is perhaps better suited to those who are incredibly sociable and like to plan elaborate gatherings, as there are lots of tips for that. A better title would perhaps have been Hygge with Friends, or something of the sort.
November 20, 2021
I enjoyed the coziness of this book. I marked down a few things I wanted to try and experienced mixed success. I had no idea that popcorn could be popped in a regular lidded pot. I had thought it required one of those fancy stirring pots my friend, Anna, has. But NO! This book taught me how to make popcorn in oil in a plain pot. Unfortunately, none of the children in the house at the time or I liked it. It tasted heavy and weird. It did not taste like hygge.
I wanted to try making a goose for Michaelsmass, but I couldn't find goose at my grocery store, Whole Foods or the fancy local butcher. So I gave up and did not make a goose.
I am not sure that I actually manifested any increased coziness in my life as a result of reading this book, but I did light some candles.
I wanted to try making a goose for Michaelsmass, but I couldn't find goose at my grocery store, Whole Foods or the fancy local butcher. So I gave up and did not make a goose.
I am not sure that I actually manifested any increased coziness in my life as a result of reading this book, but I did light some candles.
September 4, 2018
Back from Denmark and figured it was time to finally plow through this one. I especially am mind bookmarking stovetop popcorn, blackened salmon with cottage cheese and cider vinaigrette, and kökur.
Read
April 8, 2020Some picnic and trip ideas (mostly for the recipes) for when we're allowed to go out again...
January 23, 2025
I did enjoy this. Always looking for more ideas to enjoy simple beautiful aspects of life.
December 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Loved this! So cozy and enjoyable.
January 25, 2020
Cozy, warm, inspiring. Full of tips and lovely interesting recipes, this book invites you to curl up with a cup of tea and just *breathe* for a bit. Wide pages with lovely type and illustrations, this was just the breather I needed on a cold Wednesday at home.
November 26, 2017
It's officially late November, which for those in the middle of the United States means there will soon be cold temperatures and potential white stuff falling from the sky. It's time to stay indoors and find warmth. It's time for the Nordic idea of coziness, aka hygge. And to help you immerse yourself in coziness, The Hygge Life offers up recipes, ideas for decorating, themes to use for entertaining, and rituals and traditions you can make your own.
Blending ideas of self-care, sanctuary, and intimacy, The Hygge Life brings together everything you need to create a cozier life. Icelandic chef Gunnar Karl Gislason has an award-winning restaurant, and his co-author Jody Eddy is an author and former editor of Art Culinaire. Together they have created this beautifully photographed handbook packed with inspiring ideas for making life warmer, simpler, and more connected to nature and to family and friends.
The recipes range from easy and tasty starts to the day to simple weeknight dinners to meals for gatherings and holidays. For breakfast, try Spiced Buttermilk Fritters, Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Yogurt and Spiced Roasted Apples, or Kleinur (Icelandic beignets). End your average Thursday with Salmon with Baby Potatoes and Pine or Braised Pork Tenderloin with Oyster Mushrooms and Parsnips, or even Fried Fish with Almonds and Capers.
When it's time to invite others over for a celebration, Gislason and Eddy offer ideas for movie nights, game nights, pizza parties, bonfires, and cocktail parties. There are recipes for Lamb Stew, Ginger Cookies, and Glogg as well as popcorn toppings and how to make your own bitters, so whether your party is just a handful of close friends or a large group of extended family, you can be ready to invite them in to a warm and comforting place and offer them layers of coziness, great food, laughter, and togetherness.
And then when the wanderlust hits, as it does after being cooped up in the colder months, The Hygge Life even offers ideas for getting out with hygge. A creative picnic, doing some gardening, hiking, taking a train ride, or even traveling with children--all these and more are covered in coziness in this gorgeous book. Perfect as a holiday gift for someone you love, or even better for yourself, The Hygge Life can help you create a warm, nourished, and nourishing life for yourself and for those you love.
Galleys for The Hygge Life were provided by Ten Speed Press through NetGalley, with many thanks.
Blending ideas of self-care, sanctuary, and intimacy, The Hygge Life brings together everything you need to create a cozier life. Icelandic chef Gunnar Karl Gislason has an award-winning restaurant, and his co-author Jody Eddy is an author and former editor of Art Culinaire. Together they have created this beautifully photographed handbook packed with inspiring ideas for making life warmer, simpler, and more connected to nature and to family and friends.
The recipes range from easy and tasty starts to the day to simple weeknight dinners to meals for gatherings and holidays. For breakfast, try Spiced Buttermilk Fritters, Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Yogurt and Spiced Roasted Apples, or Kleinur (Icelandic beignets). End your average Thursday with Salmon with Baby Potatoes and Pine or Braised Pork Tenderloin with Oyster Mushrooms and Parsnips, or even Fried Fish with Almonds and Capers.
When it's time to invite others over for a celebration, Gislason and Eddy offer ideas for movie nights, game nights, pizza parties, bonfires, and cocktail parties. There are recipes for Lamb Stew, Ginger Cookies, and Glogg as well as popcorn toppings and how to make your own bitters, so whether your party is just a handful of close friends or a large group of extended family, you can be ready to invite them in to a warm and comforting place and offer them layers of coziness, great food, laughter, and togetherness.
And then when the wanderlust hits, as it does after being cooped up in the colder months, The Hygge Life even offers ideas for getting out with hygge. A creative picnic, doing some gardening, hiking, taking a train ride, or even traveling with children--all these and more are covered in coziness in this gorgeous book. Perfect as a holiday gift for someone you love, or even better for yourself, The Hygge Life can help you create a warm, nourished, and nourishing life for yourself and for those you love.
Galleys for The Hygge Life were provided by Ten Speed Press through NetGalley, with many thanks.
August 15, 2017
This book is so cozy that I wish I could crawl into the pages.
I like it. Pretty much.
Not only because of all the beautiful photos but mainly because the content is really soothing. The busy lifestyles in cities are giving people nowadays too much pressure and schedules too tight that we seem to forget the fact that life is short, life can be enjoyable, life can be beautiful. A simple cup of hot tea may be able to make a day happier, A day without TVs and cell phones may make us cherish the time spent with our families more. Why not?
However, this book focuses pretty much on food. There are over 30 recipes included......not bad, but I wish there could be more stuff unrelated to food. This is not a cookbook, after all.
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Overall: 4/5
Cover: 5/5 (So beautiful!)
Writing: 5/5
Appealing: 3.5/5
Would I recommend it? Yes.
Would I buy it? Not me, but my friend would probably buy it. The recipes do look really, really nice.
*I received an ARC copy from Netgalley.
I like it. Pretty much.
Not only because of all the beautiful photos but mainly because the content is really soothing. The busy lifestyles in cities are giving people nowadays too much pressure and schedules too tight that we seem to forget the fact that life is short, life can be enjoyable, life can be beautiful. A simple cup of hot tea may be able to make a day happier, A day without TVs and cell phones may make us cherish the time spent with our families more. Why not?
However, this book focuses pretty much on food. There are over 30 recipes included......not bad, but I wish there could be more stuff unrelated to food. This is not a cookbook, after all.
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Overall: 4/5
Cover: 5/5 (So beautiful!)
Writing: 5/5
Appealing: 3.5/5
Would I recommend it? Yes.
Would I buy it? Not me, but my friend would probably buy it. The recipes do look really, really nice.
*I received an ARC copy from Netgalley.
December 12, 2017
I didn't realize when I put this book on hold that it was a cookbook. The author gives a brief overview of the Scandinavian concept of hygge - loosely translated to "coziness." Then the book is divided into a few categories - Starting the Day, Caring for Yourself, Staying In, Easy Gatherings and Holidays, and Getting Out. All of these chapters give an overview of how you can add hygge to each of these areas and then have a collection of recipes. I liked how the book was laid out and there were a lot of recipes and ideas in each chapter. There weren't a lot of recipes I want to try, but I still think it's a unique hygge cookbook.
December 20, 2017
Why 2 and 1/2 stars? This felt like a book written to cash in on a trend. In fact, most of the Hygge books I've read give me that feeling, it's much like everyone jumping on the feng shui trend years ago.
Some of the recipes sound good and the food photos look pretty yummy. There was one craft using toothpicks and garbanzo beans to make Christmas stars that had me rolling my eyes. I'd suggest you check this out from the library. It's a good book to read while you're sitting in a cozy chair next a crackling fire in your fireplace with candles flickering around you as you sip a hot buttered rum.
Some of the recipes sound good and the food photos look pretty yummy. There was one craft using toothpicks and garbanzo beans to make Christmas stars that had me rolling my eyes. I'd suggest you check this out from the library. It's a good book to read while you're sitting in a cozy chair next a crackling fire in your fireplace with candles flickering around you as you sip a hot buttered rum.
January 18, 2018
This small book would only be worthwhile if one didn't already know how to make coffee, plan a picnic, or pack for the plane... yes, those instructions are really in the book. Most of the book was just a collection of recipes and about life 'things' in general. There wasn't anything particularly 'hygge' about any of it. This is my third book on Hygge and by far my least favorite. There's some interesting information on what Scandinavian countries partake in for different holidays, but save for that, pass on this one. There are much better Hygge books out there. #bookworm #bookstagram #thehyggelife
October 4, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
Wow this was a really neat book. Gorgeous photography, historical and cultural information as well as fairly simple to follow recipes. I enjoyed reading about the holidays and rituals that are important to the author: the book felt very honest and interesting.
I also appreciated the recipes in the book (the warm potato salad looks like a must try) and the photography makes everything look very appetizing. The DIY recipes like aromatic sugar and bath salts are simple but neat.
This book was a real treat!
Wow this was a really neat book. Gorgeous photography, historical and cultural information as well as fairly simple to follow recipes. I enjoyed reading about the holidays and rituals that are important to the author: the book felt very honest and interesting.
I also appreciated the recipes in the book (the warm potato salad looks like a must try) and the photography makes everything look very appetizing. The DIY recipes like aromatic sugar and bath salts are simple but neat.
This book was a real treat!
December 5, 2017
Wonderfully composed with an array of recipes and hygge tips; some of which are as simple as "pack light" when travelling and call your bank if you go abroad, which, I guess makes for a cozy life? But. honestly, who is really coming to the hygge party for tips like that - you want gorgeous pictures, and comforting food, and some pretty blonde people in sweaters looking at you from the dust jacket. This brings it in spades!
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2017
A beautifully designed book that strives to define the Danish Hygge philosophy for living. Great photographs and what appears to be excellent recipes are interspersed throughout.
This actually would make a good gift, but like so many gift books, it could use more substance. There are a fair number of titles available now regarding Hygge to choose from. Nothing especially wrong with this, but perhaps not as meaty as others.
This actually would make a good gift, but like so many gift books, it could use more substance. There are a fair number of titles available now regarding Hygge to choose from. Nothing especially wrong with this, but perhaps not as meaty as others.
October 24, 2017
I received this copy of “the Hygge Life”from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I think I was Scandinavian in a former life as this really appealed to me. I think the book could have been longer, with more pictures and examples of non-food and drink Hygge elements. Having said that, I gleaned many great ideas from this book and will be much more Hygge from now on!
December 24, 2017
All photos on it are beautiful and this book itself can be a part of interior decoration. This book introduces many good-looking food that look delicious. Most of ingredients are easy to get in Japan, so I definitely will cook some of them. Plus, I love drinking tea, so the pages that instruct how to make good tea were informative for me.
January 8, 2018
An interesting book, but nothing really that I am going to adopt into my own life. Nordic lifestyles are very much about minimalism, and my own style is all about eccentricism. I have a little bit of everything everywhere. So it doesn't really mesh that well. However, I am a believer in a good candle :)
May 13, 2018
Hygge Sounds Wonderful...
Hygge sounds earthy. Have a connection to nature by gathering flowers, cooking with healthy ingredients, and accepting the need to be human through social cozying. It’s a book written to reach out to the urbanite, single or with a family, who may have trouble finding a cozy nook to settle into after a long day in corporate drone land.
Hygge sounds earthy. Have a connection to nature by gathering flowers, cooking with healthy ingredients, and accepting the need to be human through social cozying. It’s a book written to reach out to the urbanite, single or with a family, who may have trouble finding a cozy nook to settle into after a long day in corporate drone land.
January 17, 2019
The Hygge Life
This book concentrates more on food and gatherings of friends and family. It was interesting to see the liking of sour foods such as pickled nearly everything or the addition of vinegar to foods. There are some beautiful pictures as well as recipes for the dishes presented.
This book concentrates more on food and gatherings of friends and family. It was interesting to see the liking of sour foods such as pickled nearly everything or the addition of vinegar to foods. There are some beautiful pictures as well as recipes for the dishes presented.
January 22, 2018
FYI: its a weird cookbook.
Things I ‘learned’: I’m to find green coffee beans and roast them myself. I’m only to serve my loved ones homemade ~everything~. And dead animals are ok to use just to decorate with - so go hang some dead geese up, its hygge. 🙄
Things I ‘learned’: I’m to find green coffee beans and roast them myself. I’m only to serve my loved ones homemade ~everything~. And dead animals are ok to use just to decorate with - so go hang some dead geese up, its hygge. 🙄
September 27, 2018
3.5 ⭐
A great book if you're primarily looking for nordic recipes and a few tidbits about hygge. If you're more interested in hygge as a concept and less concerned about recipes, I'd recommend another book.
A great book if you're primarily looking for nordic recipes and a few tidbits about hygge. If you're more interested in hygge as a concept and less concerned about recipes, I'd recommend another book.
December 13, 2018
The lovely photos really help set the mood. And that's what Hygge is - elevating a certain kind of cozy mood to a higher importance. I'm so NOT Scandinavian, and neither is my husband. So this kind of mental shift is new to me.
December 21, 2017
This is the third book I've read about hygge and it made me want to make my home even hyggelig! Some of the recipes I bookmarked so I can make them later. Enjoyed, 'tis the (cozy) season for hygge!
November 24, 2017
Read this very quickly. Beautiful pictures but not as good as other "hygge" books I've read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews