Hygge. The puzzling 5-letter word you’ve probably heard mentioned before, seen on Pinterest, or noticed on bookshelves. The term, originating from Denmark, has been trending so much that the word alone has made its mark by landing a permanent spot in English dictionaries. It’s a concept that is impossible to translate without losing basic elements of what it means. Hygge has huge cultural implications for the Danes, so much more than one word can infer.

To start things off, Hygge is something you feel. Most of us have probably already experienced or practiced it, but we just didn’t know it: A walk in the park to see the leaves change colour, taking a bath after a stressful day, inviting a friend over for a coffee and a chat. The word expresses a feeling in a moment that is charming, special, cozy, simple, and extraordinary. Culturally, Danes make it a priority to create and recreate these moments on a daily basis (or as frequently as possible).

The ways to pronounce Hygge in English vary from “hoo-gah” to“heu-guh,” and it can be used as a noun, verb and adjective, depending on the sentence. In Danish, they also blend Hygge with other words to describe things that have similar attributes. There’s a word for comfy sweatpants: Hyggebukser (Hygge-pants) and even one for the place in your home you devote to Hygge: hyggekrog (Hygge-corner) (Country Living).

If you are familiar with lifestyle-yoga (not the kind that’s just about wearing tight workout gear), this is a similar concept in that it is a mindset and a way of being. It urges you to consciously break out of your daily grind, take a moment to nurture yourself in a relaxing way and care for your state of mind. It elevates domestic and personal life to an art form. Hygge can simply be about disconnecting; putting pause on political issues, work, and stress to escape to the fictional world of your favourite book.

In Canada, it is easy to practice Hygge as the Danes do. They use it to help them weather through the cold winter months and stay positive on snowy days. When there is a blizzard, they choose that day to stay in and keep cozy, and do not force themselves to leave the house, battle the cold and attend to unfitting tasks. It is a relaxed approach to living and a way of looking at things. Hygge is an effective way of taking care of and cultivating your spirit during the cold, dark and sometimes isolating winter months.

Readers be wary: Hygge is not something to be made into another strict regime! It should be a natural extension of your regular life—positive habits, not something forced or stressed. There is a beauty in simple rituals and Hygge puts emphasis on that. It is something you are doing for you, for your well-being and the goodness of your soul.

Now it’s time to put aside your North American busy-bee attitude and get Hygge with it!

Create Hygge in your life:  

Many activities, simple or more involved, can be hyggelig. Hyggelig is the adjective to describe something that is Hygge!

Mood Lighting

One of the easiest ways to turn a room into a warm Hygge paradise is to lower the lights! This can be done in more ways than one. Firstly, overhead lights, like those hydrogen recessed lights most houses have, can be overwhelming and far too bright! Turn them off and use strategically placed lamps in the corners of the room to create a soft glow. What’s even better than that? Natural light. If you can sit by a window and read, make a fire or light some candles, these are great ways to recreate the ambiance of the “golden hour” (the first hour before sunrise and last hour before sunset) and make for an extremely hyggelig space.

Comfortable Corner

Danes will frequently have a corner of their homes (or an entire room!) devoted to Hygge. This is known as a hyggekrog. In it, they might have books, mood lighting and relaxing music, but most importantly, it has to be comfortable! Knit pillows and blankets are vital for creating the correct ambiance for this corner of contentment. You could even diffuse some essential oils and add some aroma-therapy into the mix. Perfect for enjoying a cup of tea or coffee as you read the morning newspaper or to wind down with a good book before turning in, taking a few moments in a nice nook of your home is adding Hygge to your day.

Content In Togetherness

Taking time to enjoy one another, and allowing your combined energy to uplift your mood, is another way to create a Hygge moment. Set the table for as many as you can and let the guests roll in. Invite friends over on a cold, dark evening for charades or other group games. Keep in mind that there is no need for extravagance: Hygge is about simple pleasures. Worrying about impressing guests and creating stressful work for yourself should be avoided. Hosting a potluck and sharing food is VERY Hygge! Gatherings shouldn’t be rushed and guests should be encouraged to linger. Hugs, cuddling, spending time with pets, and human contact are great ways to nourish your well-being and are super Hygge!

A Cup Of Cozy

Whether it be tea or coffee, sipping on a warm, soothing drink is hyggelig. It is known in Danish culture that you can cure the common cold with tea and Hygge! Need another way to make an everyday habit more hyggelig? Why not have your morning coffee in a special ceramic mug rather than a Styrofoam cup from work? If you’re the type of person who likes something a little stronger, a scotch or glass of wine, quietly enjoyed by the fire at the end of the day with a loved one is also a way to practice Hygge in your life.

Feed Your Soul

Hygge can be as simple as cooking or baking. Preparing delicious, savoury, filling meals can create a Hygge afternoon, or a Hygge meal. Cooking warms the home, can be relaxing and even therapeutic. Comfort food creates an ambiance of familiarity, nostalgia, and welcome. It can be a new favourite recipe or the oldest family recipe in your cookbook. Indulging in sweets is also Hygge–don’t deny yourself that extra slice of cake!

Homey Interior

Hygge is also an ambiance and an atmosphere. Your home can be decorated in a way that is favorable to that Scandi lifestyle. It’s not about the décor itself, but the environment you are creating. Taking time to work on making your home décor more calming and energizing is very Hygge. Bringing the outside in, or using natural materials like wood, is another way of creating a calm, relaxing, cozy home. No time to redecorate? Just put away clutter! Remove over-the-top embellishments or loud coloured décor. Subtlety and clean lines create calmness and quietness, and establishes the ultimate Hygge atmosphere.

Hoping you take pleasure and find happiness in your everyday,

It could be when December hits, or at the first sign of snow, or even before then — whenever it is that you choose to deck your halls, getting creative with your holiday décor is a true labor of love. Your home is a gathering place for friends and family to enjoy each other’s company, to make memories and to get cozy over the holiday season. You want to make sure your home is a warm and inviting place for loved ones to gather, but most of all, a place where everyone can feel excited and enthused by the joy the season of giving brings.

But, the holidays are a busy time of year! Finding easy ways to spruce up your home with holiday trimmings can be challenging. However hectic the holiday season can get, decorating your home should be fun, fanciful and a stress-free task!

So, turn on your holiday music and get inspired to make your home merry without the hassle by using these stylish yet simple decorating tips!

Invite the Outside In

Earthy and casual, yet stylish. Drawing the outdoors in is a sure way to elegantly decorate your home for any season. Nature-inspired décor is ideal for decorators looking for understated charm. Creatures of the forest, wooden accents and pretty pine cones are unfussy ways of bringing holiday ambiance into your home.  Place items with sprigs of greenery, wild cranberries and hints of birch on tabletops and shelves to create rustic warmth and texture. Our reindeer, candle votive, and lac mason hurricane and  decorative accents will make any home a convivial Christmas cottage.

Light it Right

Adding elements of lighting can add festive notes all over your home without being overly ornamental. Tapered and votive candles will help you cast the perfect glow on this holiday season. Classic centerpieces for a holiday meal, or add jovial candlelight to every corner of your dwelling.  Find an empty end table, window sill or use your mantel to arrange groupings of three to four candles in an alternating fashion.  Note that something with frosted-glass will provide a soft flickering glow that will brighten your home with joy all season long. Our gingerbread votive, small winter scene hurricane, and light festival candle holders will fill your home with festive flickering.

Plaid is Perfect

The official pattern of the holiday season, our ideas for plaid will have you singing carols! Plaid is the perfect way to bring Christmas cheer to a rustic country styled home. Nothing says holiday cheer like hot cocoa and cookies on display with our tartan “fa la la la la” dish collection. Don’t worry about set up time when you have yourself a set of plaid pillows and throw, just place them in the corners of your sofa or simply add them to the pillows already on your bed — drape your throw over a chair or fold it at the end of your bed to add festive flare anywhere. Create a cozy corner for hot cocoa and holiday movies, writing Christmas cards or gift wrapping with our checkered throw and pillows.

If Red and Green isn’t your Colour Scheme

If your home has more of a minimalist mood; red and green décor may not be in your holiday décor day dreams. Gold, silver and bronze radiate charm and can be a perfect way to dazzle your home for the holidays. It may not be the standard pallet for the season yet it is equally festive. Warm metallics create a classic modern look while adding some glitz and glam perfect for a celebratory contemporary home. White décor can transform your home in to a beautiful wintery scene ideal for the season. You don’t have to coat your home from top to bottom in red and green to do justice to the most wonderful time of the year. Items like our Rudolf’s sleigh, winter scene hurricane and our snowflake candle holder will light up your home with Christmas cheer without all the bright hues.

Hang it for the Holidays

What could be easier than breezing through your home hanging on knobs, hooks and switches. Hanging décor can bring a playful decorative touch and is the most unfussy way to deck the halls. The decorative opportunities are endless with hanging décor. Add holiday notes to rooms that are harder to decorate, such as the bathroom or kitchen by hanging festive bits and pieces on the door or cabinet knobs. If you’re lacking by way of hooks, our snowman hook (in-store only) is great to place on your mantle or on a cabinet to hang a stocking or for adding extra notes of festive flare! Try hanging from your chandelier over your holiday table for an alternative take on a centerpiece! The gingerbread door knob décor and Christmas cottage décor ball will add whimsical touches and enhance the holiday theme of your home.

Here to help you make your holiday season a little more merry,

October has come and gone and we all know what that means – the season of giving is here! Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be a daunting task. This year Stokes wants to help you get a head start on your gift giving – and there just might be something in it for you too!

Check out our gift giving guide below for every person on your list !

For the Tablescape Artist

Getting the details right for every occasion, while creating a welcoming and festive table, is what this gift beneficiary is all about. The Christmas Juniper Dinnerware Set helps add joyful cheer to any table and will help your Tablescape Artist set the perfect table.

For the Holiday Host 

A Holiday Host wants to make sure their spread has something for everyone. What better way to give them a gift by buying them something to help them make sure of that. The Heart Revolving Condiment set gives a party planner the ability to set out all their guests’ favorites!

For the ones who love making festive foods and seasonal sweets

For the cooks and bakers in your life, their happiness comes from other people’s enjoyment. Lend them a hand this holiday season by making sure their spice collection is on point with the Mason 16-Jar Spice Rack.

For the one who always brings the Holiday Spirits

Do you know someone who never lets a party guest go without a drink in their hand? For this lucky person on your list, it’s all about helping people enjoy the moment in a relaxed atmosphere. The 3 bottle dispensing system on our Bar Butler will them make sure everyone’s joining in on the merrymaking.

For the one who loves to brew the perfect cup

This person on your list believes a hot drink can cure all.  Whether it’s to get their day started, hearing out a friend, or with a good book in hand, something brewed should always be within reach. The Mousse Milk Frother will take their brewed experience to the next level.

For the specialty chef

The specialty chef is someone who likes to experiment. Finding the right appliance to help them make exactly what they want, how they want,  is what makes them tick. The Triple Swiss Raclette will let this person on your list grill anything to perfection.

For the one who devoted to decking the halls 

This gift recipient is easy to please, all they need is something that can add some holiday cheer to their home! Avoid clashing with decorations they already have by going with a classic and elegant look like our Rudolf’s Sleigh.

For the one who loves to snuggle up

We all know one person who would stay inside all winter if they could! This homebody knows that cold days are for cozying up with something to read or for starting a Netflix marathon. Make sure they stay warm all winter long with this Red Checkered Throw.

For the playful one

This one is for the person on your list who loves a good game and some healthy competition. Getting the whole group involved, while making the energy in the room go up a notch is what this person loves. The Drinking Roulette Game would make a perfect gift!

Here to help you get every aspect of your holiday season just right,

Before you can even begin to think about decorating, you have to choose a paint color. The wall color you chose is very important as it dictates the atmosphere of the room and what the decor will be. Painting it a vibrant, bright color is always fun but after some time might lose its charm, and it will be difficult to find matching decor. The trend now, in order to avoid this dilemma, is to paint your walls a neutral color; off white or light grey is a very popular choice. Choosing a neutral wall color allows you to have fun with colors in the rest of the room.

If you choose a neutral wall color, you can join in the upcoming trend, dynamic pairing. Dynamic pairing is when you pair classic shades such as black, white, and/or grey with a pop of color (usually a vibrant, eye-catching color).  Red is a popular choice, but these days blue is on the rise for home decor as well. With this in mind, turquoise is a great option for your accent color. For example, if you have a white couch, you can add some turquoise throw pillows to it or our turquoise all purpose bin is perfect for that pop of color and can be used to hold all your favorite magazines.

Another advantage of choosing a neutral wall color is that you have a lot of freedom with your wall decor. If you love vintage and classic movies, our movie wall posters are for you. We have one for each of your favorite classic movies; Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, My Fair Lady, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. If movie posters aren’t for you, how about a nice wall ornament with picture frames filled of memorable pictures from over the years. They can act as conversation starters or just a nice reminder of some of your favorite moments. Our picture memo board is a great way to add some photos to your wall while still being practical. You can place 4 photos and your weekly schedule on a dry erase board.  If you just want the pictures and no memo board, our studio gray veneer picture frames are perfect. Print up some black and white photos for a nice contrast.

Last, but certainly not least, you mustn’t leave out lighting. An integral part of any room; it can brighten up any dark space, add a nice warm glow, and contribute to the overall atmosphere of the room. Lamps aren’t only a good light source; they should be part of the decor. To go with your neutral color palette, the metro white or grey table lamp will compliment any room; a modern silhouette and ample lighting, what more could you need? Add some LED ivory candles around the room for added ambiance without having to worry about the flame,  you can even place them in our Provence Hurricane Lamp; its elegant design looks great on any table, mantle and even counter.

Happy decorating!

Dinnerware Set
For your first dinnerware set, you want to keep it simple so it’s suitable for any occasion; whether you are just having a quick bite to eat, a romantic dinner for two, or a celebration with many guests. The Poplin Dinnerware set features stark white elegance that is perfect for everyday use and fancy affairs.  But, if you want a dinnerware set with a little more color, the Slate black dinnerware set is a great option. Its black and white simplicity is exquisite to match any occasion but with a bit more flare.

Food Prep

These are the basics that every new chef needs in their first kitchen. Everyone needs a good cutting knife with a cutting board. The Mario Chef Knife is the perfect and the Think Kitchen cutting board is small enough for easy storing but not too small for preparing your favorite meals. It includes non slip rubber footing, raised borders for less mess and is dishwasher safe for an easy clean up.

You cannot prepare food without being able to measure the ingredients. Look cute and be practical all at the same time with our Mason Canister Measuring cups and Thinkkitchen Measuring spoons. The basics for food prep come in our Kitchen Tool set which includes a whisk, ladle and spatula and more!

Cookware  

To cook the food, you need a pot and pan set that is durable to last for a long time. Whether this is your first set, or you just want a replacement, the Remy Oliver Sabayon 9 piece Cookware set is great. It comes equipped with every size pot imaginable from a 1.3 L to a 6 L and even comes with a frying pan. This set is great for cooking up an egg to making the perfect pasta dish- and just about everything in between.  On top of the pots and pans, you also need a baking dish, just in case you need to cook some food in the oven, like lasagna or even a cake. The Think Kitchen glass square baking dish is the perfect solution to your baking needs; it has grip style silicone covered handles for easy transportation to and from the oven.

Now you have everything you need to get started in your new kitchen, all that’s left is to start cooking your favorite meals!