In the season of comfort and joy, give the gift of hygge.
What’s hygge (pronounced hyoo-guh)? It’s a Danish concept referring to finding comfort and warmth in simple, soothing things such as a cozy atmosphere or the feeling of friendship.
This year, our hygge expert and principal designer, Christine Shepard has searched high and low and has you covered with her top gift picks for friends, family, and neighbors.
“These are a few of my favorite things,” Christine says, “and I hope you’ll enjoy them, too!”
The gift of warmth
“I have a tartan blanket problem…I can’t get enough!” says Christine Shepard, owner and principal designer of The Iron Gate Co. And these blankets by Faribault Woolen Mill, one of the last vertical woolen mills in America, are some of the best! They even make coffee sleeves out of the blanket ends (rather than tossing them out as scraps). “I use these every day. Ask anyone!” Both these gifts are perfect for Christmas morning to keep everyone cozy while enjoying each other’s company.
The gift of handcrafted
“I have coveted these bags for years,” says Christine of the Shenandoah Deluxe Tote by Lineage Goods, who recently opened a second brick-and-mortar location in Carytown. They started their business sourcing and selling goods crafted by small, local businesses in Harrisonburg, where Christine’s daughter was attending JMU. “My son, Landon, has their lunch bag and the quality is awesome! Both bags are the perfect gifts for, well…anyone!”
The gift of ambience
A candle is the easiest way to bring hygge to any space for the holidays. The gentle glow of the flame adds a sense of calm and the scent instantly makes a room feel complete. Christine gives these Frasier Fir candles by Thymes two thumbs up. “They smell exactly like a pine forest,” she says. “When I know my girls are coming home from college, I start burning this candle an hour or so prior so when they walk in the door it smells like the holidays.” To support small businesses, Christine sources them locally at Izzie’s, Consigning with Grace.
The gift of bringing people together
‘Tis the season for gathering, and what better way than around a fire or charcuterie board? Books like these are a great gift for your favorite host. “Give them inspiration for their next party,” Christine says. “Better yet, pair the gift with something related like this firewood carrier that goes with The Book of Building Fires or a Virginia handcrafted cheeseboard to go with Platters and Boards.” Don’t forget to shop these items at a favorite small business, like Lineage Goods!
The gift of “Cheers”
What’s more festive than “cheers”-ing your loved ones home for the holidays. “These wine glasses from Yeti are the best for outdoor use, especially gathered ‘round a fire built using the Book of Building Fires (above)! I use mine every day,” says Christine. “And for the beer drinkers, get a can insulator! I love the colors Harvest Red and Highlands Olive for the holidays.”
The gift of design
Design meets function in these beautiful Shagreen Trays by Jamie Young. “A tray like this is perfect for consolidating all those knick-knacks spread out across your coffee table or kitchen counter which instantly brings a sense of order to your space,” says Christine. “I love the textures at play in this one.”
The gift of worn and beautiful
Nothing says hygge like a one-of-a-kind vintage rug. Give one to the vintage lover in your life and watch them light up. “I love these from locally owned Brick Alley Co.,” says Christine. “They curate beautiful vintage furniture, rugs and accessories which add character to any home. Follow them on instagram, @brickalleyco!”
and finally, the gift of love
Sometimes the best gift is just letting someone know you’re thinking of them. “One of my dearest friends, Jen (who also happens to be one of the funniest people I know) began the care package business Filled with Love with her mom, Grammie and the love that they pour into each package is palpable,” Christine says. “I’ve sent them to my kids and their friends for finals, birthdays, or just ‘thinking of you.’” This is the perfect gift for your far away loved ones. “Oh, and Jen’s blog is a gift unto itself. She’s hilarious!”
The best gift you can give to yourself and others this season is the gift of being present. On behalf of The Iron Gate Co., may your holidays be filled with peace, love….and hygge.
— Christine Shepard