What inspired this Hygge Dinner featured on the cover (and others you host), and how does this reflect the spirit of kinship?
We actually started hosting Hygge Dinners before we even opened the shop and cafe. It was our first iteration of this soulful passion project we call Hygge Life. We wanted to create an experience and atmosphere that brought people a true hygge moment. Our mission was creating a gathering that allowed everyone around the table to reach a state of true contentment, ease, pleasure and enjoyment with each other — a.k.a. hygge or a feeling of kinship. These dinners all have a unique storyline: the six senses of hygge, making memories or, in this case, the human instinct and need to gather around the fire. Over the years, we have partnered with many chefs, musicians, florists, bartenders and storytellers that help us bring our mission to life. The gathering of minds and hearts to create these dinners has given us moments of kinship that we’ll never forget.
The cover image captures such a feeling of warmth and connection — can you tell us about the atmosphere that evening and what made it special?
On an early spring evening, we gathered around the table in our showroom for a very special Hygge Dinner. Louise Varre, the Swedish founder of Eldvarm was visiting from Paris, and her beautifully designed Emma Lanterns and new brass Lucie Candleholders lit up the table with a warm glow. Throughout the dinner, Louise spoke to us about the history and importance of fire and its influence on human survival, growth and connection. I speak for everyone at the table, that we were all moved by her words and life slowed down for a moment. We felt what she so eloquently expressed … “for me, lighting a candle or a fire has the effect of lowering the sound of life, and if I am lucky, it may even slow it down for a moment.” We set each place setting with a candle and match and at the beginning of each Hygge Dinner and we encourage everyone to light their candle communally marking the moment.
Ethereal florals adorned the tables sprouting from Eldvarm Emma Lanterns, and firewood elegantly floated overhead. The table was intentionally set and designed to reflect the intimate feeling of gathering around the fire — an act we have been partaking in since the beginning of humankind. The Forage Sisters cooked four courses over the flame and each was accompanied with a delicious wine pairing. The menu was served family-style to encourage connection and conversation. It was lovely to see platters passed and smiles exchanged as everyone excitedly anticipated tasting each delicious course.
Stories were told over candlelight and a nourishing, warm meal was shared by all. It was a true evening of hygge!
Hygge is all about finding beauty and comfort in togetherness. How do you hope gatherings like this one inspire your guests and the broader community?
Beyond our Vail showroom, we also invite guests to join us at our cafe for seasonal dinners and special events. These gatherings are an opportunity for us to create an immersive hygge experience, and to share simple ways that our guests can recreate that feeling in their own everyday lives with family and friends. We hope that our guests take this experience with them and feel that they have sufficient tools and inspiration to plan gatherings and set the table for their loved ones with the intention of cultivating a genuine hygge moment.
Photo by Paula Bartosiewicz
