Group Hygge

It's Time For Cozy

With the days growing shorter and the holidays quickly approaching, your work-life juggle is probably shifting into overdrive. So, perhaps it's time to take a page from the Danes' playbook. According to Denmark's tourism site, hygge(“hoo-gah”) is described as "protected time from the outside world." Dating back to the 1800s, it's a time when people gather informally—whether with close friends, family, or alone—to unwind, slow down, and enjoy quiet moments. These moments might include savoring a comforting meal, reading, reflecting, or engaging in deeper conversations about life’s joys and mysteries.

Personally, I’m already feeling the crunch of the year’s end. With Thanksgiving and Christmas plans on the horizon, work travel, and the final push to help our clients gain the exposure they need for holiday shopping, it’s been a hectic stretch. That’s why now feels like the perfect time to remind both myself and you: Quiet, cozy moments are not just a luxury—they’re a necessity, and they’re good for your health.

Let’s Get Hygge

For the ultimate hygge night, here are a few guidelines from Calm to help you get started.

1. Keep things simple.

2. Value the time you have with people you care about.

3. Find your special, cozy spot.

4. Enjoy the here and now.

5. Turn down the bright lights and enjoy low light or candlelight.

6. Take a break from the digital world by switching off screens and devices.

7. Relish activities that make you feel relaxed and at home.

8. Get outside and connect with nature.

9. Make sure to do nice things for yourself regularly.

10. Lastly, remember to appreciate the little things that make everyday life special.

Cozy Favorites To Inspire

My favorite sweatshirts are from Rachel Comey. Loving this cozy Boden sweater.

Antipast socks are as gorgeous as they are comfy. The perfect Muk Luks slippers - the open toe keeps your feet warm without overheating, even on cold days.

An heirloom Hermès blanket. I just took a nap with this Jonathan Adler blanket today! This blanket has become a go-to for gift giving.

I love this small 8” Audo portable 3-setting lamp for any room in the house. Puzzles are a staple in our house and a perfect way to unwind and connect with others. My daughter, Willa, and I just finished this Cavallini butterfly puzzle.

Custom tea blends from Tay Tea are always in our house. I drink the Saba jasmine green tea every single morning - a perfect way to start the day.

Comfort Food

Living in San Francisco in my late 20s, I was constantly inspired by the high-quality foods I found at the Ferry Building farmers' market, in local restaurants, and on grocery store shelves. My dear friend and work colleague, Rachael, was an incredible cook. She’d often show up to work with leftovers that made everyone jealous. One day, she agreed to teach me how to elevate my cooking skills, so after work, we hit the Whole Foods and then walked to her apartment to make dinner together.

The dish she taught me that night? A simple yet flavorfully complex bolognese. It’s a recipe I’ve been making regularly for the past 20+ years on nights when we crave a cozy, comforting meal. I hope you try it on one of your hygge nights!

Rachael Shander’s Simple Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 4 oz pancetta, diced

• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced

• 1 celery stalk, diced

• 1/2 lb ground beef

• 1/2 lb ground pork/veal

• Salt (kosher or sea salt), to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup Vermouth (or dry white wine)

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes

• Fresh pasta (such as tagliatelle or pappardelle), for serving

• Fresh Parmesan cheese, for serving

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Aromatics:
   In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced pancetta, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and the pancetta is browned, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the Vegetables:
   Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Brown the Meat:
   Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, then increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and ground pork to the empty side of the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Season liberally with salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is fully browned, about 10 minutes.

4. Add Vermouth and Milk:
   Pour in the Vermouth (or dry white wine), stirring to deglaze the pan. Let the liquid cook off, which should take about 15 minutes. Next, stir in the milk and ground nutmeg. Let the milk cook down until it has mostly evaporated, about 10 minutes.

5. Add Tomatoes:
   While the milk is cooking down, open the can of tomatoes. De-stem and hand crush the whole tomatoes by hand. Add the crushed tomatoes (with juices) to the pan with the meat mixture. Stir to combine.

6. Simmer the Sauce:
   Season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.

7. Serve:
   Serve the bolognese sauce over freshly cooked pasta (such as tagliatelle or pappardelle). Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves.

Tip:
This bolognese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully, so you can make a double batch and save some for later!

This small Champlain salad/pasta bowl from Andrew Pearce is my favorite way to serve pasta. Handmade in Vermont, these bowls will become your go-to everyday. And yes, Andrew is part of the Simon Pearce family! I highly recommend visiting both Andrew Pearce and Simon Pearce if you’re ever near Quechee, Vermont.