A hygge gathering is not the moment for a big blowout bash complete with ice sculptures and hors d'oeuvre passed around on silver platters. Entertaining the hygge way shouldn't feel like entertaining at all. The low-key approach is just-right for a small circle of friends or family sharing cozy food, drinks and chats.

Now's the time to pull out all your cozy blankets and any extra throw pillows. Redress the room so that it's comfy to curl up on the sofa, lay on the floor, sit around your coffee table — a completely relaxed atmosphere where every spot is snuggle-friendly.

Embrace hygge by filling your spaces with things you love. It's easy to add pieces of joy to our bedrooms and living rooms through beautiful artwork, cushy pillows and stacks of favorite books. But don't overlook your more functional spaces. In the kitchen, display gorgeous cutting boards, vases of flowers, bowls of fresh fruits and eye-catching cookware.

A stack of unsorted mail and a sink of dirty dishes are a surefire way to throw you and your guests out of the hygge mindset. Clear off your kitchen, dining and living surfaces so that you all can enjoy the evening without any visual clutter.