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Embracing Friluftsliv This Winter

Make your outdoor space cozy and warm by channeling this Norwegian concept

By Sydni Ellis

Flickering fire pits. Unbelievably soft blankets. Illuminating lanterns and pretty hanging lights warming the cold night air. Patios can be so romantic, especially during the frigid winter temperatures!

Remember hygge, the Danish word for all things cozy? This year, Etsy predicted a new trend taking over: the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv (pronounced free-loofts-liv). According to National Geographic, friluftsliv means committing to “celebrating time outdoors, no matter the weather forecast”, and when it’s cool outside, the best way to enjoy fresh air is by making your backyard a warm, inviting place to spend time.

Sydni Ellis loves talking about her passions: writing, shopping, and reading all things spooky and/or swoony. Follow her on Twitter @sydnimellis to see her latest stories — and 500+ pictures of her two blonde babies.

Follow these tips to add a little friluftsliv into your outdoor space.

Seating Area Relax with a cup of coffee and a good book on this Devoko Patio Furniture Set ($450) from Amazon. The pretty light pink cushions are made with a thick, water-resistant fabric that will hold up in a cold Indiana winter. The durable set comes with two corner chairs and one armless chair as well as a glass coffee table that can be rearranged to fit your needs.

To help keep your feet warm, add an outdoor rug to the concrete or deck. The Junie Black Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug ($135) is a fantastic choice. The rug measuring 7’ 10” x 10’ 2” features a black and white geometric striped pattern that will go perfectly with any outdoor style.

Cozy Touches Create a soft glow on your patio by hanging up these Solar LED String Lights ($100) from West Elm. These pretty lights will soak up the sun during the day, allowing them to shine brightly in the evenings. You can also add patio lanterns, like the Caleb Handcrafted Metal Indoor/Outdoor Lanterns ($99 for the 21.5” ones) from Pottery Barn.

Next, cuddle up with the softest pillows imaginable when you cover your outdoor pillows with the Luxe Faux Fur Pillow Covers ($56 each) from Pottery Barn. The plush covers come in five shades of neutral, each fluffy and perfect for snuggling up with in the cold. Since these aren’t technically outdoor pillows, they should be brought outside only when you are planning to use them.

Finally, hang up a piece of Norwegian Art ($5) from Swiftand Sycamore on Etsy to complete your cozy outdoor area. She has one that says “friluftsliv” and features a pretty mountain scene with a setting sun. Plus, it makes for a great conversation starter as you explain your new life motto to everyone. Outdoor Heat You can’t genuinely enjoy friluftsliv in the winter if you are freezing! Combat this by adding a fire pit. The Legacy Heating Square Fire Table ($150) is a nice option from Target. This all-black, wicker-looking fire table fits a standard 20-pound gas tank. All you need now are the marshmallows and chocolate!

For those bitterly cold, mid-winter evenings when perhaps just a firepit won’t do, put up the Heat Storm HS-1500-TT Infrared heater ($101) from Amazon. This weatherproof heater sits on a tripod and heats patios, balconies and garages.