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Honey, I’m Home: My Time with a Host Family in Denmark
There’s an image in my mind of what I want “home” to look like. I’m grateful, because much of the inspiration for that vision stems from the version of home my family provided for me growing up. But as I’ve gotten older and encountered new people, places, and cultures, I’ve inevitably absorbed new ideas along the way. With each experience, my vision of “home” becomes more and more specific.
For me, that vision was shaped most profoundly during my time in Denmark, where I had the opportunity to stay with a host family and fully immerse myself in their lifestyle. By the end of it all, I walked away with a long list of qualities I hope to carry into my own life and home — all gleaned from my two wonderful hosts, Inger and Ib.
Perhaps my favorite thing about both of them is their sense of wonder for their community and environment. They make it look effortless to “stop and smell the roses” (quite literally, at times) and to appreciate what’s around them. Speaking of flowers, they’re the ones who introduced me to the concept of “rewilding”: a conservation effort to restore ecosystems, promote natural growth, and “let the wildflowers take over,” as Inger says. As she explained it, I realized her phrase was the perfect metaphor for life itself — let nature run its course, and trust that even the “imperfections” can be beautiful.
The best part, though, was that many of their neighbors had embraced this “rewilding” philosophy too, and the whole street looked like an explosion of tall grass and delicate blooms. I couldn’t help but laugh, knowing American HOAs would never entertain such an idea — but don’t get me started on HOAs!
As conservationists, Inger and Ib spent a lot of time outdoors, and during my stay, I tagged right along with them. We explored gardens, forests, coastlines, and everything in between. The natural beauty of Denmark is truly mesmerizing, especially in and around the town of Odder, where they reside. So if you love outdoor activities like the three of us, you’re sure to find something there to fall in love with, too.
And speaking of outdoor activities, another thing I deeply admired about the Danes was their love of cycling. You’d be hard-pressed to find a local without a bike, and Inger and Ib were no exception. Cycling wasn’t just popular in Odder — it was a way of life in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and every other Danish city we visited. What stood out most was how genuine it felt. Unlike in the U.S., where biking often seems tied to fitness goals or closing rings, in Denmark it’s simply about joy and convenience. Many prefer it as their primary form of transportation. To say I felt like I had found my people is an understatement!
When we weren’t outside, we were often gathered in the kitchen and dining area — what many call the heart of the home. There, I tried Danish staples like leverpostej, a liver spread served on bread. I’ll be honest: that was a one-and-done for me. But other dishes more than made up for it, like Ib’s elderberry pancakes and the famous Danish strawberries that just happened to be in peak season when I arrived — and thank goodness, because they were delicious!
But even more important to the Danes than the meal itself is the atmosphere and the company. The Danish word “hygge” is a valuable part of their vocabulary and is used often. Loosely translated, it refers to feelings of coziness, contentment, and conviviality. Well, they’ve certainly mastered that! This became especially clear when Ib took me to a nearby community where the residents gather for family-style meals each night. As we stepped into the entryway, shoes (mostly Birkenstocks) were scattered everywhere. It felt like walking into a joyful, intimate hippie village, but it really started to feel magical as we entered through the second doorway to the dining room.
Here, my eyes immediately went to the high vaulted ceiling where more than two dozen white lanterns of various shapes and sizes hung overhead — after all, lighting is essential to proper hygge. While I was taking it all in, Ib was warmly greeting his neighbors and friends, who promptly got up from the table and came over to hug him and introduce themselves to me. What followed was an evening full of conversation with locals, touring beautiful homes, hearing their stories, and soaking in their way of life. It was eye-opening in the best way, and I’ll always be grateful for the kindness I experienced that night in Odder.
Back at Inger and Ib’s, though, the room I loved most wasn’t the kitchen or the dining area — it was Inger’s art studio. I still dream about that little second-floor room overlooking the backyard gardens, filled with canvases and splashes of color. While traditional Scandinavian design tends to be minimalist and neutral, this room broke all the rules — and it was awesome! Hearing Inger describe the space as her safe haven, where she could decompress, let loose, and create without worrying about perfection, was a beautiful reminder of how life should be: colorful, a little messy, and one big experiment.
So what does “home” feel like for me now, after Denmark? In many ways, I want home to look a bit like rewilding. To find comfort in the chaos, the imperfections, the quirks. To let things unfold naturally, the way they’re meant to. I want color and a little bit of mess. Give me shoes piled at the door, wildflowers in the garden, and faint tire tracks in the lawn from bicycles. Give me sticky counters from elderberry pancakes, paint-stained clothes, and homemade art on the walls. At the end of the day, I hope to foster an environment filled with a whole lot of hygge! After all, it’s not a bad idea to try to emulate the practices of one of the happiest countries in the world, right?
Hoping this inspires you to seek hygge for you and your family!
Until next time,
Anabel
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