At-home hospitality is more than filling seats at a table — it is a craft, one that echoes warmth, comfort and connection. This is the essence of the Danish adjective hygge: moments that are as soulful as they are stylish. It is not about trends or perfection, but rather cultivating presence and joy by transforming everyday gatherings into timeless memories.

Alexandra Gove, co-owner of Hygge Life in EagleVail, Colorado, explains that creating this space invites guests to slow down, engage their senses and share in a story. She honed this approach while living in Europe in the 2010s with her now husband and business partner, Koen van Renswoude, who was raised in the Netherlands.

Gove has a rare gift for crafting a profound sense of contentment and coziness. With her intuitive eye for design, vast experience in the décor industry and intentional lifestyle, she has discovered tangible ways to set a community table.

Over two steaming cappuccinos at the cafe and shop, we explored six ways to spark light, indulgence and elegance in a way that invites guests and loved ones alike to linger in the magic of a moment.

CANDLELIGHT

It is only fitting to begin with candlelight, for “lighting the candle marks the beginning of this moment together,” Gove says.

Placing candles around the table sends the message that presence is upon us. Their warm glow softens the room, calms the nervous system and draws people into the shared space. The act of lighting the candle as a community is a deliberate pause for guests to immerse themselves in the intimacy and warmth of the gathering. In that gentle flicker, presence becomes the centerpiece.

Hygge Life has an array of scented and nonscented candles, including dinner, breakfast, taper and everyday varieties. Mountain Market and Supply in Eagle and The Belden Witch in Minturn both have beautifully scented candles made with clean ingredients from Colorado local artisans.

FLOWERS

When it comes to florals, seasonal awareness is key. Gove emphasizes that you don’t need an expensive bouquet to create beauty — sometimes a single flower in a vase is enough. For winter, she recommends whites and greens, and Vintage Magnolia in Edwards is a perfect place to find them. She also suggests clipping a sprig of pine to place in a vase or tie to napkins, adding a subtle, seasonal fragrance.

WINE

There is an element of indulgence to hygge. Think rich reds harmonizing with creamy cheeses, decadent desserts and the peaceful comfort of the snowfall outside. As you taste these simple, luxurious pleasures, you’re drawn into a slower rhythm, where every bite and sip draw you closer into the table and those around you.

The Drunken Goat in Edwards has a gorgeous selection of vino and cheeses. Take a short jaunt to Hovey & Harrison, a couple of doors down, to purchase homemade baked goods and breads.

MUSIC

The key to a perfect playlist is one that puts the table to ease, not asleep.

“We don’t want the music to take over the dinner and connection,” Gove says. “We want it to add to the ambience but not compete or take away from the conversation.”

Violinists are a great choice because the sound often follows the flow of the evening. Gove advises to think of the music ahead of time; it is a part of the menu.

SEATING

Seating goes beyond the look of a dining chair. It is important for these seats to be plenty comfortable for guests and yourself to linger in for long periods of time.

Accompanying tactile elements go a long way. Sheepskins and wool blankets do more than take the bite out of the winter air. “Visually seeing those warm textures make you feel warm, cozy and comfortable,” Gove explains. “Even seeing a basket of blankets exploding gives that sense of warmth even if it is not wrapped around you.”

SPECIAL TOUCHES

These are surprises with personality, and there is no wrong way to show friends and family that you care. Gove offers many creative ideas to add a special touch: signature cocktails, handwritten menus, slippers at the front door, a dessert relocation or everyone lighting candles simultaneously.

No matter what came before everyone sat down at the table or what follows when the guests return home, it’s important to remember that you have the opportunity to facilitate connections that outlive an evening.

“The moment you just had, those moments of kinship, that is what makes a fulfilling, rich life,” Gove says. “Those are the moments you feel so content and at ease, where you don’t want to be anywhere else but here.”

Originally published in the winter 2025-26 issue of Spoke+Blossom.

The Art Of The Community Table: 6 Ways To Craft Cozy, Timeless Gatherings