While the concept of hygge heated up four or five years ago— and hasn’t been heard from much since then — the act of creating a warm and cozy atmosphere never goes out of style, especially while the temperature continues to be frigid. And with so many of us working from home, a sense of comfort is that much more important. We’ve scoured the shops and makers in the Rural Intelligence region to find items that will  help you make it through — and get some satisfaction out of— this time of year. All — except the pug — are available as mail order, so you don’t even have to brave the temps to fetch them yourself.

The Super Power of a Cape

Whether you’re going out or staying in (we opt for the latter), Hammertown in Rhinebeck, Pine Plains and Great Barrington wants you to do it in style. Part sweater jacket, part blanket, this shearling cape cardigan is a one-size-fits-all hug of acrylic/polyester/spandex, available in camel or ivory. Regularly $80, it’s on sale right now. In fact, all of Hammertown’s sweaters are 20% off until the end of January. Just so you know.

Catch a Throw

MacKimmie Co. in Lenox is “all about cozy textiles,” says store owner Doris Barsauskas. Popular with her customers are Wallace Sewell’s eye-catching throws woven in the softest merino lambswool yarns. The Sewell company is known for its unique color combinations and designs. Shown above: Florence Dark Green, Wollstonecraft Pinstripe, Feilden Block, and Cecil, $480 each. You won’t find these on MacKimmie’s website (they come in and go out so fast), but you can call the store and place your order. (413) 637-9060.

Seriously Warm Socks

Now that you’ve warmed both your top and bottom halves, there’s just one part of you left to keep warm: your feet. Fluff Alpaca in Great Barrington keeps them covered with its Fluff Taconic socks. Once you go alpaca, you never go back, says Suzanne Werner, whose family raises alpacas at their farm, Green River Hollow in Hillsdale. These unisex socks, created from the softest alpaca fiber, are guaranteed to keep your toes toasty, whether you sitting by the fire or braving the elements. Available in denim and black, $25.

Good Gut Feelings

Let’s not forget about warming your innards. For that, we recommend Shire City Herbal’s Fire Cider, a gut-health “superfood” crafted in the Berkshires, now with an entire line of apple cider vinegar-based tonics. The ACV is infused with natural compounds and vitamins — roots, fruits, spices — adding up to a kick you’ll feel going down. You can take it as a shot, mixed in with a beverage of your choice, or use it to spice up a favorite recipe. Shire City Herbals calls it a “daily shot of wellness,” which sounds seems particularly welcoming in this time and place. Bottles start at $12.99.

Cinnamon-spiced Serenity

And finally, there’s nothing like a cup of tea to nurture a feeling of well being. And how lucky are we that we have one of the world’s foremost tea makers right in our region? Harney Tea, in Millerton offers over 300 varieties, but its most popular flavored tea worldwide is Hot Cinnamon Spice, which founder John Harney developed in the beginning of the 1980s. It’s spicy, citrusy and sweet (but contains no sugar; the sweetness comes from the cinnamon). The original black tea version is available in sachet teabag and loose forms. There’s also a green tea version, or an herbal alternative  if you prefer your hygge moments to be noncaffeinated. Prices vary, but a box of 50 teabags is $13.

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Written by
Lisa Green