50 Ways To Live a Charming European Inspired Lifestyle
Get the cozy, relaxed vibes of a European lifestyle right where you are with these 50+ totally doable ideas. Think of morning coffee rituals, fresh bread, and even at-home wine tastings to sprinkle your days with a bit of that vacation magic; no passport needed!
Embracing a cozy, relaxing European-esque lifestyle doesn’t require living abroad or even possessing a passport.
Even with the time constraints that come with the hustle and bustle of a busy life, small and deliberate choices can transport you to the quaint lifestyle of many European nations right from the comfort of your own surroundings.
From savoring the perfect cup of coffee to indulging in the simplicity of fresh local produce, there are a number of ways you can take steps towards a more relaxed, enriching, and cozy lifestyle.
Here are 50+ ways you can infuse your days with a touch of European charm:
- Begin your day slowly, savoring a froth cappuccino or cup of coffee made with the best beans you can find.
- Dedicate a few moments each morning to jotting your thoughts down in a beautiful journal with thick, high-quality paper.
- Bake or buy fresh bread regularly, a la the French practice of purchasing a daily baguette.
- Regularly buy fresh flowers to brighten your home, mimicking regular European market visits.
- Pause for an afternoon tea, selecting a special blend to enjoy.
- Grow a small herb garden and use fresh herbs in your cooking.
- Pack a simple picnic and enjoy it outdoors.
- Add the farmers’ market to your regular grocery routine, selecting fresh seasonal produce and other locally made goodies.
- Dine by candlelight, even on weeknights, while slowing down and savoring your meal.
- Host a wine tasting at home, exploring wines from different European regions. Start a wine diary, noting your impressions of each wine.
- Dedicate time each week to enjoy art, even if it’s just through books or virtual museum tours.
- Read classics from European authors, immersing yourself in their worlds.
- Institute “Slow Cooking Sundays” by preparing slow-cooked meals and enjoying the process as much as the meal itself.
- Send handwritten notes to friends, reviving the lost art of letter writing.
- Take leisurely bike rides. Look at/embrace your neighborhood with fresh eyes by really paying attention to landscaping and architecture.
- Dedicate a few minutes each day to learning a new European language – even if it’s just enough to pronounce the menu options at your favorite French or Italian restaurant correctly.
- Play opera or classical music in your home as you cook, clean, or relax with a lovely beverage of your choice.
- Hunt for treasures at local thrift shops, flea markets, or online markets.
- Enjoy a simple cheese and charcuterie board.
- Host movie nights featuring European films or documentaries.
- Take walks without looking at or listening to your phone, observing your surroundings with intention.
- Spend a slow morning at a local café, people-watching or reading.
- If you have a balcony or patio, enjoy a leisurely breakfast outside.
- Create a lovely spa experience at home with a warm bath and facial.
- Experiment with creating delicious dishes from different European countries.
- Learn to knit or crochet, making cozy items for your home.
- Try your hand at making pasta from scratch.
- Take a cue from the French and cultivate a small potager (kitchen garden) filled with fruits, veggies, and herbs.
- Be a tourist in your own city, exploring new neighborhoods and museums.
- Curate a classic wardrobe, focusing on quality over quantity.
- Bake traditional European pastries or desserts for a special weekend treat.
- Spend quiet time reading poetry or find a local poetry reading to attend.
- Decorate your home with natural, seasonal items as you embrace the changing weather.
- Start a sourdough culture and begin making your own sourdough bread.
- Carry a sketchbook around with you and sketch your surroundings, capturing everyday moments.
- Incorporate antique or vintage furniture or décor into your home for added character.
- Spend time stargazing and appreciate the night sky’s beauty.
- Attend local concerts or plays, appreciating the artistic endeavors of your local region.
- Visit craft fairs and markets and support local artisans.
- Embrace the level of minimalism you are comfortable with, creating serene and uncluttered spaces.
- Participate in creative workshops or classes, learning new skills or creating art.
- Learn how to preserve or can seasonal fruits and vegetables so you can enjoy them all year long.
- Take nature hikes, appreciating the landscape and solitude.
- Make a simple homemade jam or marmalade from ripe, seasonal fruits.
- Take your camera on walks, capturing moments and scenes. Print a few out periodically and add them to your journal.
- Take a local cooking class that focuses on a European style of cooking you’re interested in learning more about, such as an artisan bread-making course learning traditional methods.
- Seek out artisanal food and delicacies, savoring their quality.
- Learn basic sewing — mending your own clothes, or creating simple items.
- Attend cultural festivals or events.
- Spend time wandering a local botanical garden, enjoying the beauty and tranquility.
- Take up yoga, or just begin or end your day with simple stretching.
- Master the art of making homemade pasta sauce from scratch.
- Practice slow eating, focusing on the flavors and textures of your food.
- Make your own simple beauty products, such as infused bath salts, which smell divine and couldn’t be easier to make at home.
Living a cozy, relaxing, European-inspired lifestyle is less about where you’re located and more about how you choose to live. Even amidst a busy lifestyle, incorporating some simple pleasures can bring more tranquility into your life.
