Is your home hygge?

Hygge is a word that refers to cosy at home or comfortable at home, and we could all do with a bit of hygge!

 

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With winter chills already in the air, this is the perfect time to incorporate the art of hygge. It's all about chunky sweaters, knitted socks, cuddling under a blanket with hot toddies while surrounded by the light of a crackling fire and flickering of scented - vanilla or cinnamon - candles.

If there is one thing that the Danes excel at above all else, it's staying warm and comfortable and still managing to be a global trend setter. This year, it seems that hygge (pronounced hooga) is trending, as countries look to embrace hygge in their life and their home. And perhaps that's why they are the happiest people in the world, so let's all bring a touch of hygge to our homes - it's easy to embrace the philosophy of hygge with a few tweaks here and there.

zandart.com

Hygge is more a lifestyle than anything else; it's a way of relaxing with family and friends or surrounding yourself with things that make you feel good. This winter, fill your home with warmth and texture and snuggle up with your family.  The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Family and friends are hygge too. And there's nothing more hygge than sitting round a table with friends to share a meal or good conversation.  

During the winter months the Danes have up to 17 hours darkness per day and an average temperatures around 0°. This is when people take to their homes, meaning there's greater focus on home entertaining.

"The rest of the world seems to be catching on to what Danes have been wise to for generations - that having a relaxed, cosy time with friends and family, often with coffee and cake, can be good for the soul."

Helen Russell, author of The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country.

 

 

Bring scented candles into the home, lots of them! They might not help you feel warm on the outside, but you will feel it on the inside. Place candles on shelves or sideboard out of reach of children where you can still enjoy the atmosphere they add to a room.

idealhome.co.uk

 Danish Hygge has become something of a seasonal winter obsession, bringing forth an endless array of cosy vignettes, replete with chunky blankets, hot toddies, scented candles, warm wood accents, and loads of all-around homespun goodness.

Fill your living room with textural cushions, thick-pile rugs and luxurious chenille or faux fur throw blankets - and snuggle up.

therugseller.co.uk

Don't let winter drive you indoors. If you don't already have a fire pit, perhaps it's time to plan and build one. There's nothing more hygge than inviting friends around for mulled wine and an evening of fun conversation around a flickering fire. Alternatively, fire up the braai and snuggle around the flames!

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