-Chapter 2-
Following on from my previous entry, this post is going to delve a bit further into the art of hygge. Hygge is the Danish term used to describe a love of comfort, peace and happiness using the most basic of tools. Hygge (hue-guh) can be achieved through a variety of means, here’s more advice as to how hyggeligt your home can be.
Hygge Must Haves
Hyggekrog
A hyggekrog is an essential piece in the puzzle of creating hygge. Essentially, the hyggekrog is a space inside the home in which you feel most comfortable, a place you would sit and enjoy a coffee whilst looking out on the world. Many people place their hyggekrog in an area by a window. This space requires lots of blankets and cushions, your favourite books and a space to sit your coffee down while you relax. Not everyone will have access to such a space as unlike Denmark, UK homes don’t tend to be built around an ideal of comfort and hygge. However, find yourself a nook in your home and begin to associate it with all of the other hygge qualities you enjoy, and this will soon turn into your hyggekrog. Whether it is a certain spot on the sofa, or your very own deep windowsill, let this become your sanctuary.
Wood
Things made out of wood, to be precise. Wood has everything hygge requires, the smell of nature, the familiar rugged texture of the great outdoors and the rustic look that throws you into the outside world. There are loads of ideas you could use to bring wood into your home, anything from simplistic accessories to a more modern take; such as the goodies created by smuchdesign.
Books
There is nothing better on a rainy day than snuggling under a blanket with a cup of tea and a good book. Much like bringing wood into the home, the smell and sight of a book is considered the cornerstone of hygge. Try to incorporate books around your home, specially in with your hyggekrog to give it that added sense of peace. You never want to be too far away from a book when your having a hyggeligt time.
Blankets
It’s simple really. You want to be as comfortable as possible right? Crank that blanket game up to the max. And throw in a few cushions too. I don’t think I need a picture for this one but you’re having one anyway.
Unlike many other methods of living happy and healthy, hygge does not consider eating crap food and drinking alcohol to be a sin. In fact, to gain the most happiness and comfort out of hygge, it is recommended to take part in “pantry parties” and bonfires. This aspect of hygge is best served with a large side of friends!
The Pantry Party
This kind of party is all about the food. Invite a bunch of your bestest buds over for an evening of cooking and hygge! Everyone must bring ingredients to cook something with and you all spend the night cooking together and enjoying some of your favourite music. You could select a certain theme for the evening such as wintery foods (soups and casseroles) or even a curry evening where everyone cooks a different Indian dish. Wash all the good food down with a healthy glug of wine and enjoy the hygge-ness of the whole thing. You’re welcome.
Bonfire
Beer? Warm hands? Toasted marshmellows? Is there actually anything better than a bonfire? I certainly love them. Gathering a bunch of friends around the bonfire and cracking open a few beers is somewhere just short of heaven. Bonfires aren’t just for the later months of the year, you can throw a bonfire evening all year round. What are you waiting for? Get to it.
Keep your eyes peeled for the next chapter in this hygge journey.
L x
A Cerebral Antidote 