Today – A Very British Hygge
A Very British Hygge
With the cold weather around the corner, there is no better time to celebrate the Danish Hygge.
But wait a minute, we are in the UK!
Never fear, Everest have partnered with author Simon Sinclair to publish a book called “a Very British Hygge.”
This lovely little books shows how Everest give their own take on this concept with over 50 years of experience. You can pop over to Everest to read more about this as well as Everest’s top ten tips oh Hygge things to do (do a have a look they are all just scrumptious ideas!)
I have to tell you this little book A Very British Hygge really did give me the warm fuzzies and made me want to embrace Autumn rather than resisting it..which is how I had been feeling.
Let me tell you about it:
The book explains that Hygge is about getting pleasure from experiences rather than owning stuff .. so micro pleasures that allow you to shut out the world and enjoy the simple things. The Danes are obviously very good at this and are regularly named among the happiest of nations. It is time for us to pay attention!
The original word Hygge was described as the feeling you get own you find warmth, safety and shelter from a storm. I think of Hygge as a deep warm sigh. Sinclair describes British Hygge as cup of tea and cake with your mum or a glass of chilled wine in the garden with friends. It really can be very British!
Hygge can be summed up as that feeling that all is well with the world!
So how do we embrace Hygge in our home?
In terms of our home security is really important for a feeling of Hygge, as well as a feeling of warmth. Consequently our doors and windows really matter (hence Everest’s interest in all things Hygge!) You need to feel snuggly warm in winter to really feel comfortable and you need to know your home is safe!
One of my favourite concepts in the book is that of de-cluttering to achieve Hygge. I am a huge fan of decluttering and it’s a very Danish thing to do! But decluttering to the right degree is important, you will still always want mugs and chairs for your visitors so don’t get rid of everything.
I also love the idea of creating a Hyggekrog, a nook where you feel relaxed, secure and happy. This nook might be an armchair with a lamp and a pile of books nearby, or a wicker chair in an airy conservatory surrounded by green houseplants and white candles. Isn’t that just a lovely idea? I am definitely gong to make myself a nook.
The book also looks at Hygge through the seasons – it is certainly not just a cold weather concept.
What a happy little book, brim full of lovely ideas. I think we could all do with a bit of British Hygge. It has certainly cheered me up to read about it!
A Very British Hygge is a review post