Homemade Hygge

Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is the most comforting word we know. It’s the Danish art of cosy living, and as winter draws in, it seems like the perfect excuse to disappear under a massive blanket and binge-watch a boxset.

Hygge is all about taking comfort from life’s simple pleasures: the homey smell of freshly baked bread, the crackle of a fire, the pitter-patter of rain against a window. It’s about contentment, surrounding yourself with loved ones and creating an atmosphere that promotes comfort and wellbeing.

We’ve rustled up a handy guide to homemade hygge, so you can embrace the little things and learn to love this cosy Danish lifestyle.

Light a candle

It’s so simple, it’s almost laughable. The soft glow of candlelight and the smell of spent matches on the air goes hand in hand with hygge. Pick scents with a warm palette like Cedarwood and Orange or Yuletide (made with a Christmassy blend of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, orange and pine), or spend a rainy afternoon making your own.

Call of the wild

Although you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise, hygge isn’t just about building an impenetrable nest of knitwear and hibernating until spring. Bundle up and head into the great outdoors: go to your local park, a nature reserve, or a wintry woodland for a brisk walk to clear the cobwebs. Collect sprigs of holly, pinecones and snowdrops to bring a hint of winter into your home.

Winter warmers

When there’s a nip in the air, there’s no better way to defrost than by wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of homemade tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Herbal teas like chamomile are perfect for destressing, and a cup of libido-boosting maca hot chocolate is great for warming yourselves up (in more ways than one).

Spice up your life

Our sense of smell is a powerful tool, and essential oils are excellent for boosting your home’s hygge. Try blends that have a spicy note like cinnamon, clove or ginger, and give them a lift with a cheeky drop of sweet orange oil. Outdoor scents like pine, cedarwood and eucalyptus are wonderfully uplifting, or try relaxing oils like lavender, geranium and chamomile for a good night’s sleep.

And remember: at the heart of hygge is simplicity, so every time you draw the curtains, light a candle or open a bottle of wine, embrace the season and call it hygge.