Carsten Levisen asked me if I thought the appetite for hygge in Britain was partly about a fantasy of what Britain might have become, if it had had the chance: Denmark as a kind of alternative, but squandered, possible future. Perhaps, but if he is right, it would be a wonderful contradiction. When Britons are asked whether they want a stronger welfare state and more equality – the basics of a more hyggelig life – they tend to vote “no” pretty hard. Britain is hungry for the accoutrements of hygge, but not the costs – such as high taxation – that come with it.

Find out more about: 16 Most Impressive Fjords of Denmark (That You Need to Visit) What are examples of hygge? At the heart of hygge is a willingness to set aside time for simply being with people, and, ideally, having all the time in the world for them.”– Louise Thomsen Brits, The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well I don’t have a reindeer hide, but I did receive an electric warming throw for Christmas. I cranked up the heat and toasted myself underneath like a HoneyBaked Ham. This, paired with a book and blank to-do list, felt like I’d won the lottery. And nothin' but loungewear.Your friends will enjoy soaking up the calm and ambiance in your home with the enchantment created by candles, tea lights or oil lamps, winter decorations, and comradery. Hygge Winter Indoor Activities: Think about activities you can do together such as having board games to hand or a shelf with movies on for you all to enjoy together.

They contain the necessary amount of elastane and nylon to make them last. 45% Baby Alpaca Wool, 40% Acrylic, 15 % Nylon.You aren’t going to escape winter any time soon unless you plan to move to a tropical climate, so try to enjoy winter hygge instead. Fun Fact: Did you know that Denmark is one of the world’s largest consumers of candles per capita, with many residents burning candles every day. Meik Wiking, an acclaimed author and happiness researcher, calls candles “instant hygge.” Bonus: Make your own beeswax candles! When you’re in a hygge mood, you’re all about indulging in the little things that bring you joy, whether that’s taking a long bath, lighting candles, or spending time with your loved ones. It’s about embracing the present moment and finding pleasure in the simple things in life.

The Danes do it so well by using a mixture of materials to add interest to a relatively minimalist scheme. It was actually quite reassuring,” Robertson told me – because it meant hygge was definitely “a thing”. (Abrahams interviewed Meik Wiking for her book while he was working on his, The Little Book of Hygge, though he didn’t let on.) The first volume to come out, in August, was Louisa Thomsen Brits’s The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well, published by Ebury, which is also part of Penguin Random House.When you’re looking to make your home more welcoming, remember that the most important factor is the people who live in it. I’m happy with either reason but definitely excited to help you with the second. It just takes a little patience and practice, a tweak in your state of mind, and just like getting the clutter out of your life, it is a journey.

One morning in October, I walked around John Lewis’s London flagship store with Philippa Prinsloo, its head of design: we ran our hands over fake-fur throws and hot-water bottles, felt the nub of Scottish woollen blankets, admired hyggelig tableware that favoured sharing and simplicity. The theme of the homeware displays was, she said, “winter warmth. Making sure things are ready to cosy down.” An early adopter, the store first promoted hygge as a theme last autumn (“we should have done it again this year,” said Prinsloo). Will hygge last, I asked her? Will it be more than a flash in the plan? “Oh yes, definitely. People really want it and need it at the moment.” Bring nature into your home to add to textural decor and furnishings. Live plants create a feeling of wellness and calm and offer a sense of accomplishment when they thrive. And, of course, they take in carbon dioxide and provide your home with oxygen throughout the day. Seating

First, it's important to create the perfect hygge environment.

So whether you’re a longtime hygge fan or you’re just discovering the joys of coziness and contentment, there’s something about hygge that speaks to all of us. And that, my friend, is why it’s so popular! What is the hygge lifestyle? Another reason hygge is important is that it helps us to appreciate the present moment. So often we’re focused on what’s coming up next, or what we need to do, or what we’re worried about. Hygge encourages us to just be in the moment, to savor the little things, and to find contentment in the present. First and foremost, hygge is all about finding comfort and coziness in the little things. When we’re surrounded by soft blankets, warm lighting, and our favorite foods and drinks, we can’t help but feel happy and content. It’s like a big warm hug for our souls! There are so many ways to create a cozy and contented atmosphere, but here are a few of my favorite ideas: