Earlier in the week Jack Frost paid his first visit to our farm. Looking out over the frostbitten landscape, sipping a warm cup of tea, I felt a pang, an indescribable feeling bubbling in my stomach. Indescribable in good old english, my native tongue, but not so challenging for our Scandinavian friends in northern Europe. You see they have cleverly created a word for that bubbling pang in my stomach. That magical indescribable feeling was ‘Hygge’.
Hygge has become a buzzword of countless lifestyle bloggers in recent years. But what exactly is it? Firstly we probably should learn how to pronounce it. Repeat after me; “Hooo-ga”.
Hygge originated from Denmark as a way of essentially describing the feeling of total contentment and cosiness. Denmark is consistently ranked one of the happiest countries in the world, and with hygge a prominent fixture in a Danes daily life it’s easy to understand why.
Hygge focusses on creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere through often the most simple every day moments in life. Like that sip of warm tea, looking out onto frosty fields. That was pure hygge.
Top Tips to Embrace Hygge this Winter
With cold, dark days heading our way, the nip of the north wind biting, it’s time to get cosy and embrace all things hygge.
Moments of comfort and calm are yearned for this year more than ever so we have put together a few simple tips to add some hygge to your home this winter.
A Flicker of Candlelight
Resist the switch and embrace natural light. Take a moment to enjoy early dawn light casting long shadows against your walls, it will provide a hygge backdrop perfect to kickstart your day. If the light is too dim then candles are a must to create the ultimate feeling of hygge. Choose indulgent scents to gently waft in the background while you go about your day.
Cosy Up By the Fire
Cosy up by a roaring log fire, with a glass of delicious red wine. In order to make firelighting a stress free experience, try our sustainably sourced kiln-dried kindling and a couple of natural firelighters. You'll have warmth in a flash, and you'll get extra hygge points for treading lightly.
Comfort Food to Soothe
Indulge in hearty comfort food. Now is the time for bowls of warming and hearty food. Simple, rustic ingredients that will nourish you completely. Cuts like Osso Buco, Braising Beef and Confit Duck should feature on your menu. Nothing fancy, the simpler the better. Just lovingly prepared and stirred slowly. Explore a few of our hearty warming recipes below.
Slowly Braised Osso Buco with Squash Gnocchi
Oxtail Ragu with Rigatoni Pasta
Shop our range of slow cooked beef here.
Remember to Breathe Deep
Take time out. Get lost in a good book snuggled up in layers of your favourite blankets, go for a refreshing walk returning to your cosy home, or learn a new recipe taking time to carefully follow each instruction. Take a moment for yourself. Breathe it all in and bask in the feeling of hygge.
Slow Down and Take Stock
We've all faced ups and downs this year like never before. Finding comfort in simple moments has renewed meaning during uncertain times. It's time for us all to slow down, relish the small moments and embrace the quiet poetry of a flickering candle or a crack of the fire an ode to the winter.
