It’s that time of year again. The clocks have gone back an hour to remind us that winter is almost here and Christmas is very much around the corner. For many people, this means rushing around the shops trying to find the perfect Christmas gifts, but for others it means hosting parties and get-togethers. What better way to welcome your guests this year than by giving your home a seasonal makeover, adding some much-needed warmth to the chilly months? I love the Danish concept of hygge and tips on how to achieve this everywhere this year so why not embrace the trend and cosy up? I hope the tips in this post help to get you in the festive mood, even though it is only November..!
The trend I see in every interior design magazine and every homewares shop window these days is the Scandinavian trend. Think simple, rustic, cosy log cabins for this look; add some colour-coordinated fur throws and lavish rugs to your living area, and then swap your sleek metal and glass for some natural wood furnishings instead. This trend came about from embracing hygge, so it’s all about comfort and creating that tranquil, relaxed atmosphere that people crave from a holiday in the Alps this time of year. Hygge is about appreciating the good things in life with great company, in a warm and relaxed environment. Get the ambience right in your home and any guests who enter will never want to leave!
The Bathroom
It’s easier than you’d think to add some festive glamour to your bathroom this winter. While candles are a nice touch, people can worry about leaving them burning out of sight, so opt for some diffusers that are scented with cinnamon, winter berries, powerful frankincense and ginger for an instant Christmas ambience. You can add the traditional festive accessories too, such as miniature wreaths and so on, but it could be that you need to consider physically adding more warmth. Bathrooms need not be cold and clinical – why not consider installing a discreet heated towel rail beside your shower? Better Bathrooms do a wide selection that can either act as a design feature or complement your current bathroom design. There are some fantastic discounts during autumn too, so you might just bag yourself a bargain at this time of year. Find more ideas for creating a warm and festive feeling with my bathroom blog post from last Christmas.
The Garden
You might not think that the garden needs your attention during these seasons, but you’d be wrong. Whether it’s fireworks in the back-garden, or extra space for your New Year’s Eve bash, more and more people are choosing to wear a large blanket for a crisp, cool evening under the stars. So, why not make the most of this trend yourself, as well as the many sales and offers around at the moment, and pick up some heated lamps or a simple log-burning stove for outside? It provides a fantastic atmosphere for parties, and if you invest in some weather resistant furniture too, you’ll be spending most of your winter evenings on your new furniture with a glass of mulled wine in hand. You could also look at installing some better path lighting too, to help you until the lighter evenings of spring return.
Food and drink
Hygge isn’t just about creating a cosy feeling in your home, it’s also about sharing great food and drink with family and friends. Imagine a steaming cup of coffee, warming your hands around a bowl of soup, pouring tea from a pot and sharing a platter of food with your pals. And it doesn’t have to be a Danish dish to be hygge-esque; my ultimate comfort food is a gooey macaroni cheese, yum! And drinks-wise it’s got to be hot chocolate with a dollop of cream on top. Stock up on tea, coffee and hot chocolate (or mugs, pots and bowls to serve it in) to be ready for a hygge session whenever your friends pop round.
I hope you enjoyed this post and got some ideas for making your home and garden feel comfortable and cosy this winter – do you have any more design tips or hygge ideas? I’d love to hear them, so please share them in the comments below.
This article is a sponsored collaboration. The pink links in the content indicate a sponsored link or information source. The blog post reflects my own experience and the sponsor hasn’t had any control over my content 🙂
