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What is hygge? -

According to the Danish tourism board, "hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people." Perfect for fall!

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A warm hug of a word -

The Danish word hygge (pronounced more like hoo-gah than 'higgy') has its roots in ancient Norse, and the word hugga, meaning to comfort or console. The English word "hug" is thought to stem from the same word.

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Lighting is key -

The Scandinavians coast through their cold, dark winters by making sure everything is as warm and cozy indoors as possible. There's no room for harsh lighting or stripped-down decor: think soft bulbs, twinkling fairy lights, and flickering candles.

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Stock up on candles -

The Danish love to light candles, and that soft candlelight glow is an essential part of creating a hygge home. Whether gently-fragranced or unscented, candles in all shapes and sizes will help create that cozy ambience.

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Curl up with a book -

Curling up with a good book is a key part of the hygge experience. You'll need to make sure you have enough light to read by, so wall lamps, table lamps, and floor lamps all come into their own.

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Hygge reading lights -

Hygge lighting needn't be expensive: switching off the overhead lighting and adding simple table lights in natural materials and muted colors can be all it takes.

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Cozy bedtimes -

The same goes for the bedroom: trade the blue light glare of your screen for a warm reading light and a stack of good books.

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Embrace the change of seasons -

It's possible to feel hygge in the summertime, but the concept really hits home in the fall and winter. Instead of thinking back wistfully on your summer vacation, embrace the change of seasons and use found objects like pine cones as additions to your hygge home decor.

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Get hygge outdoors -

You can get hygge in the great outdoors, too. Wrap up warm on a fall afternoon to sit for a while, enjoy something warm and comforting to eat and drink, and take in the colors and scents of the season.

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Outdoor lighting -

If you have outdoor space, you can make that hygge too: strings of weatherproof lights, candles, and comfy blankets are perfect for enjoying a warm drink on a fall evening.

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Hygge picnics -

Golden autumn days are perfect for hikes and picnics. Whether you're with loved ones or just enjoying blissful solitude, you can pack treats and hot drinks for a day out in the countryside. Comfy picnic blanket essential!

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Hygge kids -

Hygge is a lovely concept for kids: after all, what's better than feeling warm, snuggly, and safe when it's bitter cold outside? Adding little kid-friendly touches to your seasonal hygge overhaul can make it extra fun.

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Hygge spaces for kids -

Most children love a playhouse or indoor tent, and a few fairy lights, warm blankets, and fluffy cushions will give them their own hygge space to call their own.

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Hygge spaces for kids -

Make their space cozy enough, and they might even want to use it for sleepovers with siblings or friends.

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Take time to relax -

The hygge concept is all about doing the things that make you feel warm inside, and switching off from the things that make you anxious or stressed. Have a weekend lie-in, turn the phone off, and just take a moment to think about what you want to do rather than what you feel you have to do.

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Hygge treats -

A bleak Danish winter is no time for self-denial. Hygge makes plenty of room for indulgences and little treats, which should be savored mindfully for the full benefit.

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Fall scents and flavors -

The scent of home baking, with plenty of seasonal spice, is rich in hygge goodness. If you enjoy cooking up treats in the kitchen, clear the kitchen space, relax, and make it an unrushed, pleasurable experience.

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Warm apple cider -

Apples aren't just for baking: swap your summer cider for spiced, warm cider for a hygge drink to warm a chilled evening.

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Seasonal drinks -

Sangria is all well and good in the heat of summer, but Danish gløgg hits the spot on a chilly evening. Essentially mulled wine with an extra kick of spirits and added almonds, raisins, and other flavors, it's not hard to whip up at home.

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Hygge ginger cookies -

What better to enjoy with your hot, spiced punch than delicious Danish ginger cookies? Known as brunkager, these traditional treats are packed with cinnamon, spice, and all things nice.

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Hygge desserts -

Like rice pudding with an extra dash of decadence, risalamande is made with heavy cream, almonds, and vanilla, all topped with warm cherry sauce. It's a traditional Christmas dessert in Denmark, but makes for a fine hygge treat whenever the temperatures start to drop.

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Find your own hygge -

Hygge can mean surrounding yourself with friends and laughter, or it can mean taking time out from socializing to just enjoy time on your own doing as little as you please.

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Hygge bath time -

Taking time out for a long soak in the tub is a wonderful way to relax and unwind, hygge style.

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Hygge bath time -

For the ultimate indulgent hygge bath, you'll need candles, your favorite bubble bath or bath salts, and an over-bath tray to hold books, drinks, and other treats.

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Embrace muted colors -

If your decor is all about bright, bold colors, there's no need to overhaul the house to make it hygge. Try to find nooks and corners that you can fill with relaxing chairs, soft candles, and warm blankets in calming neutrals.

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Be more feline -

With their constant napping, love of treats, do-as-they-please attitude, and penchant for cuddles, cats are naturally hygge. Channel your inner feline for lots of delicious stretching and the odd cozy catnap.

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Take your time -

The essence of hygge is enjoying the pleasure of the moment. Stop rushing, enjoy your day off with a coffee and a candle, and cozy up in bed or on the sofa. Make the little things special.

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Dog days -

Dog people can extend their hygge habits to their furry best friends. Think long walks through thick autumn leaves, a new blanket for the dog bed, and extra time for cuddles. Dogs might not know what hygge is, but they're sure to appreciate it!

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Roaring fires -

There's perhaps nothing more hygge than a roaring fire, a hot drink, and a comfy blanket on a cold night.

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Hygge heating -

But you don't need to have a rustic Scandinavian wood burner or traditional fireplace to enjoy the hygge experience. As long as you are toasty warm and surrounded by things that make you happy, you have a hygge home.

Sources: (Scandification) (Visit Denmark)

See also: Tuck into these cozy fall dishes

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