Hygge, pronounced 'hue-gah', is not a new concept but a simple universal practice that has been around since probably the beginning of time. In short, hygge is a Danish word that means coziness, togetherness, the enjoyment of simple pleasures and intimate moments. In recent years the concept has exploded all over the world but really, it's something that we all experience and already know - the Danes just put a great word to it!

During our travels in The Netherlands this summer we discovered that the Dutch have their own equivalent word; gezellig. Gezellig oozes out of almost every street corner, canal bridge, cafe, bar and home in Amsterdam and the more we experience gezellig or hygge, the more we come to realise what it really is; a feeling.

'Hygge is a quality of presence and an experience of togetherness. It is a feeling of being warm, safe, comforted and sheltered.' Louisa Thomson Brits

Hygge happens on a lazy Sunday morning as you prepare fresh coffee and pancakes for yourself/your partner/your family.

Hygge happens as you lay on the sand on the beach in the late afternoon with your girl friend and feel the salty breeze through your hair.

Hygge happens when you come in contact with an object that is hand made, or of old age, or an object with a story to tell, like your grandmothers old armchair, or a hand-knitted jumper she made for you when you were 5.

Hygge happens when you are sitting outside on a breezy summer evening on those white 'Lordos' plastic chairs with your family enjoying some home made souvlaki and a glass of wine.

Hygge happens round a table of beautifully cooked food that's all home made and hand picked.

Hygge can happen anywhere, at any time, the secret lies in bringing presence to your daily life and daily actions in order to not miss it.

'The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life' - William Morris