Hoogly Blogs / alfresco dining

Autumn Hygge and the Comfort of Tea

Autumn Hygge and the Comfort of Tea

When the air turns crisp and the leaves paint the world in shades of gold and amber, autumn invites us to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. This is the season of Hygge—the Danish art of coziness, warmth, and contentment. And nothing embodies that spirit better than a steaming cup of tea.

The Essence of Hygge in Autumn

Hygge is not about buying things; it’s about creating moments. Autumn naturally lends itself to this practice:

  • A blanket wrapped around your shoulders as rain taps against the window.

  • Candles flickering in the evening, casting a soft glow.

  • A quiet hour spent with a book while the kettle hums in the background.

It’s the season of comfort, of slowing down after summer’s rush and before winter’s stillness.

Tea: The Heart of Cosy Rituals

Tea and Hygge go hand in hand. Beyond its warmth, tea offers a grounding ritual—a chance to pause, breathe, and connect with the present. The type of tea you choose can enhance the atmosphere you want to create, for example some of these Hoogly Blends:

  • Baked Apple Chai with spices like cinnamon and cardamom for a warming, fragrant hug.

  • Cocoa-Nut black tea for a robust, grounding moment.

  • Cosy Chamomile for evening calm, blended with Lavender and Rosehips.

  • Apricot Blossom for balance and mindfulness.

Each cup is an invitation to slow down, hold something warm in your hands, and notice the small joys around you.

Creating Your Autumn Tea Ritual

Hygge thrives in rituals, no matter how simple. Here are a few ways to weave tea into your autumn days:

  1. Morning quiet – Brew a pot of tea while the world still sleeps. Journal, stretch, or simply enjoy the stillness.

  2. Afternoon reset – Take a break from screens. Step outside, breathe in the crisp air, and sip tea slowly.

  3. Evening wind-down – Light a candle, play soft music, and let an herbal blend guide you into rest.

  4. Tea with company – Invite a friend for a cozy chat over steaming mugs. Hygge flourishes in togetherness.

Bringing Hygge Home

You don’t need a cabin in the woods to embrace autumn Hygge. Small touches make a difference:

  • Soft blankets and knitted socks.

  • Warm lighting instead of harsh overheads.

  • A favorite mug that feels good in your hands.

  • A little tray with tea, honey, and maybe a homemade treat.

These small acts turn ordinary days into cherished moments.

One of the reasons the Danes are voted one of the happienss nations in the world for many years, they add plenty of hygge to their everyday lives :)

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A Flask Of Freedom

A Flask Of Freedom

After months of restrictions, at the time of writing, the country is cautiously opening up. What a long, arduous stretch it has been! Things we used to take for granted have become like a vaguely familiar dream: heading to the shops, meeting someone for a chat, hitting the gym. But now many of the things that brought us a sense of normality and joy are slowly returning, and we can look forward to more freedoms coming our way, should everything go as planned.

What are you most looking forward to doing? Personally, I can’t wait to get a haircut. My wife has done a commendable job with my electric beard-trimmer, and while my hair looks OK with a ‘grade zero’, when it grows back, I look a little like a Lego man with a clipped-on wig. Which is fine when you’re locked down and not seeing anyone—but now I’m about to be viewed in public again, the experts will need to take a good look at my barnet! And I’m also looking forward to getting my ear hair removed by flaming tabs as they do at my barbers. There’s always an accompanying sense of smug satisfaction that I survived the experience without crying.

The opening of gyms is also a most welcome change. I’ve managed to keep myself fairly healthy over the lockdown, but there’s only so many times you can do the same jogging routes—or run up and down the stairs like there’s an emergency—without getting a little weary of the same old routine. It will be wonderful to take a dip in the pool once again, and perhaps try some weights. I can also resume my new-found love of racket sports, although I have much more enthusiasm than I do ability, but it’s certainly a more pleasurable and competitive way to keep fit than trying to beat my personal best time  to the local Tesco and back. 

Tesco, Tesco. The little trooper soldiering on throughout the crisis. A big shout-out to those brave and inspirational workers who kept us fed and watered throughout the pandemic; they really are heroes who deserve all the praise and plaudits that they get. But it will be nice to see another shop. Any other shop. And it will be nice to browse. Such an odd thing to miss, when so much has been taken away, but the ability to breeze freely in sections and shelves, unmolested by online ads or emails, seeing how items actually look in real life, gauging how they would look in your hand, or your living room, or your wardrobe. Don’t get me started on bookshops. Browsing was invented for bookshops, or vice versa, and there is nothing quite like the smell and the feel of physical books, combined with the sea of spines that sit tantalising on the shelf, urging you towards your next literary treasure or discovery. I know I have to budget. I really do. But it’s been so long.

So long since we sat outside and had a pint together. Sharing our stories, our highs and lows, with the ones we love and cherish, enjoying something tasty—maybe even a little naughty—that we haven’t had to prepare. Even though it might be a bit chilly on some days, the return of outdoor hospitality is a welcome boost for both punters and owners, and a great barometer of how far we’ve come, and of all the sacrifices we’ve made, and the liberties these sacrifices have earnt. If cheesy chips don’t help put the last year behind us, then what will?

Well, Hoogly tea, for a start. If you’re not going to the pub, but you are meeting friends of family outdoors for a chat, a walk or a picnic, then fill up a flask with one of our warming and delicious brews, and enjoy the mindful tranquillity that Hoogly does best! You can’t go wrong with our broad and eclectic collection, including traditional teas, herbal blends and even hot cocoa! We aim to put a smile on your face with every sip, and what better way to celebrate the easing of restrictions that to enjoy a cosy cuppa in the midst of nature?! While the air is still nippy, we heartily recommend Around the Fire Oolong tea, a warming and smoky combo of tea leaves and spices, licked by the flames of safflower and crushed chilli to keep you fiery while everyone around you adds extra layers. Or how about Earl Grey black tea, our Hoogly riff on a classic brew, balancing Sri Lankan leaves with bergamot oil, complemented by a cheeky twist of lemon peel and orange blossom. This is my personal favourite of our collection: a dependable and delicious old friend that always hits the spot. Perfect to enjoy on your own, but equally fun to share. Just keep a firm grip on your box of teabags—once your friends get a taste, they’ll be after more!

So that’s it, tea lovers! Until next time, stay safe and be Hoogly to each other!

Written by Chris Bedford

www.hooglytea.com

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