You may remember some time ago, I wrote a post about the Danish culture of Hygge, a concept centred around celebrating the little things in life, most often associated with staying cosy during the long, winter months and enjoying time with friends and family, but also getting out into the fresh air in the summertime and having picnics or a simple glass of wine in the garden with a good book.
Well, it seems that the Scandinavians have got it right again with the Swedish culture known as ‘Fika’. According to Wikipedia, Fika is:
” a concept in Swedish culture with the basic meaning “to have coffee”, often accompanied with pastries or sandwiches”.
Sounds pretty spot on to me! However, you may be thinking “So what? Everyone can enjoy a cup of coffee”, but there’s much more to it than that. For the Swedes, this is an opportunity to pause your day, share time with friends or colleagues, much like Hygge, but essentially it’s a moment in which to leave the stresses of work behind you, unlike here in Britain or the US, where coffee is a fuel to be taken in short bursts at your desk or on the commute. I think whether you’re at work, in the middle of studying or in between school runs, everyone could do with practising the art of Fika.
And what’s Fika without the right equipment?! It seems many of the homeware retailers out there are embracing the trend, too; Oliver Bonas has dedicated a small collection of tableware entirely to Fika, and you can find an ever-growing number of Fika inspired cups, mugs and teapots in many stores across the country.
Here’s my pick of everything you need to take a little pause in your everyday life and embrace this longstanding Swedish tradition…
1 Sagaform ‘Blossom’ Teapot // £43.99 // Wayfair
2 Fika hot chocolate mug in grey // £8 // Oliver Bonas
3 Fika mug in pink // £6 // Oliver Bonas
4 Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break by Anna Brones // £12.08 // Amazon
5 HEMTRAKT Cotton Napkins (set of 4) // £4.25 // Ikea
6 Barista & Co Cocoa Shaker in copper // £14.95 // House of Fraser
7 Spear Tray (small 20x30cm) // £49 // Ferm Living
So what are the benefits of Fika? Well, there is a valid reason why the Swedes are some of the least stressed, yet most productive people in the world. Taking a moment out for Fika a couple of times a day gives us time to reflect and mentally refresh, thus counteracting the effects of stress and making us more productive, it nurtures our creativity, encourages social interaction and friendships and (very importantly!) it’s an excuse to drink coffee from a beautiful cup and enjoy a guilt-free, stress-busting, sticky bun!! And why not?!
Image via Expensive Life
I think we can all take a leaf out of the Swedes’ book and be a little healthier in the long run.
Have a good week, everyone.
K x
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Time to get Cosy the Danish Way: Embrace ‘Hygge’
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[gifted items tagged]](http://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/c0.180.1440.1440a/s640x640/72713700_177318903354128_1236171893725520772_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=108&oh=1d3fa61d109f1eea88fc7fdf849810e0&oe=5E83068F "Not long to go before I start on the Christmas decs in here! My son has one more transfer test to sit next Saturday, so we’re not allowed to talk about Christmas until next weekend!! But I’m definitely feeling festive this year and I’ve heard that the odds are high for a white Christmas.. what can I say, #youhearditherefirst
[gifted items tagged]")
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The fabric is a Studio G design - a very affordable brand of the Clarke & Clarke design house - I chose a colourway that tied the rest of the elements in this room together and it’s worked really well.
Have a super weekend everyone!
[this post contains gifted items: poster & throw - both tagged]](http://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/c0.180.1440.1440a/s640x640/77247317_160938251782228_1506650244695458077_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=104&oh=ccf001131d5e6b235d56e93cd370c111&oe=5E71CF24 "It’s such a grey and dreary day here so not the best light for a pic of the new curtains in our playroom... just hung them up yesterday but already loving how cosy they make the room feel (plus now I can work in here in the evenings with no one goggling in through the window!!)
The fabric is a Studio G design - a very affordable brand of the Clarke & Clarke design house - I chose a colourway that tied the rest of the elements in this room together and it’s worked really well.
Have a super weekend everyone!
[this post contains gifted items: poster & throw - both tagged]")
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Are you ready to get cosy? 🌲❄️](http://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/c0.180.1440.1440a/s640x640/73030093_211339156524629_3033099623306013704_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=105&oh=ad51afe1d7d7f06b57f12011a25489f2&oe=5E6B652C "[ad] Now that I’ve started a little Christmas shopping and have brought out the cosy touches at home, such as furry throws and twinkly lights, I’m really feeling the festive vibes... I was delighted to be gifted the new Fir Tree candle from @fielddayire recently and I’m already impressed at how well it tones with my front room! Its scent really is just like a freshly cut forest tree, with its beautiful blend of herbal notes of fir balsam, pine & clove. Ideal for those of you who prefer a clean scent in the winter months.. and who doesn’t love being gifted a seasonal candle?! Double hand poured in the rolling hills of County Down, using 100% soy wax, its clean, fresh scent will linger on in your home.
Are you ready to get cosy? 🌲❄️")
Janice Armstrong
13/06/2016 at 10:25 pmAhhh I think I am a Fika type person!!! Loved this Kiera!
Jxx
Janice Armstrong recently posted…elderflower syrup recipe
Keira
15/06/2016 at 1:20 pmMe too! Thanks Janice xx
Philippa
15/06/2016 at 3:17 pmI’m definitely a fan of this too and think i’s a tradition we should also embrace! Lovely accessory picks for a proper coffee break too! x
Keira
15/06/2016 at 4:31 pmYes Philippa, I think it’s something we all could incorporate most days. Thanks for reading! x
Christine French
15/06/2016 at 4:20 pmI need to do this more! Too often it’s with diary and phone in hand……not how it’s meant to be!
Keira
15/06/2016 at 4:32 pmyep, me too! Just replace the diary with a sticky bun!
Fionnuala Three Sons Later
15/06/2016 at 7:46 pmThe Germans are in on this too with their coffee & cake (kaffee & kuchen) breaks too. I love it. Your picks are fab, especially the cups.
#HomeEtc
Keira
16/06/2016 at 10:37 pmThanks Fionnuala, the Northern Europeans certainly know how to make the most of such a simple, yet much needed, daily activity! x #HomeEtc
Molly
16/06/2016 at 11:36 amLovely inspiration – the items you have chosen and the clean look makes me feel calm and totally in Fika mode! #HomeEtc
Molly recently posted…How to Achieve the Boho Chic Look in your Living Room
Keira
16/06/2016 at 10:38 pmThank you Molly. I’m glad you’re in the right mood for Fika! x #HomeEtc
Caro | The Twinkle Diaries
16/06/2016 at 12:33 pmAaah clever old Swedes — not only do they give us beautiful design and lovely homeware, they also give fantastic lifestyle advice! :) I LOVE this concept! Thanks for sharing and thanks so much for linking up too! Caro #HomeEtc
Caro | The Twinkle Diaries recently posted…171 weeks | {Siblings June}
Keira
16/06/2016 at 10:39 pmI think I want to be Swedish in my next life! I love their way of life and the way they truly embrace the simple things – we could all take a lesson from them! x #HomeEtc
Nancy Straughan
16/06/2016 at 4:22 pmI love fika! I spent a lot of time in Scandinavia in my early 20’s and I adore the coffee culture in Sweden. It’s so nice to be reminded of those times again.
#HomeEct
Keira
16/06/2016 at 10:40 pmOh wow, I would love to visit sometime, even just for the coffee and cinnamon buns :) #HomeEtc
Rosie d
20/06/2016 at 6:49 pmFriday Fika anyone?? Lovely Kiera – great idea!!!!!
Keira
21/06/2016 at 9:20 amoh yes, a name change may be required!!! xx
mummyofboygirltwins
20/06/2016 at 7:45 pmSuperb! Yet again I am always learning new things through blogging. Love this :) Thanks for sharing. Jess xx #HomeEtc
mummyofboygirltwins recently posted…Our bedtime routine
Keira
21/06/2016 at 9:21 amThanks Jess, though I think it’s going to be tricky enough finding time for Fika with the school holidays looming here…!