It just so happens that I cracked open Cosy: The British Art of Comfort on a cold winter night. The temp had dropped down below freezing, and gusty winds whipped around the corners of our little cottage in the snowy mountains. I was wrapped up in the colorful afghan my grandmother knitted for me, sipping hot cocoa topped with whipped cream from a hand-crafted clay mug, with a furry little cat snuggled up on my lap.
In short, at that moment, I was the very definition of “cosy.”
Or “cozy.” Depends whether you’re American or British. Or, an American who fancies herself just a little bit British.
We all know that I’m a big fan of hygge, so Cosy wasn’t exactly a wildcard read for me. And, while I love me some Danish mindfulness, there are a few aspects of hygge that I don’t particularly love. Sleek, minimalist, modern furniture, for example, that looks hard enough to bounce a quarter off of. What’s cozy about that? (Spoiler alert: NOTHING.)
Ah-ha! We’ve hit upon it. I bet this whole time you’ve been asking, what’s the difference between “cozy” and “hygge”?
Cosy goes into everything that sets British “coziness” apart from Danish hygge and its Nordic cousins. This charming little book is written by English native Laura Weir, so you know the advice you’re getting is legit.
“Cozy” eschews the trendy and embraces the unapologetically mismatched, and even the slightly uncool. If hygge is chic, then cozy is hygge’s shabby chic cousin.
That’s not to say that Brits are shabby, mind you. But they do seem a lot less fussy about things on the whole, which makes the British art of being cozy a little easier to fold into one’s lifestyle than hygge. It’s simple, it doesn’t put on airs, and you probably have most of the things you need to achieve it stored in your attic or tucked away in the back of a dresser drawer.
You can read Cosy in an afternoon. Heck, in half an afternoon. It’s a small book with only 160 pages, and fifty percent of those pages are lovely line illustrations of teapots, socks, and wood-burning fireplaces. It’s filled with recommendations on how to find and/or use cozy books, films, blankets, socks, pajamas, candles, etc, to build the ultimate cozy lifestyle.
I was ecstatic to discover a whole section devoted to tea and teatime rituals, and another section focused entirely on Christmas, the optimal cozy time of year. (If you follow me on Instagram, then you know December is when my Cozy Freak Flag flies the highest.)
Weir also gives suggestions of things to do and places to visit that are exceptionally cozy in case you want to find these same vibes outside your home. (SIGH. I read Cosy pre-COVID. Back when we could go places.) A lot of these sites are UK-based, obviously, but I’m sure you could think of geographically-appropriate substitutions based on her recommendations.
If you already practice hygge, Cosy won’t tell you anything you don’t already know about how to live a comfy, relaxing, and “in the moment” lifestyle, but it’s a nice, well, cozy book to read. It’s like… a hug for your soul. Woolen socks for your feet. Fat, wide egg noodles in your homemade chicken soup.
You get the picture.
If you’re at all interested in learning how to beat the winter blues, I recommend adopting a cozy way of life, as heralded by Cosy: The British Art of Comfort.
What are your favorite ways to be cosy/cozy? And, be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings!
Your cat is adorable, and such a gorgeous colour! I guess we Brits can be a little eccentric and carefree about life and lifestyles; live and let live, you might say!
Hi Nicola! It’s a great way to be. 🙂 I could benefit from being a little more carefree, haha. And, yes, Kitty is a great fan of all things cozy. I spied him napping near the book one afternoon, and the photo idea formed in my hea. Luckily, he doesn’t mind being a book prop. I don’t think he even noticed, honestly!
I definitely want to get cosy like your sweet curled up little intern. I would be all for some British cosiness. I’m sure I could use some tips to embrace my already ingrained cosy ways. I just need to get rid of the voice that says, “Lauren, maybe you should remove the blanket and get up?” This book may be just the ticket I need!
You cracked me up about your cozy freak flag!😅
Love learning about new books from you!
hahahaha “maybe remove the blanket and get up.” You say that like it’s an EASY thing to do, but it’s not! Especially not during the year of being at home so much. Being cozy is one of the main things that got me through the pandemic. I hope you get a chance to read this sweet little book! It may inspire you to get a cozy, fuzzy reading buddy of your own. 😉
“If hygge is chic, then cozy is hygge’s shabby chic cousin.” Oh I love this 😀 Sounds like a wonderfully sweet book. Looking forward to the recipe!
Hi Joli! This really is an ideal read for an afternoon. Especially if you’ve been getting as much snow as I have this month! Nothing cozier than curling up with a book and watching the snow fall. 🙂