Winter Warmers — Point Dorset Interiors

It's officially chilly here in Wellington so we thought we would round up some of our favourite things about the colder months. Hot chocolates, slippers, roaring fires, snug cabins…there is so much to love about winter. Here’s a snapshot of how we do the coldest season.

Hygge? Have you heard of it? We'd often wondered how you pronounce such a word! Hue-ga apparently, and put very simply it is the Danish ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures. Friends. Family. Contentment. What’s not to love about that! Here are our Hygge essentials.

Products starting top left: Aura Jumbo Cable Knit Throw, Shut the Front Door. Peru Honey coffee, Peoples Coffee. Duck Egg Velvet Cushion Cover 30x50cm, Bolt of Cloth. Cocorose Body Scrub, Shut the Front Door. Sanctuary Coat, Twenty Seven Names. Mont… — Products starting top left: Aura Jumbo Cable Knit Throw, Shut the Front Door. Peru Honey coffee, Peoples Coffee. Duck Egg Velvet Cushion Cover 30x50cm, Bolt of Cloth. Cocorose Body Scrub, Shut the Front Door. Sanctuary Coat, Twenty Seven Names. Montana Women's Nap Dressing Gown, Citta Design. Sheep Stool in taupe, Le Forge. Love Potion candle, Shut the Front Door. Ivory Sheepskin, Bolt of Cloth.

The cozy winter retreat below is missing one very important feature…us with wine in hand! A log cabin is hard to beat when it comes to snug winter hang outs and this modern take on one is definitely lighting our fire. What better way to while away those slow winter weekends than watching a frozen world from the comfort of your toasty abode. We love everything about this modern take on a log cabin.

Image via admagazine.stfi.re — Image via admagazine.stfi.re

Hybernation, bears do it and we love bears. There is simply nothing better than being able to snuggle up in bed on a cold winters morning. On the odd occasion we get a sleep-in without the delightful constant chatter of our children, its pure bliss! The pooch in the image below looks like he’s in doggy heaven and we can see why! So many gorgeous textures and layers to get lost amongst and the neutral palate is perfectly calming. A fire roaring next to the bed seems like the ultimate in winter luxury. All you’ll need is that book you’ve been trying to finish for a month and a cup of tea.

Image via myscandinavianhome.blogspot.se

Now this is the type of food we love to eat on a cold winters night! This recipe is from New Zealand’s very own and very clever Annabel Langbein, slow-baked pork and apricots! We can vouch for its deliciousness and as an added bonus our kids actually eat it. You’ll find the full recipe here. What’s to drink? There is no denying that we are spoilt for choice when it comes to wine here in NZ. If you fancy a tipple with your dinner you won’t be disappointed with Wairau River Pinot Noir 2014 from Marlborough.

Annabel Langbein's Slow-Baked Pork and Apricots

It’s not hard to see why Wanaka is our favourite winter destination and definitely one of the most beautiful spots in NZ. With its crystal clear (and rather chilly!) Lake, surrounded by those breathtaking mountains in the background.

Imagine soaking in the views from the stunning accommodation at Whare Kea Lodge. And once you tire of the view, yes there is skiing but more importantly there is Apres Ski! If you are lucky enough to head to Wanaka for a wee break, here’s our ‘must do’ round up:

Hitting the slopes of Cardrona followed by a mulled wine and toasting marshmallows on the open fire at the Cardrona Hotel.
Get your coffee fix at the Federal Diner and if you really want to spoil yourself book a table for dinner at Bistro Gentil.
Breath in the gorgeous scents at the boutique fragrance company George and Edi.

To end our cold and frosty journey we are indulging in one of our other favourite winter pastimes - dreaming of summers arrival and lying on a beach like this one! This is Waiheke Island, a favourite summer vacay spot of ours but we’ll save our tips for this destination for another, hopefully sunny, day.