“Inside good. Outside BAD.”

We're firmly of the belief that there is absolutely nothing wrong with embracing your inner Joey Tribbiani in winter, especially when getting home after work. Shut the door on the rain and cold, load up a plate with cheese and settle down in comfort (massive dressing gown and guilty pleasure TV optional).

You might think you're pretty good at your ‘hygge’ routine (the Danish word for that particular feeling of comfort and cosiness), but perhaps you haven't come across the Japanese kotatsu.

With central heating not as prevalent in Japan as it is elsewhere, the kotatsu is a table with one or two attached covers to snuggle into and a heat source, commonly electric but sometimes charcoal, designed to warm your lower body while eating or sleeping and thus keeping the rest of you in blissful comfort too.

That's our Christmas list sorted. Now, who can we install in the kitchen to churn out some Slater recipes?

Images: bellemaison.jp