As winter begins to blanket the world in a layer of snow (and ice), there's not a better time to turn your home into a warm and inviting winter haven. Let's explore some creative ideas and practical tips for transforming your home into a cozy retreat to embrace the magic of the season.
Festive curb appeal is the most common way to show your holiday spirit. Things such as outdoor lighting, wreaths, and cozy outdoor seating areas. Not into hanging Christmas lights, or don't have the time to do it yourself? There are companies around Topeka that will do it FOR you! Curb Appeal Power Wash offers a 20% discount if you sign a 3-year agreement and Condray & Young offers free estimates on lighting your house.
Hygge ("hoo-ga") is a Danish word that has more of a feeling rather than a definition. The word encompasses the feeling of contentment and coziness by enjoying the simple things in life. Hygge is the perfect word to describe the holiday-time: sitting by a fire, wrapped in a warm blanket, sipping hot chocolate with your favorite people. More ways to achieve this state include keeping your house colors warm and soft. Beiges and warm whites invite coziness and don't disrupt as much as bright, vibrant hues will. In terms of holidays, choose decor that tells a story and is meaningful to you. Decorate your Christmas tree with ornaments that fit your personality and hang pictures that remind you of happy times.
Gatherings are a staple during this time of year. Host game nights with your friends and family, offer fun holiday cocktails and spiked hot chocolate. One of our favorite holiday cocktails to make this time of year is spiked apple cider! This recipe by A Couple Cooks is delicious and takes less than an hour to pull together. Movie nights are another great way to spend time with people you love, without having to entertain the entire time. Make some fun popcorn snacks (like this one from AllRecipes) and put on a great holiday movie, this is a great way to celebrate this time of year!
Seasonal scents are incredibly popular! One really unique way to bring the smell of Christmas and the holidays into your home is a simmer pot. A simmer pot is a pot filled with water, fruits, spices/herbs that gently simmer and create a potent scent throughout your home. Simmer pots are very customizable, but some common holiday-themed ingredients include cranberries, oranges, rosemary or pine, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
Winter is a time for warmth, connection, and creating cherished memories in the comfort of your home. By embracing the season and infusing your home with cozy touches, you can turn your space into a winter retreat that brings joy to everyone who visits. Whether you're snuggled up by the fire or hosting loved ones, you have the power to turn your home into a haven that celebrates the beauty of winter.