Now that winter is upon us and the holidays aren’t far off, you might be thinking of ways to create a cozy holiday home for having friends and family over to celebrate. But what can you do to make things feel merry and bright?
Create a Cozy Holiday Home for Entertaining
If you’re feeling stuck on ideas for how to make your home comfier this holiday season, here are five suggestions for how to cozy up your space.
Throw in Some Throw Pillows
Who doesn’t love a good throw pillow–or ten? Maybe you’re cuddling up for a night of Christmas movies with the kids or need to pad up the couch a little more. Along with some nice, thickly knit wool throw blankets, toss in a few pillows as well. Look for some plushly-padded velvets or festive cotton/wool mixed pillows. If they match your throw blankets, and area rug, even better.
It’s Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Christmas
Fragrances really bring homes alive during the holiday season. Think about investing in some scented candles with holiday-themed aromas. If your faux tree has you missing the smell of fresh pine, look for some pine- and wood-scented candles.
You can also craft it up a little bit with scented pine cones. Just gather your pine cones outside (or get some in the store if you must), wash and dry them, then spritz the pinecones with water mixed with an essential oil, such as cinnamon or orange. Zip them up inside a plastic bag for 24 hours, then set them out in a decorative bowl. Your house will smell heavenly in no time at all.
Candles to Set the Mood
Ambient lighting can make your home feel a lot cozier. Find some eco-friendly holiday lights for the inside and exterior of your home. LED lights are longer lasting and more efficient when it comes to energy usage, so they won’t run your bill up too high. You might want to get a little old-fashioned by adding faux-flamed candles to each window in your home. This look is timelessly cute and nostalgic in old farmhouse windows and newly constructed homes’ windows alike.
Change Up Your Wall Art
There’s no time to change up your wall art like the holiday season. You don’t have to take everything down, but think about switching stuff out that is in your common room areas. Hang up holiday-themed art in the living room, hallways, or kitchen. Go for images that are warm and soft. Bonus points for if you made your wall art yourself!
Get a New Gas Fireplace Insert
Add some warmth to your home this year with a new fireplace–or at least a new gas fireplace insert. You can get gas insert installation done before the holidays, and using this as a heat source can help bring your energy bill down when used in moderation. Not only will your home feel warmer, but it can look even more inviting.
Don’t put off decorating until the last minute. Start making those little changes to your holiday home décor and see how much cozier it becomes.
About the Writer: Dixie Somers is a freelance writer who loves to write for business, health, and women’s interests. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters.