Simple Pleasures to Savor This Winter
Take time to appreciate the little things, like warm woolen slippers and brown paper packages tied up with string
Stacks of cozy blankets and strands of twinkling lights, apple cake baking in the oven and drinks beside the fire — wintertime is made for savoring simple pleasures at home. Whether you prefer trays of treats or hot, aromatic baths, celebrating the season is easy with these 14 ideas.
Beautifully Decorated Gifts
Wrapping a few presents now saves work later on, to be sure, but that stack of pretty gifts also serves as cheerful holiday decor. The classic combo of brown paper and twine is easy to customize with different embellishments and tags.
Wrapping a few presents now saves work later on, to be sure, but that stack of pretty gifts also serves as cheerful holiday decor. The classic combo of brown paper and twine is easy to customize with different embellishments and tags.
The Scent of Something Yummy Baking
Apple cake, cinnamon rolls, cookies and breads — some of the most comforting aromas in the world come from the oven. Don’t bake? Buy ready-to-bake cookie dough or a scone mix, and you can have freshly baked treats (and the wonderful scents wafting from your oven) in minutes.
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Apple cake, cinnamon rolls, cookies and breads — some of the most comforting aromas in the world come from the oven. Don’t bake? Buy ready-to-bake cookie dough or a scone mix, and you can have freshly baked treats (and the wonderful scents wafting from your oven) in minutes.
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Neatly Stacked Firewood and a Fresh Wreath on the Door
Who’s to say you can’t enjoy the simple pleasures of a freshly cut stack of firewood just because you don’t have a fireplace? I say, if you want firewood, go ahead and get some! A stack looks wonderfully cozy beside the front door. And a simple wreath of fresh greenery will look good all season — dress it up with a jingling bell or a strand of twinkling lights.
Who’s to say you can’t enjoy the simple pleasures of a freshly cut stack of firewood just because you don’t have a fireplace? I say, if you want firewood, go ahead and get some! A stack looks wonderfully cozy beside the front door. And a simple wreath of fresh greenery will look good all season — dress it up with a jingling bell or a strand of twinkling lights.
Coming in From the Cold
Getting stuck indoors too much in winter can make us cranky. So even if it’s really cold, bundle up and get outdoors to enjoy the fresh air, the sound of snow crunching underfoot and the dramatic winter sky. And remember, being outside (even if only for a short while) is what makes coming in to warm up so wonderful.
Getting stuck indoors too much in winter can make us cranky. So even if it’s really cold, bundle up and get outdoors to enjoy the fresh air, the sound of snow crunching underfoot and the dramatic winter sky. And remember, being outside (even if only for a short while) is what makes coming in to warm up so wonderful.
A New Pair of Slippers
Stay warm on chilly winter mornings with a pair of slippers on your feet — boiled wool, felt or slippers with a fuzzy lining are especially good at keeping cold at bay. While you’re picking out your own slippers, pick up a few extra pairs for guests and stash them in a little basket by the door.
Stay warm on chilly winter mornings with a pair of slippers on your feet — boiled wool, felt or slippers with a fuzzy lining are especially good at keeping cold at bay. While you’re picking out your own slippers, pick up a few extra pairs for guests and stash them in a little basket by the door.
A Batch of Hot Drinks
Hot cider, mulled wine, tea, chai, cocoa — take your pick, this season is all about savoring the hot drink of your choice. When friends visit, whipping up a batch of hot drinks or brewing a big pot of tea is a must. Have on hand a selection of go-to add-ins like cinnamon sticks, star anise, sugar cubes and citrus fruits for easy assembly.
Hot cider, mulled wine, tea, chai, cocoa — take your pick, this season is all about savoring the hot drink of your choice. When friends visit, whipping up a batch of hot drinks or brewing a big pot of tea is a must. Have on hand a selection of go-to add-ins like cinnamon sticks, star anise, sugar cubes and citrus fruits for easy assembly.
A Really Cozy Bed
Think flannel sheets, fluffy throws and layered blankets or a thick duvet. Be sure to have enough extra pillows to make reading in bed comfortable, then light a few candles and snuggle in.
Think flannel sheets, fluffy throws and layered blankets or a thick duvet. Be sure to have enough extra pillows to make reading in bed comfortable, then light a few candles and snuggle in.
Tiny Trees in Every Room
Even if you have a big Christmas tree in the living room, consider putting tiny living trees in pots in the other rooms of the house. This woodsy, wintry addition brings a bit of the forest indoors and is especially magical for a child’s room.
Even if you have a big Christmas tree in the living room, consider putting tiny living trees in pots in the other rooms of the house. This woodsy, wintry addition brings a bit of the forest indoors and is especially magical for a child’s room.
Seasonal Books, Music and Movies
Whether it’s reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas or listening to The Nutcracker or viewing Bing Crosby’s White Christmas, we all have our favorite rituals for the season. Pull out your cherished classics, and set aside time to read, listen and watch.
Whether it’s reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas or listening to The Nutcracker or viewing Bing Crosby’s White Christmas, we all have our favorite rituals for the season. Pull out your cherished classics, and set aside time to read, listen and watch.
Sitting by the Light of the Tree
Turning on the Christmas tree lights in the morning adds a welcome bit of cheer to dark winter days. Enjoy just sitting by the tree in your pajamas or comfiest clothes and catching up with your family.
Tell us: What is your favorite wintertime simple pleasure? Share it in the Comments.
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Turning on the Christmas tree lights in the morning adds a welcome bit of cheer to dark winter days. Enjoy just sitting by the tree in your pajamas or comfiest clothes and catching up with your family.
Tell us: What is your favorite wintertime simple pleasure? Share it in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more about creating a feel-good home
Find a home pro
Shop for home products
Tea lights, votives, hurricane lanterns, Swedish candle chimes and twinkle lights create a warm and welcoming atmosphere indoors when the weather outside is blustery. For something a little different, fill glass candleholders or jars with sprigs of fresh greenery and nestle strands of tiny lights inside.
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