Who's that man in the silvery coat knocking at your window these cold dark mornings? Is it Jack Frost? Old Man Winter? Whatever you call him, this first sign of crisp, cold winter weather tells us it's time to start preparing for the holiday season.
This month we take our inspiration from vintage holiday cards. Magnificent exterior scenes of warm and welcoming homes covered in snow; glowing fires inside those frosty window panes – you can just imagine how it looks, feels and smells inside. That’s how we all want to feel when we come home on a cold winter’s night, so let's get to it!
- Replace the light bulb outside your front door with one that is a warm yellow colour.
- Create your own "glowing fire" by placing a small table lamp just inside your window.
- Gather long winter tree branches and spray them silver and then a touch of white. Place them in white planters at each side of your front door (inside and out).
- Fill baskets with your favorite magazines, books and a few pine cones, too!
- Simmer some cranberry juice and cloves on the stove for a "home sweet home" fragrance. It's not just for ambiance; you can also use it to make hot toddies if someone is feeling under the weather.
- Stock up on specialty teas and have a big teapot ready to go - don’t forget a big fluffy tea cozy.
- Layer textured tablecloths (yes, more than one!) on your kitchen table; add hurricane lamps with scented candles and watch them twinkle.
- Start growing Amaryllis bulbs and paper whites in a whimsical container.
- Hang a winter garland over your kitchen window.
- Get out some old fashioned board games likes Snakes and Ladders or Dominoes and sip a cup of hot chocolate.
Smile back at Old Man Winter - let him know how much you appreciate the delightful change in weather and the beauty of the season! |
