Sometimes after work or a day out in the cold, all you want to do is jump into your bed, under the fleecy blankets and duvet cover with a glass of wine or a mug of tea! Having a cosy night in is almost as good, so here are a few things to make your lazy evening so much more comforting.
#1 A mug of hot chocolate
It can only be the best hot chocolate, so grab yourself a tub of Cadbury’s, you can even make your own with melted chocolate or chocolate milk! Top with giant marshmallows and a flake or some grated milk chocolate. If you’re really making an evening of it, add a dash (or two) of Baileys or Cointreau to warm yourself up!
#2 A movie to get lost in
It can be whatever genre you want – pick a movie that you love or one you’ve been meaning to see for ages but never had time to watch. Keep updated on nice movies to watch during this winter season, such as Christmas movies for example!
#3 The cosiest, softest, warmest knitted jumper
You know the one. It sits in the back of your wardrobe in spring and summer, waiting patiently for the cold so that you can take it out again, pull it over your head and hug it tight. It’s probably a bit big for you so you can pull it over your knees and also wear other jumpers underneath (Do you do that? Or am I the only one?? Let me know!)
#4 Light up the night with fairy lights
Forget the main light in your room that glares in every direction, opt for something softer and more ambient. Fairy lights are my favourite; they can be bought cheaply online or in pretty much any store around this time of year. Hang them around the mantle piece to make the room feel just a little bit magical. I have cute butterfly fairy lights which I got from New Look last Christmas (and I am currently biting my tongue to avoid singing the song).
#5 Make your house smell like freshly baked gingerbread…
Or cotton sheets, just-picked cherries… the list is endless! A few scented tea lights dotted around the room or on top of a fireplace can give you just enough light and fill the air with your favourite smells. You could use aromatic candles if you really want to de-stress and relax.
#6 Cloud-like cushions to sink into
You can’t have a cozy night in without being super comfortable. Grab a few large cushions to arrange around you, lay back and relax into them (with your hot chocolate and laptop – you don’t want to get up after you’ve squished down!). You’re never too old to make a fort either!
#7 Something to flick through
Sometimes, we just need to get away from the screens we spend so most of our time looking at and indulge in something with actual pages. Grab a couple of magazines on your way home from work, or look for that new book you bought so long ago it probably can’t be described as new anymore, and believe me, they are a LOT for me.
#8 Feast away
You need some treats to hand for the evening. They don’t have to be unhealthy; a simple chicken or lentils soup could be just what you need after a long day at work, or perhaps some dip will give you the extra vitamins you need to fight off your cold that won’t disappear. I will be doing some sweet and savoury recipes to try this festive season soon, so watch this space!
#9 Serene sounds
Add some background noise to your evening – Spotify is brilliant for this as you can use the radio function and discover a new song or artist you haven’t heard before. I would go with an acoustic sound – it’s completely up to you! you can also create a playlist with your favourite wind-down songs such as the likes of Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran!
#10 A person
It could be your boyfriend, best friend, sister or brother – having someone to share your cosy night with can make it so much more enjoyable. Invite your whole group of friends over, or put your feet up with your furry flatmate (your cat or dog, not the mouldy cheese in your fridge!).
What else would you have on your list for a perfect night in?
Honestly Claire 