Cozy Home Ideas - Stay Warm & Snuggle

The winter storm is still visiting most of us across the nation, and it sure is cold here in New York, 14 degrees this morning, to be exact. But right on time for Valentine's Day week, because what's more romantic than cuddling up on the couch with your Valentine...? Here are some ideas for creating a romantic fireside picnic or cozying up in front of the TV to watch a movie, or snuggling with the kids while enjoying a family game night.

STAY WARM

When I was growing up, I always remember my father wrapping a large tartan wool blanket around me, and still to this day I love plaid blankets. I love the Scottish tartan style ones, plus a red and black plaid blanket invokes the Canadian log house charm. A plaid blanket makes a perfect indoor picnic blanket on the floor, or keeps you warm when snuggling on the sofa. The photo above is the wool tartan one from Ralph Lauren and the picture below is from the Roots store. Felt slippers are also a must to keep your feet warm, my favorites are by Pia Wallen.

SET THE MOOD WITH CANDLES

Light up the fireplace – or if you don’t have one, have fun filling the room with candles. Diptyque's Feu de Bois (Firewood) Candle is amazing, it brings the aroma of crackling fire into your home, without the fireplace. I also love lanterns to bring a cozy log cabin feel into my living room, and I have two large ones on both sides of the fireplace. If you don't have a fireplace, get extra large lanterns like the ones pictured from Horchow. They can be displayed nicely outdoors on the patio or in the backyard later this summer. Even when you are shopping for products for your winter home, think of their double duty purposes during the other seasons.

BRING SNACKS

Whether it’s champagne and strawberries or hot cocoa and marshmallows, you will need some snacks. I like my Bosch Tassimo single serve coffee maker because it easily makes hot drinks for anyone in the family, one cup at the time, even when we all have different tastes. We always stock up with microwavable popcorn or cookies for a quick snack, and we make a wintertime picnic in the living room with cheese, crackers, a fruit plate, and some wine. The cheese platter is from Sur La Table, and our family's favorite cheese brands are Cabot Cheese from Vermont, and Finlandia cheese from Finland, their varieties please every palate and every family member.