Garnish: 10 ways to welcome winter with light and heat - I am the first to admit I'm not a winter person. But where I live in New England, snowy winters are a fact of life. And if living with the winter has taught me anything, it is to enjoy the warm and cozy aspect of this season. Candles, garlands and a roaring fire can do wonders to boost the light on the short, dark days and (more importantly) reinforce minds. So pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa and get comfortable around the fire. Here are 10 ideas to stimulate the light and creating a magical atmosphere around the house.
Lisa Oil Photography
Keep your own windows (and naked as possible)
You might be surprised how much light enters the crystal windows. Even if it is too cold to go to the outside of the windows, cleaning the inside can boost the light. And while there's something to be said for the isolation of heavy treatment effects windows, they do nothing when it comes to letting in maximum light on dark winter days - to open the blinds and pull open curtains
You might be surprised how much light enters the crystal windows. Even if it is too cold to go to the outside of the windows, cleaning the inside can boost the light. And while there's something to be said for the isolation of heavy treatment effects windows, they do nothing when it comes to letting in maximum light on dark winter days - to open the blinds and pull open curtains
Colin Cadle Photography
align your room with lanterns
If you have a long hallway, why not line up with a row of strong hurricanes filled with pillar candles? I imagine it would simply walk from one room to the next much more romantic experience.
If you have a long hallway, why not line up with a row of strong hurricanes filled with pillar candles? I imagine it would simply walk from one room to the next much more romantic experience.
Iroka
Having your home ready and waiting
If you have a fireplace or wood stove, and stocks get ready with everything you need to start a fire on a moment's notice . Chop and stack wood, kindling prepare and get your tools in order. And while you're there, do not forget to have your chimney professionally cleaned. Knowing that everything is ready to go can make you have a good fire more often.
If you have a fireplace or wood stove, and stocks get ready with everything you need to start a fire on a moment's notice . Chop and stack wood, kindling prepare and get your tools in order. And while you're there, do not forget to have your chimney professionally cleaned. Knowing that everything is ready to go can make you have a good fire more often.
Gabriel Holland Interior Design
Keep a candle and fresh flowers next to your bed
Light a candle in the evening next to your bed is a nice way to relax while reading the last few pages of a good book. Fresh flowers in a cup is a mood booster in their own right, but a candle flower duo is best of all.
See ideas on how to display flowers
Light a candle in the evening next to your bed is a nice way to relax while reading the last few pages of a good book. Fresh flowers in a cup is a mood booster in their own right, but a candle flower duo is best of all.
See ideas on how to display flowers
Amelia Hallsworth Photography
Use of fairy lights in the room
Whether you choose simple white lights or mini paper lanterns on a string, lights fairy bring a magical touch to the winter room. Drape the headboard, hang vertically with a drape or curtain rod at the top of the cabinet. Before going to bed turn off all lights but the twinkle lights and candles, and revel in the atmosphere.
Whether you choose simple white lights or mini paper lanterns on a string, lights fairy bring a magical touch to the winter room. Drape the headboard, hang vertically with a drape or curtain rod at the top of the cabinet. Before going to bed turn off all lights but the twinkle lights and candles, and revel in the atmosphere.
DECORATION PARIS
upgrade the kitchen with candles
kitchen lighting can be a bit sterile - it does the job, but do not add anything to the mood. Supplement overhead lighting with a handful of tea lights or votive candles on the counter, and I think you'll find even chopping vegetables or washing for a more pleasant company.
More ways to keep your home comfortable in winter
kitchen lighting can be a bit sterile - it does the job, but do not add anything to the mood. Supplement overhead lighting with a handful of tea lights or votive candles on the counter, and I think you'll find even chopping vegetables or washing for a more pleasant company.
More ways to keep your home comfortable in winter
Gabriel Holland Interior design
The candlelight breakfast
winter morning can be so dark. Why reserve candles for the dinner table, when you can get it at any time of the day? I find candles have a particularly calming effect on children; they are perfect to calm frazzled nerves before a busy school day.
winter morning can be so dark. Why reserve candles for the dinner table, when you can get it at any time of the day? I find candles have a particularly calming effect on children; they are perfect to calm frazzled nerves before a busy school day.
Gabriel Holland Interior Design
Do we need to tell you to put candles around the tub?
If you do not normally soak in the tub, make an exception for the winter. Bring some candles and place them around the tub, turn down the lights and relax. Repeat at least once a week.
If you do not normally soak in the tub, make an exception for the winter. Bring some candles and place them around the tub, turn down the lights and relax. Repeat at least once a week.
Louise Miranda
Start your Christmas decorations early (but keep it simple)
I'm not one to go overboard on Christmas decor (not particularly well in advance of the festival), but a few simple parts, Natural can bring a welcome festive air to the house. How about making your own star tree branch, like the one shown here, and wrapping it in fairy lights?
I'm not one to go overboard on Christmas decor (not particularly well in advance of the festival), but a few simple parts, Natural can bring a welcome festive air to the house. How about making your own star tree branch, like the one shown here, and wrapping it in fairy lights?
Louise Miranda
Or place some lights on the fireplace and buffet. Setting small, special candle, lighting and lanterns is a good way to ease into holiday decorating.
Gabriel Holland Interior Design
When all else fails, give yourself the color
I am a firm believer in the power of color to lift the spirits. So if all the tea lights, fairy lights and cozy nights around the fire are not help you get your groove on, let me suggest splurging on something bright and bold instead, a raspberry mohair throw for example.
Tell us ...
What do you do to help boost your spirits in the winter? Let us know in the comments below.
I am a firm believer in the power of color to lift the spirits. So if all the tea lights, fairy lights and cozy nights around the fire are not help you get your groove on, let me suggest splurging on something bright and bold instead, a raspberry mohair throw for example.
Tell us ...
What do you do to help boost your spirits in the winter? Let us know in the comments below.