Winter can be a magical time of year, with sparkling snow, crackling fires, and cozy gatherings with family and friends. It’s also a time when the days are short, and the weather is cold and gray. Winter presents an opportunity to slow our pace or hibernate. Generally, home is where we will spend most of our time. It’s vital, then, to craft a winter wonderland by making your home warm and inviting during the winter months. Don’t allow the word ‘craft’ to intimidate you. These projects are easy and can double as a family bonding activity. If you aren’t the do-it-yourself type, most of these products can purchased online if desired, but where’s the fun in that?
Perhaps you don’t have a fireplace. Do not ignore the power of subtle nuances. Any warm light or natural elements will create visual warmth. Winter candle jars can add a toasty and inviting glow to your home, especially as table centerpieces. Collect a few mason jars, go to a craft store, and pick up some lace, burlap, or plaid ribbon. Super glue the outside of the jar with the material of your choice, then enhance the look by adding hints of your favorite winter decorations, such as mini pinecones or pine needles. If you don’t like candles, you can achieve that warm glow by placing fairy lights inside the jar.
When you think of cozy, you most likely picture sweaters and socks along with plenty of layers. Your clothes aren’t the only things that need layers in the winter. Adding layers to your home with materials such as chunky knitted throws, flannel, and thick rugs will enhance the relaxing atmosphere you seek. Blanket ladders are a relatively easy addition that will assist you in organizing the chunky throws and add to the winter look. How to do it? Get three six-foot 2x4s, cut them to the desired height, and then use the extra wood to create three or four rungs connecting one side to the other with long screws to assemble the ladder. Or, if you would prefer, amazon has metal rungs that you can use to achieve an industrial look. Choose and apply a paint or stain of your liking, and once it’s dry, you’ve finished! All that’s left is to lay your chunky blankets over the rungs, lean the ladder against a wall, and voila, the desired cozy look is complete!
When you look at your home and it makes you want to snuggle up in a blanket with your favorite book, pull out a board game for the family, or simply curl up for a nap, you know you’ve accomplished your goal of creating your winter wonderland!