Autumn is finally here! It’s a time of gathering around the table with the ones you love; the air is cool and crisp and the scents are delightful. We light the fireplace for the first time and bring out those old favorite comforting recipes that remind you of home. School starts again and football season is in full swing. Pumpkins and apples are everywhere, and the smell of cinnamon and cloves fill the air. It’s the time to wear cozy sweaters, boots and scarves. Leaves are changing into marvelous colors. Blankets and quilts are making their grand entrance into our homes for the cold weather seasons. We are reminded to “give thanks to the Lord” and count our blessings. Autumn is a sweet time of year filled with opportunities for memories to be made.
Perhaps my favorite part of autumn is the cozy atmosphere that it brings. For as long as I can remember our home has always had a special feel this time of year. Today I want to share with you 5 ways we make our home cozy both in autumn going into winter, and also throughout the year.
1. Candles- we love candles. I personally love the seasonal scents- pumpkin, apple cinnamon, maple in the fall; evergreen, spice, mulled cider, candy cane in the winter. The glow of candles seems to bring such a peacefulness to a room.
2. Blankets- I love blankets. In our house, we have blankets everywhere- on the couch, beds, chairs, and I have my favorites in a basket.
3. Baking- There’s nothing like the scent of something baking in the oven. Some of my favorites are pumpkin bread, banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, and scones.
4. Soups- I have always loved soups! I am still trying to convince a couple of my family members that soup is good. Making a big pot of soup is great and it’s even better if you make enough for at least 1 more meal. A few of my favorites are: Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Simple Vegetable Soup, White Chicken Chili, and Taco Soup.
5. Stove Top Scents- We just learned about these in the last couple years, but boy, are we glad we did! The scent from these simmering on the stove all day is so potent and it instantly adds a coziness to our home. We buy oranges, limes, lemons and cranberries on the discount table (or when they are on sale) at our produce market and keep them in the freezer all season long. We have also found a really good deal on cinnamon sticks at our local Chinese food market. I came up with a couple of my own and have tweaked a couple that I have found online. (most of the time we don’t measure as we are adding the ingredients) Here are a few of our favorites:
Cozy Home Scent
Fill a pot with water. Add a couple cinnamon sticks and/or ground cinnamon. Add vanilla OR peppermint extract. Boil and simmer. Add more water as needed.
Autumn is in the Air Scent
In a pot, add:
Simmer and add more water as needed.
Cranberry Bliss Scent
lemon, sliced (or lime)
Simmer in a pot of water and add more water as needed.
I hope this gives you some ideas on how to make your home a little more cozy this autumn season and as we go into winter. Our homes are a special place and we should strive to make them a haven for our family and all who enter. Find a cozy blanket, pour yourself a hot cup of tea, and light a warm candle, and enjoy your home and family!
What are some of your favorite ways to create a cozy atmosphere in your home? I’d love to hear your ideas!
