Cuddling up in front of a fire, while listening to the rain beat against the window or the wind howling around the house, really is the best feeling. We have so many great memories of childhood nights spent curled up in front of a crackling fire in our parents’ or grandparents’ house, knowing we were safe from the bad weather.
But even if you don’t have a fireplace with a real fire, there are still plenty of ways to make your home toasty and welcoming this winter when those cold nights kick in.
Crackling candle
The sound of an open fire crackling can really add to a toasty home during the cold months, but if you don’t have a fireplace, you don’t have to miss out - just get yourself some crackling candles. These specialised candles have a wooden wick so they burn with the sound of a softly crackling fire.
Crank up the heat
Like us, British Gas want families to have the toastiest winter possible, and we think the best way to do this is to turn up the heat, close the doors, throw on your fluffiest socks and let a good film drown out the sound of the rain.
Throws, cushions, and rugs
Throws, cushions and rugs were all made to keep you cosy so stock up and make sure to use them rather than leaving them on the back of the couch for decorative purposes. Cover bare floors with a nice fluffy rug and wrap a large throw around you and your little one while you watch TV.
Winter fragrance
One of the best ways to create an instant cosy atmosphere is to have a wintery nice fragrance flowing throughout the house. Scented candles will do the job beautifully, but if you want a homemade solution, pour some water into a pan and add a little vanilla extract or a mix of cinnamon and orange. Fire up the stove and the fragrance will soon fill up your home.
Fairy lights and lamps
Lighting plays a big role in how cosy your home will feel, so if you want to create a warm ambiance, look to fairy lights. Softly-lit lamps also have a wonderfully cosy feel.
Personalising your space
There is nothing that will warm a home more than fun photos of family and friends. Our best memories are often confined to the albums of Facebook, so now is the time to print out your favourite shots and frame them. If you want some extra cash to buy some pretty frames, then you may be interested in a competition being held by British Gas at the moment. Over the course of eight weeks, they will be giving away a series of brilliant prizes, including vouchers for John Lewis.
To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is tweet @BritishGas and describe the one thing that makes your house a home, accompanied by the hashtag #NoPlaceLikeHome. See here for details on all the amazing prizes up for grabs.
