It’s officially that time of year again, the nights are drawing in, and the temperatures are getting chillier, so embrace autumn, and create a cosy night in at home.
A cosy night in is a wonderful way to spend an autumnal evening, either cosied up with a loved one or chilling out with friends, it can bring a feeling of tranquillity and relaxation. The perfect way to escape a busy day and life’s stressful moments.
Take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to create the ultimate cosy night in.
Cosy Clothing
You simply cannot have a cosy night in wearing formal or tight clothing, for maximum comfort you need to wear soft, relaxing clothes, which are loose and unrestrictive. Think PJs and slippers, or if you prefer to not wear nightwear, choose some nice loungewear, something like an oversized jumper and soft leggings or joggers.
There are so many different styles of PJs these days, you can match the patterns to the season if you really want to go all out and theme your cosy night in. From pumpkin PJs to fairisle cosy knits, you can go all, and even match you partner or friends.
Set the scene
Having a cosy atmosphere is really important, so help set the scene to help you relax. The lighting should be dim and calming, turn off the main lights and create some mood lighting with a small warm table lamp, or even better, hang some fairy lights close by to create a tranquil atmosphere. Candles are also perfect for creating cosiness, they can also bring wonderful calming scenes to the room. Choose soft scents that will help you relax, rather than energise you. Think rose, lavender, eucalyptus, or cinnamon for a seasonal hint.
Blankets and cushions are a must, to help create layers and comfort. Whether you’re sitting on a sofa or a chair, a blanket is perfect when it gets later in the evening, and you may want an extra layer. You may have decided to set up camp on the floor and create a comfy picnic area. Cushions will help you get comfortable, and a range of blankets are needed to lie on and under!
Cosy essentials:
- Blankets
- cushions
- Candles
- Fairy Lights
Pamper Yourself
A cosy night in isn’t complete until you have pampered yourself a little. If you are having a solo evening, think about running a bubbly bath or having a relaxing hot shower. If you are with your partner, why not do a facemask together, there are brilliant ones for all skin types, and it can be quite fun and different to do. If the girls are coming round for a chilled evening in, why not set up a little spa area, paint nails, do facials, and treat yourselves?
Yummy Treats
Comfort food isn’t called comfort food for no reason. For the ultimate night in, it’s always a good idea to have a mix of naughty and nice nibbles. If you are going to be watching a movie, then popcorn is a must. Spread out a mix of treats to snack on through the evening, catering for everyone’s taste. Some of our favourites are chocolate covered marshmallows, shortbread biscuits, jelly beans, and sweets that have a hint of nostalgia. If you are after something more substantial, nachos are a great choice. You can have a wide range of styles and it makes the perfect sharing meal between friends.
Nice Drinks
When it comes to beverages, nothing is cosier than a big mug of your favourite warm drink. For us at Virginia Hayward, it is all about the hot cocoa, whether you like it with lashings of cream and marshmallows on top or with just a dash of milk. We also love the hot-chocolate sticks which you can find in some of our chocolate hampers.
If you’re after something with a little more kick, red wine is often considered the colour of choice in the darker months, if wine isn’t your thing, why not dress up a little bar cart with spirits and mixers, plus a few fairy lights, to create a pretty addition to your set up.
No scrolling
To really get relaxed and switch off, it’s best to turn off phones and not scroll through social media. A cosy evening is all about focusing on yourself and having no distractions. Research suggests that screen time can be linked to sleep quality and duration, so it’s always best to limit the amount of time you are staring at a screen to make sure you are nicely chilled out before hitting the sack.
Home Cinema
OK, so although it is technically screen time, a movie night can be a great way to relax and unwind in a cosy setting. Picking the right movie is imperative, think rom-com, a low-key drama or perhaps a mystery, depending on the genre you like. Try not to watch anything too tense or that requires a lot of concentration to follow the plot, as a cosy night it all about giving your mind a rest too.
You can always set the movie up first, and then switch off screen time fully once it has finished. Perhaps read a book, pamper yourself or have a nice ice-cream dessert, so you can rest your eyes before bed.
We all need that much-deserved ‘me time’ or a chance to unwind, destress and relax with friends and family. Our lives are busy, and it can sometimes feel as though we are jumping from one plan to the plan and continuously rushing out of the door.
It’s good to remember that we can pause and recharge in the comfort of our own homes. So, grab the blankets, and some comfort snacks and get cosy!
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Chocoholic’s Letterbox Gift£17.50 Inc VAT
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Love Chocolate Hamper£19.99 Inc VAT
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The Indulgence Hamper£75.00 Inc VAT