It’s Sunday, girls, and Autumn is almost upon us now; the nights are drawing in and the leaves are turning golden. It’s the time of year for ginormous mugs of hot chocolate and super thick wooly jumpers to keep out the chill.
Sometimes after work or a day out in the cold, all you want to do is jump into a winter holiday advert! Having a cosy night in is almost as good, so here are a few things to make your lazy evening so much more comforting.
#1 A decadent mug of hot chocolate
It can only be the best hot chocolate, so grab yourself a tub of Cadbury’s or your favourite decadent brand, you can even make your own with melted chocolate or chocolate milk! Top with giant marshmallows and a flake or some grated milk chocolate. If you’re really making an evening of it, add a dash (or two) of Baileys or Cointreau to warm yourself up!
#2 A movie to get lost in
It can be whatever genre you want – pick a movie that you love or one you’ve been meaning to see for ages but never had time to watch. Check out our list of must-see movies, we’ve also got tonnes of Netflix recommendations to keep you glued to the screen!
#3 The cosiest, softest, warmest knitted jumper
You know the one. It sits in the back of your wardrobe in spring and summer, waiting patiently for the cold snap to begin so that you can take it out again, pull it over your head and hug it tight. It’s probably a bit big for you so you can pull it over your knees. If you don’t have one, you need to see our picks ASAP! Try this H&M alpaca knit, or this oversized woollen human hot water bottle from ASOS.
#4 Light up the night with fairy lights
Forget the main light in your room that glares in every direction, opt for something softer and more ambient. Fairy lights are my favourite; they can be bought cheaply online or in pretty much any store around this time of year. Hang them around the mantle piece to make the room feel just a little bit magical.
#5 Make your house smell like freshly baked gingerbread…
Or cotton sheets, or just-picked cherries, the list is endless! A few scented tea lights dotted around the room can give you just enough light and fill the air with your favourite smells. You could use aromatic candles if you really want to de-stress and relax.
#6 Cloud-like cushions to sink into
You can’t have a cozy night in without being super comfortable. Grab a few large cushions to arrange around you, lay back and relax into them (with your hot chocolate and tv remote in hand – you don’t want to get up after you’ve squished down!). You’re never too old to make a fort either!
#7 Something to flick through
Sometimes we need to get away from the screens we spend so much of our time looking at and indulge in something with real pages. Grab a couple of magazines on your way home from work, or have a rummage for that new book you bought so long ago it probably can’t be described as new anymore. If you need a book list, we’ve got you, too!
#8 Feast away
You need some treats to hand for the evening. They don’t have to be unhealthy; a roasted butternut squash soup with wholemeal croutons could be just what you need after a long day at work, or perhaps some crudités and dip will give you the extra vitamins you need to fight off your cold that won’t disappear.
#9 Serene sounds
Add some background noise to your evening – Spotify is brilliant for this as you can use the radio function and discover a new song or artist you haven’t heard before. I would go with an acoustic sound, like Jack Penate or Laura Marling – it’s up to you!
#10 A person
It could be your boyfriend, best friend, sister or brother – having someone to share your cosy night with can make it so much more enjoyable. Invite your whole group of friends over, or put your feet up with your furry flatmate (your cat, not the mouldy cheese in your fridge).
What else would you have on your list for a perfect night in?
By Genieve Crump