The best thing about winter for me? Having an excuse to stay at home in bed. The fact is that I love being at home. I work from home, I spent most of my time here and most of my free time is spent in bed. Slow nights in during December are definitely my vibe. With that being said, I’ve come to collate a list of my cosy night-in essentials.
Pyjamas, a dressing gown and fluffy socks
It’s not a cosy night in without comfy clothing! For me, pyjamas and a dressing gown are a must. There’s nothing better than snuggling up warm in fresh PJs! Fluffy socks are essential for me too because I always have the coldest feet. Sometimes, I’ll stick two pairs of them on!
Blankets, pillows and a thick duvet
To get maximum cosiness, you need to find the perfect spot. Whether that’s in bed or on the sofa, adding blankets/duvets and lots of pillows will leave you as snug as a bug in a rug! Keeping warm is a must for me on a night in (basically every night, then) so the more, the merrier!
A hot water bottle
Once again, warmth is key so my hot water bottle is my best friend in the colder months! Honestly, for a few quid, it’s definitely in the pennies when it comes to cost-per-use. I have mine in a sloth cover called Stanley (yes, I always name cuddly toys)!
Mood lighting
Whilst I’m not big on candles, I like nights in with dim lighting. I might be one of the few who uses the big light quite a lot but when I’m feeling cosy, I tend to use lamps more. I only have one in my bedroom so it’s enough to see what you’re doing but not too bright that it gives you a headache!
A tech-free space
Most of us are addicted to our phones/iPads/laptops so a night away from them does us a world of good! A digital detox always helps me to relax properly without sharing the minutes of my night online.
Your favourite film or TV series
Call me old-fashioned but tech-free means tech-free. When I have a night in, I watch a film or TV series on an actual TV using DVDs! Yes, I still own many! Right now, I’m binge-watching Downton Abbey but a Harry Potter marathon always works wonders in winter.
A journal and pen
Something I like to do when I’m fully relaxed is journal. It’s not something I do in long form often but sometimes, you need to empty your brain. I keep a journal and pen in one of the drawers of my bedside table so it’s there whenever I need it. Free journalling means I can write as untidily as I like and when it’s complete, I throw the journal away!
Reading material
Following a night in front of the telly, a good book is a great way to finish the night. I tend to read from my Kindle Fire tablet but do reach for a paperback every so often. In terms of what I read, it’s either non-fiction (personal development stuff) or a cheesy romance book. Anything Lindsey Kelk or Paige Toon (or similar) is right up my street!
Hot drink of your choice
Whilst you shouldn’t drink coffee before bed, a cup of flavoured tea is favourable instead. However, I drink neither so hot chocolate is my pick. Because I drink it daily, I have an ‘extra’ version for special nights in: marshmallows, whipped cream and some form of chocolate treat on top!
Snacks
In this household, snacks are big business. We have shelves of biscuits, sweets and crisps so I love to make a little buffet for cosy nights. If it’s just me, I pop some things on a plate. If I have company, I’ll spread a few bits out on the coffee table in the living room. Us Brits bloody love a good buffet so there’s always plenty of choice with me!
As you can see, my cosy night-in essentials aren’t anything out of the ordinary but there’s something about popping them all together that makes them feel extra special. I’ll be adding a few of them into my month of December to recover from all of the Christmas crazy!
Would you add anything to this list of my cosy night-in essentials? Leave a comment below with your essentials! You can find more of my happenings on Instagram too!
