Perry Como had it right: there’s no place like home for the holidays. From festive décor to tasty treats, you can set the mood with simple seasonal touches. Here are 10 easy ways to make a cozy home you and your family and friends will enjoy.
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Dress up your home’s entrance and welcome guests with a wreath. But you don’t have to make a custom wreath from scratch. The trick is to start with an inexpensive, store-bought evergreen wreath. To get a look you love, remove any decorations you don’t like, then add elements that complement your decor. Don’t forget the ribbon! Wired ribbon makes amazing shapes and stays in place. Finally, add festive picks for color and texture.
Looking for a little wreath decorating inspiration? Better Homes & Gardens has you covered:
5 Easy Ways to Update a Basic Evergreen Wreath
Whether it’s a fire in the fireplace, lights on the Christmas tree, or Hanukkah candles, lighting makes your home feel festive and warm. Extra lights can also enhance the mood for the drearier winter days. Try this lighting trick: Place a small table lamp on the end of a long kitchen island or countertop. The lamplight will make the space feel cozier when bright task lighting is not needed.
Want your home to smell like Christmas? Add some holiday smells to your home with scented candles, simmering potpourri, or essential oils. Fragrances commonly associated with Christmastime include pine, peppermint, and cinnamon. Get the recipe for a homemade Christmas potpourri at Half Baked Harvest. Also, check out AromaWeb’s guide to essential oils for tips and links to holiday recipes.
A bowl of fresh fruit on your kitchen counter or dining room table serves two purposes. First, it encourages your loved ones to grab a healthy snack. Second, it provides a colorful decoration for your home. Popular winter fruits include: apples, bananas, oranges, pears, and pomegranates.
Double the rug, double the cozy. When done properly, the layered rug trend adds texture and visual interest for a cozy ambience. If you’re intrigued but need a little guidance before attempting the rug-on-rug look in your own space, turn to Apartment Therapy. There you’ll learn lessons from rooms that nail the layered rug look and get a list of curated rug duos complete with visuals.
Think you’re only allowed to have one Christmas tree? Think again. Many homes enjoy the pleasure of having Christmas trees of all sizes in various rooms of their house. For example, consider having a lovely little tree in your mudroom. Wouldn’t it be a joy to have a glowing tree greeting you when you walk in the door every day? It's a cozy way to come home again.
Set aside a special area in your kitchen or dining room for a hot beverage bar. Think specialty teas and coffees, hot chocolate mixes, along with beverage fixings such as syrups, sugar, honey, mini marshmallows, and cinnamon. Assemble mugs and treats on a two or three-tiered tray. Trust us, guests will be delighted to help themselves.
Years ago, matching pajamas were the norm in families. Well, what’s old is new again and there’s been a resurgence in matching pajama sets – especially for the holidays. Just picture it: Snuggling up in matching pajamas to watch a movie, play a board game, or read a bedtime story. That’s a fun family tradition you’ll want to keep going every year!
There’s something familiar and comforting about combining treasures from Christmases past with your present-day decorations. The nostalgic feeling combines with an exciting childlike wonder to tell the story of your life -- all within your cozy corner of the world.
No Christmas would be complete without cookies for Santa. And fresh baked cookies do smell fabulous. Why not make it a little more fun – and a lot easier on yourself – by organizing a cookie swap. You bake one kind of cookie and you end up with an assortment of cookies to last through the holidays. Best idea ever! For a complete checklist on how to organize a cookie exchange, check out Real Simple.
In the hustle of the hectic holiday season, a thoughtfully decorated home can be a source of comfort. With that in mind, we hope this list helps you cozy up your home and bring the warmth and light of the season into your home and heart.
From all of us at Harrisburg Kitchen & Bath, we wish you a joyful (and cozy) holiday season!
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Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling in Harrisburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Hummelstown, Camp Hill, Boiling Springs, and Lewisberry
Industry Experience: My father has run his own construction company since 1992, and because of this I have been involved in the remodeling industry nearly my whole life. I’ve been with HKB since 2018.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I truly love helping people – whether by keeping things organized behind the scenes, ensuring we have everything we need for each project, or assisting with creative problem-solving. It brings me so much joy to be part of such a great team who are passionate about improving people’s lives by reimagining their living spaces!!
Fun Fact About You: I’m a self-published author, a self-taught artist, and a gigantic Star Wars nerd.
Industry Experience: Starting in 2008, I have been in the construction and remodeling industry in multiple capacities: project coordination, management, design, and sales. I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I greatly enjoy getting to know our customers and being a part of their kitchen and bath transformations. It’s an honor to be a trusted partner and see the impact that our team's hard work has on someone’s home.
Fun Fact About You: I’ve tap danced nearly my whole life and have been awarded national recognition. I’ve also recently added dance instructor to my tap experience by teaching and choreographing locally for the last two years.
Industry Experience: I have been in the business as a designer and sales person since 1986, and I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: To be challenged to create something the homeowner never expected and absolutely loves!
Fun Fact About You: Enjoys golfing, playing poker, and cigars!
Industry Experience: Since entering the kitchen & bath industry in 1988, I have worked in all aspects of the industry including manufacturing, design/sales, representing independent manufacturers, and owning a retail kitchen & bath showroom. I have been working with or employed by Harrisburg Kitchen & Bath since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: Helping customers make their dream spaces come to life! Especially enjoy working with older homes from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fun Fact About You: I enjoy traveling to other parts of the world. Most recently visited Australia in 2019. I have been to all continents except Antarctica! Next on my bucket list.