Who doesn’t dream of escaping the after Christmas winter blues by booking a weekend getaway to a cozy winter villa? Nestled in the trees surrounded by nature, rustic decor and snowflakes cascading down to the ground sits this ideal retreat. A weekend sitting by a cozy fire, sipping whipped hot cocoa while reading a good book seems downright idyllic. As I am sitting at my kitchen table on a blustery January day in Minnesota I am pondering my possibilities. It is occurring to me that maybe instead of desiring to “get away” this dream is right in front of me, in my very own home.
The Cozy Kitchen
For many of us, coziness starts in the kitchen. A simple candle atop a wooden farmhouse miniature chair sets the mood. Cedar sprigs displayed on open shelves among white dishes speak of all the homemade soups that will fill them. Fresh sourdough bread atop a breadboard fills the air with a wonderful aroma! Similarly, ceramic pots filled with plain small evergreens bring a touch of the outdoors in. Lastly, nothing exudes warmth and coziness more than a simmering pot of water, cinnamon sticks, orange slices and cloves on the stovetop.
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The Cozy Kitchen
Next, on this cozy home retreat comes the charming sunroom/porch. On a cloudy winter day this room feels like a winter wonderland. Draping garlands with rustic white wood and metal snowflakes dangle down from the window tops. An oak bench, which my husband constructed for me 30 years ago, sits under the window. On top of this sits a collection of wintery items: an old pair of figure skates, a tree, a cherished quilt with snowflakes and snowmen and a tiny red sled with snowflakes. This room is the perfect spot to sink into one of the cushioned white wicker chairs, put my feet up while sipping something warm with a good book in hand.
The Cozy Living Room
Furthermore, curling up on my reclining chair in my living room with a fluffy blanket watching a girly movie is essential! There is a small flocked tree placed on a weathered pine table in the corner of the room. It is nice to fill this space with something pretty when Christmas comes down. Underneath this evergreen sits a large woven basket filled with extra blankets for those cold nights. Similarly, the other tables in this room are adorned with trays of greenery, pinecones and flickering candles. The whitewashed wall shelf also has elements of winter: a sled, lighted glass trees, skates and snowmen. I love the coziness of winter!
The Cozy Bathroom
I would be remise to dream of a wintery oasis retreat without planning a long, luxurious soak in my deep bathtub with soft music playing in the background and flickering lights filling the air. Soothing my skin with a simple Epsom salt and essential oil soak and then finishing off with a homemade sugar scrub completes the relaxation.
The Outdoors
Last, but not least, a stroll through nature completes my weekend home retreat. I am very fortunate to be walking distance from a park with a river running through it and a groomed nature trail abounding with trees and paths, brooks and bridges.
Conclusion
On this frosty day it is fun to think of how I already have everything I need to create a cozy winter retreat. Rather than spending a lot of money and time to travel to a distant location I am now refocusing my efforts on how to plan the ultimate vacation at home! What about you? Is it possible that with a little planning and dreaming you too could go on a winter retreat in your very own home?