Wednesday, December 21st at 3:47 pm marks the winter solstice (if you're in central standard time, as I am). It's also referred to as the hibernal solstice or "The Longest Night". Sounds ominous, doesn't it?
Some cultures actually celebrate it by having festivals, feasting and spending time with loved ones, or by singing and dancing around a fire. Whether you love this time of year or not, one thing is certain. When temperatures drop, snow, rain and ice start to fall, we tend to spend more time in our homes. We may be preparing to host family and friends for holiday gatherings, crossing off the list of things to do that we ignored when the weather was awesome and we wanted to be outside, or simply hibernating (like me), cuddled up under a blanket watching movies or reading a good book.
We've got some wonderful products in the shop right now to help you create a warm, welcoming space. Here are some of my favorites:
Hosting overnight guests? Having a carafe of water on the nightstand so your guests stay hydrated is a welcoming and thoughtful touch. The Footprint Carafe Set is shown in classic white here but comes in five additional colors to match any decor.
I happen to love doormats (some might call it an addiction) and when snow and rain fall, I think having one at both your front and back door is imperative. Plus it just screams welcome before you even get in the door. There are several in the shop right now, but because I hail from Kansas, this one speaks to me. And I happen to agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment.
Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") means a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture). Amen. And what creates coziness and a feeling of contentment and well-being quite like lighting a candle...or five? We have a wide selection of candles in the shop in various containers, colors, and most importantly, scents.
There is no better time than now to add a layer. To your bed. To your sofa. To your favorite reading spot. And all of these blankets from Beyond Borders Collective get my vote. Shown is the Secoya Blanket in Campfire Ash, but they come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they are large enough to snuggle up with a loved one and not feel like one of you is left out in the cold.
However you spend the next few months, I hope you take some time to relax, slow down, and enjoy the warmth of home.