Bring a little winter magic to your home with these top tips

It seems like only yesterday we were sprucing up our living rooms with pumpkins and spider’s webs for Hallowe’en, yet here we are in November, racing towards the festive season at alarming speed. I don’t know about you, but I still feel like it should be July. Where has the year gone?

Now, I’m not saying put your Christmas tree up this weekend (although some folk probably will!) but let’s face it; summer is long gone, and we may as well embrace the magic of the season.

LG loves winter. There’s nothing better than getting in from work and cosying up in front of the fire, candles lit, glass of wine in hand. I also love my Christmas tree, but I have a strict rule about it actually being December before it gets centre stage in my front room. I work up to it though by adding little seasonal touches to my home as well as making some practical adjustments for the winter.

One of the first things I do when the last of the sunshine fades and the nights start to draw in, is pack away everything that relates to summer. I like to cover up the garden furniture and empty the hanging baskets. Indoors there’s a few tweaks to be made too. Packing away the summer clothes is vital. I can’t stand shorts and flip flops mixed up with my winter woollies. I like to know that when I open my wardrobe, appropriate clothes for the weather are in situ. It saves time and gives a sense of order too. Invest in some storage boxes or heavy-duty laundry bags and pack the holiday garb away. You’ll need room for the coats and sweaters we undoubtedly need living in this country.

Creating a cosy and stylish cocoon for the chilly nights ahead isn’t just about clearing out our wardrobes. We need to keep ourselves snug and with energy prices going through the roof these days, there are things we can do to keep our homes a little warmer without whacking up the thermostat. If you have curtains, draw them – this really makes a difference. Blocking any chilly spots with a draught excluder will help too. You can pick up some nice ones from Dunelm or Wayfair – check them both out online. Great sites for a bit of home decor inspiration.

Also, if you have furniture blocking your radiators consider moving your room about for the winter. There’s no point in having a big sofa parked in front of a heat source – it’s just a waste. And if, like me, you have wooden floors, invest in a rug. As pretty as wooden floors are, they won’t keep your tootsies warm on a cold morning.

These are all good practical changes you can make to bring some cosiness to your home but think of the style and ambience too.

You may have heard the term ‘hygge’, and this Danish concept has been around for a while. It’s more of a state of mind then a décor statement but it’s something to think about when you’re preparing your home for winter.

The point of ‘hygge’ is to create ambience and a sense of contentment whilst still being functional. Think muted tones, textured throws, and soft cushions. Candles are also a key ingredient to ‘hygge’ style.

Speaking of which, I love to change my home scents for winter too. During the summer months I tend to burn wax melts and candles that offer a ‘beachy’ smell or summery fruits and flowers. Come winter, it’s time to get involved with rich aromas of cinnamon, ginger mulled wine and spiced apple. There are some gorgeous comforting fragrances you can introduce to your home, giving it a festive ambience. Take a look at The White Company’s offerings. There is actually one called ‘Winter’ which will tick all the boxes, and another aptly named ‘Fireside’ which is a fusion of smoked woods, fresh birch, clove leaf, patchouli, amber and vanilla. A feast for the senses.

Another easy way to jazz up your home is to add some new accessories. You can pick up great seasonal bits and bobs to add a wintry vibe to any room I love adding new trinkets to my abode and they don't need to cost a lot either. Have a browse in stores like The Range or Matalan for reasonably priced accessories that won't break the bank and look for things like lanterns, tea light holders, throws and artificial foliage. Eucalyptus, holly and pine cones can create a dazzling display for your table or fireplace.

Once Christmas is over, the months will fly by and you can do it all over again to get set for summer. I’m not sure which I prefer to be honest. Snow or sunshine…?

I’m happy to enjoy the magic of them both and it doesn’t matter what the weather does – home is where the heart is for every season.