Winter WONDERLAND

There are plenty of ways to celebrate winter by creating a warm and welcoming space at home. Here are 10 of the best

- CARROL BAKER

A comfortable winter home is warm વો and inviting. There are textured throws draped over sofas, plump scatter cushions, and subtle ambient lighting. Shades drawn on the windows keep out winter chills and a roaring fire beckons.

1. RAMP UP THE "COSY" FACTOR

Whether that's putting a couple of plush bean bags in a corner of the rumpus room or creating a reading nook under the stairs, winter is a time of reflection, of comfort. For many, that also means space or solitude. But it's also a time for rounding up the gang, for playing family board games, of baking cookies and warming up the kitchen, and also drinking hot chocolate on family movie nights.

Set the scene for warmth and comfort at home by making sure draughts aren't flowing through window seals and fix any draughty windows. Check your home heating devices to ensure heaters are in good working order, and ensure you have an ample supply of firewood on hand for your wood stove.

Make sure your towels pass the plushness test and if not, order some fresh ones. Replace light doonas with warmer options.

2. DRAW THE BLINDS

One way to keep your home snug is through thermal insulation. Danielle Crosby, marketing manager at Dollar Curtains and Blinds, says curtains and drapes can preserve up to 20 per cent of the total heat in your home. "They create a trapped layer of air between the fabric and the window, which results in an insulating air pocket," she explains. Blockout curtains, blackout roller blinds and cellular or honeycomb blinds can all work efficiently to keep you and your family warmer in winter.