Thanksgiving has long been one of my favorite holidays. My parents have a more the merrier outlook and have crammed twenty plus people into their dining room in previous years. I love the loud house, abundance of food and being surrounded by family. It always feels like the perfect kick off to the holiday season. Sadly there will be none of that this year, but I didn’t want this time to go by without embracing what I love most about the start of the holidays. Thanksgiving reminds me of the ultimate comfort and now more than ever I think we need comfort and coziness at home.

I am all about setting a mood year round and have gone a little extra this year to make mundane days feel more special. I have spent so much time in the kitchen and light my candles any time of day for a little pick me up. I am working on a new cozy playlist for you to listen to on Thanksgiving or when you’re relaxing at home (coming tomorrow). It is filled with an array of comfort songs that make me happy. In the meantime, here are some more ways I enjoy simple comforts at home.

Old Movies: If you have been here for a while you know my love of old movies runs very deep. I have a list of some highlighted on my Instagram stories, but other favorites for this time of year are The Apartment, Roman Holiday, Christmas in Connecticut and Bells Are Ringing (if you like musicals this just makes you feel good).

A Good Cup Of Tea: I have a cup of coffee every morning, but in the afternoon and evenings I love a hot cup of tea. Our apartment gets pretty chilly and I find this can be an instant mood booster. A few of you asked about my Burleigh tea cups which come in the prettiest patterns and colors. I also love a simple (and affordable) teapot that is pretty enough to keep out.

Feel Good Scents: Scents can trigger so many memories and make me feel very happy. In the winter I love to make a big pot of stovetop potpourri almost weekly to fill the apartment. I like to use orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, apple slices and a dash of vanilla extract. Just slice up whatever fruit you want, add the spices and enough water to float them. Place on simmer all day and let it fill your home. It smells SO good! I also lean towards cozier candle scents and love Glowing Embers from Jo Malone. Since we don’t have a fireplace this gives off such a wonderful subtle wood burning scent.

Accent Lighting: I have mentioned this on here a bunch, but I am not an overhead lighting person. At least not in our space because we don’t have dimmers. I swear I have never once used the light on our fan in the living room because it feels like a dentists office. I much prefer soft accent lighting and rely heavily on lamps to create warmth like this little accent. I also had Daniel install dimmer sockets on some of our other lights that didn’t have them which I buy here. Besides lamps, I love having a ton of unscented candles in glass hurricanes to give off the cozy glow of candle light. It really makes a huge difference!

Comfy Loungewear: I hardly wear real clothes anymore so easy sweatshirts and sweatpants are what I find myself shopping the most for. I also got these slippers last year and can not get over how fluffy they still they are.

Comfort Food: Ina Garten is my everything and her new book, Modern Comfort Food could not have come at a better time. I have made dozens of her recipes over the years, so I was very excited to get my hands on this. The crispy chicken with lemon orzo is incredible as well as the Arrabbiata sauce. I will definitely be working my way through the pages this winter.

Small Touches: It is often in the small touches that bring coziness to a home. Pieces that add texture like a chunky basket, blanket or a rug. Vases with character that I fill with fresh branches or greens. Little ways to bring the outside, in make such a big difference. I also just got this book. It is STUNNING, so I am slowly taking my time flipping through and reading up on the designers homes. They are all so layered and homey!

Teapot, Jo Malone Candle, Teacup, Sweatshirt, Sweatpants, Book, Lamp, Basket, Slippers, Hurricane, Ina Garten Book, Vase}