The world has opened back up and we’re all enjoying being out and about again. Sometimes, however, it can all be a bit much and we need some time to unwind and relax. A cosy night in is the perfect way to treat yourself to a bit of peaceful relaxation. It lets you re-centre yourself and gives you the energy and focus to be your best self.
Here are our suggestions for how to plan the ultimate cosy night in, whether it’s just for you, with friends or with a partner.
Food and drinks
Comfort food is one of the best ways to feel content and, well, comforted. What comfort food means varies by a person though. For some, spending a few hours in the kitchen making a perfect shepherd’s pie is a form of relaxation. For others, it’s ordering a takeaway from a favourite restaurant. There’s no right or wrong way to go about it.
A glass or two of wine is the perfect accompaniment for a cosy night in. Due to its location in the heart of London, Mayfair boasts a range of wine merchants appealing to every taste. One of the hottest trends in wine right now are natural and vegan wines. Vegan Wines and Pure Wines are two shops that cater to this market and both have impressive selections.
If you’d prefer something non-alcoholic, a pot of tea is a classic way to make any night a cosy one. Using loose leaf tea allows you to control the strength of your brew. If you’re looking for something a little different, a milk oolong is a lovely choice. It has a gentler flavour than a black tea with more depth than a green tea and a slight milky sweetness from the tea variety.
Entertainment
The first type of entertainment that most people think of when they plan a cosy night in is watching a film or binging a series. It is the obvious first choice — it’s relaxing, enjoyable and infinitely customisable. Thanks to the rise of streaming services, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect film or series to suit your mood.
One of the best, but sadly overlooked, feel-good genres is the screwball comedy. Films such as Bringing Up Baby (1938), Theodora Goes Wild (1936), His Girl Friday (1940) and My Man Godfrey (1936) sparkle with wit and fun.
Sometimes you want to do something more engaging than just watching. Playing at an online casino can add a bit of excitement to your night without having to leave the house. Roulette is a classic casino game that you don’t need any particular skills to play. A guide to the best roulette sites UK can help you find the perfect online casino to keep you entertained during your cosy night in.
If your ideal relaxation night doesn’t include devices, you can still play games. In recent years there has been an explosion in the board and card game market. There are now more choices than ever for a game night. From competitive to collaborative, there’s something for every playing style.
Setting
Once you know what you’re going to eat and drink during your cosy night in and have planned how you’re going to stay entertained, it’s time to figure out how to make your space as cosy as possible.
The first step towards creating a cosy environment is blankets. Soft, fluffy blankets and throws make you feel like you’re in a warm little den. Finding the perfect blankets (because there is no such thing as too many blankets) depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want them to look stylish enough to be displayed on the sofa or is the level of fluffiness most important? Do you run hot or cold? Do you prefer easy-care synthetics or enjoy the texture of wool and cashmere?
Candles or an essential oil diffuser can provide a soothing or invigorating aroma to your night, depending on the mood you’re aiming for. Lavender is traditionally associated with calm and restfulness, while vanillas can smell very homey. While it might not be to everyone’s tastes, a perfect pine tree or evergreen scent can add that touch of nature that we often miss when we live in a city.
Music is the final touch to the perfect cosy night in. YouTube has become a fantastic resource for ambient playlists. You can easily find one to suit your mood, whether it’s a rainy evening by the fire, a spring morning full of birdsong or anything in between.
