3 Ways to Create a Cosy Home for Autumn and Winter

Our homes are more than just shelter – they are havens. Autumn and winter are the perfect time to create a space that feels peaceful and inviting, especially for any guests we might want to gather. As Christians, we’re called to hospitality, and we often want our homes to reflect God’s love and welcome. Here are some simple ways to make your home feel cosy and full of grace this season.

3 Ways to Create a Cosy Home for Autumn and Winter 

1. Create a Cosy Glow 

We had a house extension built a couple of years ago, and one of my main focuses was light. I wanted lots of natural light during the day, the ability to keep it bright at night with spotlights, and plenty of soft, ambient lighting. Investing in beautiful sidelamps will make a huge difference to how cosy and welcoming your home feels. Personally, I love the fancy bulbs with visible filaments and a cosy glow. 

Then there’s the soft flicker of candlelight. Candles don’t just add ambience, they remind us of Jesus, the Light of the World. I love the ritual of lighting a candle as the light outside fades. You don’t need to go overboard. Place one candle in the room where you gather most. 

Three years ago, I decided to try my hand at candle pouring. It turns out it’s a lot trickier than you’d think! There are lots of things to consider like temperatures at various stages, but I’m incredibly proud of the scented candles I’ve created. They not only flicker beautifully, but they also smell incredible. Comfort and Emmanuel are particularly autumnal and wintery, perfect for this time of year. 

2. Decorate for the Season You’re In

Decorating for autumn and winter doesn’t have to mean filling every surface. I’m not a fan of clutter, and I don’t have time to change all my décor multiple times a year, but there are a few small touches that make a big difference:

Swap out a couple of framed prints for autumnal or Scripture-based ones. As Christmas approaches, change them again to nativity scenes, Scriptures about Emmanuel, or even a festive hymn lyric. If you’re looking for frames that make this easy, we use these ones for our children’s artwork. You can pop in a new print, drawing or painting at any time and store others behind the one on display.

Adding a seasonal wreath to your door is another way to make your home feel welcoming from the get-go. You can easily buy one from a local florist, or if you're feeling creative, try making one yourself. Oak or other dried leaves, pinecones and wheat all look lovely.

While we’re on the subject of bringing nature into the home, a simple bowl of seasonal fruit or pinecones placed at the centre of your dining table can be a nice touch. We have an apple tree currently bursting with fruit, and I’m looking forward to adding them to our fruit bowl soon.

Cosiness often comes from the little things, especially fabrics. A blanket draped across a chair or a chunky knit throw at the end of the sofa. These soft textures invite people to settle in and feel at home. This doesn’t need to be expensive or overwhelming. Just bring out a couple of blankets or extra cushions to create a warm welcome.

3. Embrace Christian Hospitality and Welcome Guests with Warmth and Faith 

Cosiness isn’t just about blankets and candles, as nice as these are. It’s primarily about the spirit in which we open our doors. Proverbs speaks multiple times about how it is better to live in a home of peace with poverty than to live with strife and no lack of physical things.

Ask the Lord to give your home a warm and peaceful atmosphere for those who enter. A short prayer before guests arrive, asking that they would feel seen and cared for, is one of the best ways to prepare.

Remember, Christian hospitality isn’t about perfection or impressing your guests. It’s about creating space for people to be themselves. Of course, a clean house will be more inviting than a dirty one, but it doesn’t need to be showroom perfect. It’s much easier to relax in a home that feels lived in, so don’t fret. 

My Quick Hospitality Wins

‘Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.’ Hebrews 13:2 

Here are a few quick wins to help you create a welcoming space for guests without going overboard…

• A clear table or countertop feels more restful than one crowded with décor. Declutter and put things in their place where you can, but if your child is halfway through a puzzle or there’s a pile of library books on the countertop, let it be.
• Keep tea, coffee and decaf variants at hand. It’s amazing how welcome people feel when they hear the words, ‘do you want a cuppa?’
• Create a playlist of worship music and play this for background ambience and to cover lulls in the conversation.
• Be yourself and keep the warm and cosy feel going through good, deep conversation.

Christian Homeware by And Hope Designs 

I have a lovely, growing collection of cosy Christian Homeware including prints, candles and mugs which you can shop here >>> Homeware by And Hope Designs 

You’ll also find more cosy inspiration via the following links…

How to Create a Cosy Night In 
My Day in Cups of Tea 
How to Socialise Offline – Creative Ways to Bring People Together