While it’s At James & Co we often find ourselves retreating indoors as the evenings grow longer and the air turns chilly. tempting to shut out the cold and hibernate a little, viewing winter as a season for welcoming others into your home can lift those wintry blues, and give you something to look forward to. Whether you’re hosting an early Christmas dinner, a Bonfire Night gathering, or simply inviting friends for a relaxed evening indoors, a few thoughtful touches can transform your home into a cosy retreat - one that feels both beautiful and memorable for your guests.
Set the Scene with Scent
Of course we’re biased, but we believe that nothing greets guests quite like a beautifully fragranced home! Before visitors arrive, open a window briefly to refresh the air, then introduce gentle layers of scent - a softly glowing candle in the hallway or a light spritz of room spray to freshen the kitchen. A warm, spiced candle can be a lovely addition to the main seating area, echoing the feel of an open fire and helping guests to feel relaxed and settled. Our Winter Spice Candle does this perfectly - bringing the cosy scents of cinnamon, cloves and cedarwood.
Layers of Comfort
In winter, everyone seems to crave comfort - but when it comes to home styling, this is often created through the thoughtful use of texture rather than relying on visual impact alone. Drape throws over armchairs, scatter tactile cushions, and let warm lamplight or fairy lights soften every corner. Displaying fresh flowers or plants throughout your home is an inexpensive way to provide natural texture too.
First Impressions
Your hallway sets the tone for the entire evening. Hang a delicate wreath, light a candle on a console table, and remember to give coats and shoes a dedicated space to keep things tidy and organised. Freeing up a few hooks and some room on the shoe rack shows guests you want them to feel at home and prevents clutter from building up at your entranceway. A simple arrangement of seasonal foliage such as eucalyptus, dried hydrangea, or branches and pinecones gathered from a winter walk, all help to add a little personality.
Get Creative
Not every gathering needs to revolve around dinner. Try a wreath-decorating night, or a baking session with friends - something that encourages creativity and conversation. A karaoke evening is an entertaining way to break the ice and a great way to include music in your evening. For those friends who love to tick something off their to-do list while having a little fun, consider a gift-wrapping evening - put on an upbeat playlist, pour a few drinks, and set up a table with paper, ribbons, and tags.
Theme Night Fun
Bonfire Night, winter film nights or a fun games evening can be great ways to appeal to all age groups. If you’re entertaining indoors after fireworks, try adding blankets and beanbags to your seating area and light a rich, amber-toned candle to recreate that fireside glow. Winter film nights offer the perfect excuse to unwind, and a few well-chosen treats such as popcorn, marshmallows and toffee apples can be a lovely touch for this time of year.
Early Christmas Dinners and Seasonal Suppers
If you’re planning an early Christmas dinner or a cosy winter supper, simplicity often feels most luxurious. Think crisp table linens, natural greenery, and flickering candles down the centre of the table. Stick to a few key decorations to keep things from feeling overdone. Try tucking dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks among your greenery for a hint of natural fragrance that beautifully complements your candlelight. Between courses, lightly refresh the air with a subtle room spray to keep everything feeling bright rather than heavy - James & Co’s No. 11 Lime & Basil Room Spray is a natural choice for dining areas.
We believe that with the right scent, soft light, and thoughtful textures, you can create a welcoming environment for visitors even if you have limited space or a tight budget. What’s your favourite way to entertain guests in your home? We’d love to hear your ideas too!
