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3. Read More Good Books
When the weather outside is frightful, console yourself by finally tackling some of the good books you’ve been meaning to read. Or curl up with an old favorite that feels just right around the holidays. If you have little ones at home, pile up seasonal books in a basket and pick one each night to read together.
4. Bundle Up in a Plaid Throw
A soft plaid throw brings instant holiday cheer wherever it lands. Put one on your favorite armchair, drape it across the foot of your bed or curl up in it and carry it with you from room to room.
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When you are on vacation, it seems natural to end up outdoors in the evening and even into the night, simply enjoying being outdoors. On camping trips it’s all about stargazing and marshmallow roasting; at a beach house, you might sneak down to see the waves crashing on a moonlit shore. Why not embrace a bit of that spirit in your backyard too? Whether you live in the city or country, whether your yard is small or large, finding a way to enjoy your outdoor space after the sun goes down is worth the effort.
Backyard Date Night
Let strands of café lights and music from a wireless speaker set the mood for a leisurely outdoor dinner party for two. Set the start time for a bit later than you might usually have dinner to take advantage of the late-summer sunsets.
Gather Round the Fire
The warmth and smoke of a fire are primal pleasures. Gather a few friends around to share stories, roast marshmallows and stare into the flames.
Watch the Sun Set
Pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of herb tea and relax. Don’t distract yourself with music or devices; just let the sounds, scents and colors of the evening envelop you. And by the way, while an ocean or mountain view is spectacular, gazing out at any view at sunset is a great way to unwind. If you live in the city and have roof access, head up to get the best view.
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Get Set to Stargaze
Bring out a simple constellation-finding chart, a flashlight to read it by and blankets to wrap up in if it gets chilly. Bring along a thermos of something warm, like cider or cocoa.
If you have an outdoor fireplace, be sure to let the blaze die down before it gets really dark. Otherwise the light from the flames will make it harder to get a clear view of the night sky. Likewise, remember to shut off all outdoor lights (even some indoor lights can interfere) and blow out any candles or lanterns.
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Camp Out
Craving a woodsy experience? Get your fix by pitching a tent right in your own backyard. To make the most of the experience, try to plan ahead and bring out everything you need at the beginning of the evening, to avoid lots of trips in and out of the house. Cook dinner on the grill, make s’mores and stare up at the stars before turning in. If the weather is fine, skip the tent and roll out your sleeping bag under the stars.
How to Keep Bugs Away While You Enjoy the Outdoors
Host an Al Fresco Dinner Party
The warm glow from old-fashioned oil lamps, candles or a fire pit adds to the ambience of an evening dinner party al fresco. For a pleasant pace, start with cocktails and nibbles in the garden as the sun is setting, followed by dinner on the deck and dessert beside the fire.
Perch on the Porch
Sometimes sitting on the porch, with the warm glow of your house lights behind you, is even more satisfying than hanging out in the yard. Instead of sticking with your usual routine, why not carry your book or dessert to the porch after dinner tonight?
Soak Under the Stars
Whether you have a hot tub or an old claw-foot dragged out into the garden, soaking by the light of the moon is an experience not to be missed.
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Scoop up armfuls of blooms. What could be more cheerful than flowers all around the house? If flowers are blooming where you live, all you may need to do is walk out to your garden and start snipping away. If not, you can stop by a market, farmstead or flower shop and treat yourself to some beautiful blooms. Once you get home, trim the stems a bit (a fresh cut makes it easier for the flowers to drink water) and place them in vases of fresh water immediately. But don’t stop there — even if you bought just one bouquet, you can get more out of it by pulling out a few blooms to fill bud vases. Place a bud vase beside your bed, on the bathroom sink and in the kitchen to spread good cheer throughout your home.
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Whether you want to celebrate with just that special person in your life or fill your house with friends, New Year’s Eve is the perfect excuse to pull out all of the stops. Champagne and oysters? Why not?
Indulging in these luxuries at home is far more cost conscious than ordering them in a restaurant. A note on the invitation to dress “to the nines” should be enough encouragement to get people in their party clothes.
For extra amusement scatter an assortment of fun props across a console table — boas, tiaras, hats, noisemakers, horns — and invite guests to help themselves. As always, be a thoughtful host and provide festive nonalcoholic beverages for your guests who do not drink.
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