There’s truly no place like home for the holidays, and as the temperatures drop, I’m most definitely craving all things cozy! During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, there’s really nothing better than cozying up with a good book, sipping on something warm, and being in your comfiest of clothing. That’s exactly the reason I set out to create this cozy reading nook in my living room, all decked out with holiday cheer!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx on behalf of Harlequin
Inspired by holiday classics and new releases from Harlequin books, I thought it was the perfect time of year to create a cozy reading corner in our living room! If like me, you’re feeling a bit stir crazy at home and are craving warmth, coziness, and the festive cheer that comes with the holiday season, then you’ll love having your own reading spot to do just that.
If you’re looking to cheer up your space and create a special reading corner this holiday season, or any time of year, then read on for ideas for your reading nook!
As you begin to plan your cozy reading nook, it’s always a good idea to gather up the supplies you’ll need to create the perfect, festive spot. Below, I’m sharing some of the items that I pulled from different rooms of my house to create this cozy reading spot.
Ideas for your Reading Nook
- Harlequin Christmas books (see the full list below!)
- Warm blanket or two
- Cozy rug
- A few medium-sized throw pillows
- Holiday lights
- Twinkle lights
- A tray with your favorite snacks
- A warm beverage (recipes below!)
- Festive decor (garlands, tinsel, mini Christmas trees, and more work great for small spaces!)
Grab These Must-Reads for your Reading Nook
It wouldn’t be a reading nook without a few great books to read! There’s something about the holiday season that makes me want to cozy up with a good romance novel and escape into another world.
Since 1949, Harlequin, the leading publisher of books for women, has released books that you can truly escape to. I love that they offer a wide selection of holiday-themed reads that are perfect for gifting to anyone this season. Below, I’ve rounded up 4 of their exciting releases that would make amazing gifts to any woman in your life, including yourself, of course!
The Book for the Person who is a Christmas Traditionalist: One More for Christmas by Sarah Morgan
Shopping for a Christmas super fan this holiday season? There’s nothing more festive than Sarah Morgan’s trademark Christmas novels! One More for Christmas is about a businesswoman on a quest to rebuild her rocky relationship with her two daughters for Christmas. Will Gayle be able to overcome the tough love parenting that pushed her two daughters away on a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas holiday in Scotland?
Grab your copy of One More for Christmas at Barnes & Noble or Amazon!
For the Person Who Loved the Show on Netflix: Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr
Are you watching season 2 of Virgin River on Netflix yet?! I couldn’t watch Virgin River fast enough, and if you or a friend loved the show I know you’ll love the books, too!
In Return to Virgin River, author Robyn Carr brings us back to the town of Virgin River with a brand-new story brimming with Christmas magic, fresh starts, and friendship. Return to Virgin River would make the perfect gift for fans of the show this holiday season!
Grab your copy of Return to Virgin River on Barnes & Noble or Amazon!
P.S. Keep an eye out for this fun Return to Virgin River Mug on @bookclubbish exclusive giveaways this holiday season!
For the Rom-Com Addict: Pretending by Holly Bourne
Know someone who loves a good Romantic Comedy like Bridget Jones? She’ll love Pretending by Holly Bourne! This hilarious novel follows a woman struggling to move on after a breakup and can’t seem to make it past date #5 with any guy. That’s when she decides to become Gretel, a manic-pixie-dream-girl-next-door. When she meets Joshua, she has to decide if she should keep pretending or reveal her big secret.
Grab your copy of Pretending by Holly Bourne on Barnes & Noble or Amazon!
For the Fashionista: The Chanel Sisters by Susan Mallery
For the fashionista, preorder this novel about the sisters who changed fashion forever! In The Chanel Sisters, Antoinette and Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel find themselves dreaming of a better life. Abandoned by their family, they’ve been raised by nuns preparing them for a simple life.
As they come of age, they break free of the nunnery to explore the glitzy Parisian social scene; that is until World War I breaks out. Then, the sisters find themselves forced to make big decisions and courageous choices, even if it means doing it alone.
Preorder your copy of The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little on Barnes & Noble or Amazon, coming December 29, 2020!
For more book gifts, be sure to check out BookClubbish on Facebook and Instagram for more reading inspiration and holiday gift ideas!
How to Create a Cozy Reading Nook
To create your cozy reading nook, the first thing you must do is find the perfect spot! I personally love the afternoon sun that peeks through our living room windows, so I opted to set up my reading nook next to my favorite bookshelf. Additionally, you could utilize your bedroom, a guest. room, a tiny corner in your den, or even outside if you live somewhere where it’s still warm enough outside! Ultimately, the size of the space is not important, as even the tiniest of corners can be cozy and festive!
Once you’ve decided on a reading spot, I like gathering the basics: a comfortable place to sit, a cozy rug that feels nice on your feet, and a warm blanket big enough to snuggle up in! A comfortable throw pillow or three is key for comfort and coziness, too. Finally, bring in any elements that bring comfort to you, whether that is plants, a favorite stuffed animal, or holiday decor that brings back wonderful memories, be it new or old.
How to Add Festive Cheer to your Cozy Reading Nook
When gathering items for your cozy reading nook, you cannot have enough mood lighting. I personally like a variety of warm lights as I find that it bothers my eyes less, even after several hours of reading. For my reading nook, I gathered up a variety of light sources including a large standing lamp, twinkle lights, and warm LED holiday lights. Quick safety note: Do not leave lights on or plugged in unsupervised!
Additionally, holiday decor brings lots of festive cheer and happy colors into your reading nook! I have a thing for bottle brush or sisal trees, so I’ve scattered those throughout my bookcase to set the merry mood. I also have a variety of fun garlands that I like to drape along my bookshelves and even hooked a few on the wall for some extra holiday cheer.
Indulge in Your Favorite Holiday Treats
There’s nothing like holiday treats and sweets to put you in a good mood! I can’t help but love snacking while reading a good book or watching a holiday movie. I’m personally a fan of mixing sweet and salty snacks, so my go-to combination has been buttered popcorn and white chocolate peppermint pretzels!
For the perfect snack set up, I love to fill a couple of bowls of my favorite snacks and then place them on a tray. This helps prevent spills and conveniently works to catch any errant pieces of popcorn that might hit the floor or get stuck under a cushion otherwise. Cute and useful for the win!
Get your Coziest Clothes on
Is there anything better than getting home after a busy day and slipping on your comfiest clothing? I think not! I’ve been living in loungewear since I’ve spent more time than normal at home over the past several months, but I always reserve my Christmas pajamas for this time of year to make them feel extra special.
If, however, you’re not a holiday pajama type of person, here are some other cozy options to wear to really set the cozy mood in your reading nook:
- Onesie
- Flannel pants
- Your favorite loungewear set
- Soft robe
- Knit jumpsuit
- Cozy tracksuit
- Comfortable leggings
And of course, don’t forget your slippers or a pair of cozy slipper socks!
Whip Up a Holiday-Inspired Warm Beverage
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that warm holiday beverages are my favorite! Peppermint Hot Chocolate is something I look forward to enjoying all year. I find that it’s best paired with a good book while wrapped in a warm blanket. I’ve included two of my favorite warm beverage recipes below that are perfect for enjoying in your new reading nook!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate for Two
- 2 cups milk
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- For garnish: candy cane, marshmallows, whipped cream
In a saucepan, heat milk, cocoa powder, and sugar over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until sugar has dissolved. Add chocolate chips, stirring frequently until chocolate chips have melted. Whisk in peppermint extract, then pour hot chocolate into two mugs. Finish with candy canes, marshmallows, and whipped cream on top!
Recipe adapted from Celebrating Sweets
Spiced Apple Cider for Two
- 4 cups apple juice
- 1 orange, zested and cut into slices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 inch ginger, sliced
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, for garnish
- Spice bag or strainer
In a saucepan, heat apple juice over medium heat. In a spice bag, add orange zest, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. (If you don’t have a spice bag, add these spices directly to the saucepan.) Add spice bag and sliced oranges to apple juice mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Remove spice bag (or strain mixture directly into glass or mug), then pour into two mugs and top with a dash of cinnamon. The remaining cider can be refrigerated for 7-10 days.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a cozy day at home, why not create a reading nook? Find the perfect spot, whether it’s in your living room like mine, a cozy corner in your bedroom, or a tiny hideaway in your den. No matter where you choose to create your reading spot, you’re sure to feel all the comfort and warmth of the holiday season, cozying up with your favorite Harlequin Christmas read and a cup of cocoa!
Will you create a cozy reading spot at home this winter? What must-haves will you add to your reading nook?
Looking for More Fun Things to Do at Home? Try these Blog Posts!
- Create a Pillow Fort at Home
- How to Hygge This Winter
- How to Have “Me” Time at Home
- How to Have a Relaxing Day at Home
- Easy Dinner Ideas for an At-Home Date Night
