warmth in winter

by Jessa Cast

Delightful ways to defrost

Temperatures have dropped, days are short, and Jack Frost is taptap- tapping at the window in an attempt to chill our bones. Just as wintry weather is a part of the season, so are its toasty antidotes. Whether it’s to warm the room or warm the soul, there are charming ways to ward off that winter chill. Snuggling in front of the fireplace is a classic way to thaw out, but we also love these options, at turns elegant, cuddly, and artisanal.

RH Vintage Velvet Drapery
Not only do heavy curtains help trap heat in a room and keep the cold from seeping past the windows, but the luster of heavy velvet lends a room that luxurious ambiance. Woven by a family-owned company that has specialized in velvet for two centuries, these velvet draperies imbue vintage opulence. Available lined or unlined, in thirteen rich colors and a variety of sizes, there’s a perfect option for any home.
Prices vary, RH, rh.com

Hatch Chile Store Traditional Sandia Ristra
There are products that provide warmth, and then there are those that really bring the heat. Hand-made Hatch Chile ristras, in that iconic hot red color, come in six lengths, from six inches to three feet. They may be “treated” to preserve color and shine (and are not then edible). But untreated ristras are the ultimate winter food-décor combo, as they can be used at any time to make your favorite red chile sauce, a true winter staple.
Prices vary, Hatch Chile Store, hatch-green-chile.com

Hive & Home Hand Poured Candle
Nothing warms a space visually like a candle. Scented or unscented, a steady little flame flickering away infuses a room with a sense of comfort and peace. These 100% soy wax candles are poured upon order, into hand-carved, rustic wood bowls. Individual characteristics in the wood ensure each bowl is one of a kind, and it can be repurposed, or you can buy a candle refill kit. There are a variety of sizes, but we favor this long, six-wick version.
$49.99, Hive & Home, hiveandhomeshop.com

Kakawa Chocolates Chocolate Elixirs
Santa Fe’s Kakawa Chocolates offers an enticing array of artisanal hot cocoa-type drinks called Elixirs. Enjoy a belly-warming cup of crafted liquid chocolate while sitting by the fireplace. A variety of regional flavors are available– the barely sweetened but spicy Mesoamerican flavors, the sweeter and more floral Historic European flavors, and the modern flavor bases of the Contemporary line of elixirs including delicacies such as chai and coconut hibiscus. These gourmet nectars are great for kids, can be tippled for adults, and make fantastic host or holiday gifts.
$14.99, Kakawa Chocolates, kakawachocolates.com

Natural Body Comfort Rice/Flaxseed Heating Pad Set
Let warmth seep into cold bones with a microwaveable (or freezable, in summer) set of rice and flaxseed heating pads. Handmade in a variety of fabric patterns and colors, this gift set includes a neck wrap to warm the neck and shoulders, an eye pillow, and a general use heating pad. A spritz of scented essential oil adds an extra bit of ahhhhhhhhh. Each pad can be purchased separately as well.
$59.95, Natural Body Comfort, etsy.com/shop/NaturalBodyComfort

Garnet Hill Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool® Washable Blanket
Wool blankets are a ubiquitous winter classic, known for wicking, warmth and durability. Made in Oregon, these Pendleton blankets come in Twin, Queen and King sizes and a handsome selection of colors and patterns. The best part? They’re machine washable. Use one as a throw blanket or layer one under your comforter. Pendleton is known for quality, so while these are as decorative as they are useful, they will also last a lifetime.
$169-299, Garnet Hill, garnethill.com