What are the things that come into your mind when you hear the word “cozy night in?”
Warmth, blankets, layers, softness, flickering candles, a fireplace, warm drinks, togetherness….
Despite the cold weather and social distancing keeping us home, there are still so many fun ways to make those evenings cooped up inside together memorable and enjoyable.
Here are a few tips that I think will help turn those everyday evenings, into cozy family nights we’ll all look back on and remember fondly.
Schedule Your Cozy Night In
Scheduling a cozy night in is basically like planning your own family slumber party! Clear your schedules for the evening, answer any e-mails beforehand, and finish up whatever is on the to-do list.
Whether you want to cozy up underneath the covers for a movie night or relax with a hot cocoa bar and tell stories, the ability to be fully present will make the evening that much more enjoyable.
Plan a Cozy Menu
Comfort food and sweets go hand in hand (in my opinion) with a cozy night-in.
Some may opt for a warm bowl of chili or pop in a hearty frozen casserole. Others may take a break from cooking and order tasty takeout. Whatever your definition of cozy comfort food is, be sure to include it in your menu.
Here are a few local options for tasty takeout; all of which have a kid’s menu or family sharing options:
- Four Day Ray Brewing
- Wolfies Grill
- 101 Beer Kitchen
- Detour
- CR Heroes
- City Barbeque
- Puccini’s Pizza & Pasta
- Samano’s
- Tijuana Flats
Let’s not forget about sweets! These local spots have delicious treats, perfect for a cozy night in:
Create an Atmosphere for Your Cozy Night In
Lighting is everything when it comes to creating a cozy atmosphere at home. Dim the lights, light a few candles, put on a fire, or even temporarily hang string lights to add instant coziness to your space. Don’t forget to grab a few fluffy pillows and throw blankets for everyone to cozy up with as well.
Unplug Soy Candles, Gratitude Boutique, and Cynthia’s Hallmark are all great local shops to stock up on beautiful candles to really set the “all things cozy” scene.
Plan Your Cozy Night In Activities
Family night’s in are all about relaxing and doing the things you love to do as a family but may not get time to do on a regular basis. Here are just a few cozy ideas the whole family will enjoy:
Scrapbooking: Go through old photos and create a family scrapbook album together.
Build a Fort: Grab all the blankets and pillows, picnic on the floor, and binge watch a family series.
Record Your Own Family Movie: Record a home video, edit with a free app, and watch it together.
Make Cards for the Community: Gather art supplies, get creative, and lay out plenty of snacks.
Camp-Out Indoors: Pitch a tent in the family room, make smores, & tell stories with a flashlight.
In-Home Movie Theater: Pop popcorn, grab some boxed candies, & watch a movie.
Pizza Night: Let everyone build their own personal pizzas and play board games all evening.
Complete a Puzzle: Set up the ultimate charcuterie board and converse over a puzzle.
Ice Cream/Hot Cocoa Bar: Gather ingredients and make your own family board game using recyclables.
There’s nothing quite as wonderful as unplugging from the world, being present in the moment, and relaxing with family. I hope these tips will help you create beautiful, long-lasting memories with your family.
Amanda Merriweather has lived in Fishers for eight years with her family of six on the northwest side of the city. She is a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer who enjoys reading, blogging, crafting (her new favorite hobby is woodworking), as well as spending time with her family finding new trails, exploring new places, watching movies, and playing board games. You can find her at The Yard at Fishers District, local coffee shops and boutiques, and the Fishers library and parks with her kids. Her favorite aspect of Fishers is how family-oriented the city is, and how many family-friendly activities there are to enjoy throughout the year. Follow her on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and on her blog.