Winterizing Your Home
A Guide to Living Like a Country Inn
Because even the coziest homes deserve five-star touches.
There’s a quiet joy in preparing for the colder months — a ritual of putting the garden to bed, fluffing the duvets, and restocking the things that make home feel like a haven. As the air turns crisp and the afternoons grow shorter, I like to think of this time as my own version of “checking in” for the season.
Think less “batten down the hatches” and more “fluff the pillows, light the fire, and merrily pour the wine.” 🍷
Putting the Garden to Bed
Before the frost settles, I like to wander through the garden one last time — collecting the final herbs, trimming what’s past its prime, and cutting a few late blooms for a farewell bouquet. I also schedule the outdoor sprinkler winterization and notify the groundskeeper of snow removal and bed-tying needs.
There’s something beautifully grounding about tidying the soil, tucking bulbs into their beds, and knowing that next season’s beauty is already underway beneath the surface. Once the tools are rinsed and hung, I can finally bring my focus inward — feeling that it’s about time for cozy.
Stock the Coffer (and the Cellar)
A well-stocked pantry is the secret to effortless hospitality. This is the season I replenish my staples: jars of home-canned tomatoes, pickled vegetables, pie fillings, and broths. I check my spice jars and refill anything that looks low — cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove are about to have their moment.
And of course, the cellar (or in my case, the designated lower-level wine closet) gets its own refresh. I love to order cases from favorite vineyards — often at a discount — so there’s always a bottle on hand for an impromptu dinner, celebration, or unexpected guest. Think of it as a holiday insurance policy for those spontaneous hostessing moments.
Refresh the Guest Quarters
Every country inn has one thing in common: guests feel anticipated.
Before the holiday bustle begins, I strip and launder all the guest linens — replacing pillows that have seen better days and layering beds with freshly pressed sheets and cozy throws. A small carafe of water, a candle, and a fresh bud vase on the nightstand go a long way in making guests feel cared for.
And for those who may indulge in one too many helpings (or glasses), I like to keep a little recovery basket in the room: sparkling water, aspirin, a snack, and a soft sleep mask. Consider it my version of a five-star turndown service.
Create Cozy Corners
As the garden rests, the house awakens. This is the time to switch out lightweight linens for heavier fabrics, rotate your candles to woodsy, warm scents, and set up a reading nook with a soft throw and good lighting.
The kitchen counter gets its own moment too — a bowl of fresh fruit from the market, a jar of cinnamon sticks, or a basket of folded napkins ready for long, lingering meals. It’s not about perfection — it’s about readiness.
Indulge in Ritual
Every country inn has a rhythm, and so should your home. Maybe it’s a weekend baking ritual, a weekly bouquet for the vanity, or a quiet evening routine with tea and a book.
I like to think of these moments as the heartbeat of my home — the small gestures that keep the days grounded and graceful.
A Final Musing
Winterizing your home isn’t about closing up — it’s about opening in. Making space for rest, warmth, and connection.
So pour the wine, plump the pillows, and light the good candles. Because even if you’re not traveling this season, you can still check into your own little country inn — and you, darling, are the guest of honor.
