Comfort doesn’t have to be just about “comfort food”—you may be surprised if you take a poll at your house what kind of homey touches actually say and mean “comfort” to your family. Recently, over a late Sunday morning breakfast, my kids and I were talking about what THEY thought were the details and realities of our home environment that said “comfort”…
I learned that smells and scents matter—the smell of sautéed garlic and onions, or the smell of cinnamon or something baking are all smells my kids love and that make them feel that they are “home.” Too much incense or perfume-y smells don’t seem to do the trick—it needs to be warm, food smells to make them feel relaxed and as though they are definitely at home.
Pillows and blankets in the living room also top the list. The basket of quilts and afghans that sits tucked in the corners and the extra cushions we have on our living room furniture are other details that create a comfortable and soothing environment. Any one can curl up on the couch or loveseat, rearrange the cushions and pillows and pull a snuggly blanket across his or her lap for watching television, doing homework or having a chat.
Other things my kids said that made them feel soothed and comfortable: fresh towels from the clothes dryer, having the upstairs windows open to create a cool cross-breeze, plenty of beverages in the fridge, warm tea with lemon, and having lunch or breakfast on a tray. It dawned on me when they were sharing all those little things that make them feel like they are home and nurtured that none of them were expensive or difficult. It really is true that it is the little touches that make a house a home!