I just love the Little Women movie — the 1994 version. We’re talking Winona Ryder as Jo. We’re talking Christian Bale as Laurie. It’s one of my favorite holiday rewatches! The original book takes place in a quiet Massachusetts town in the 1860s, and I just picture their home as continually wintery. I heard someone say that we should stop treating winter so disparagingly, and start embracing it for what it is: a magically cozy season. And I just love that.
So here are some ways you can lean into that traditional vibe just like the March family would:
This post is sponsored by Anthropologie.
1. Mix Patterns for a Cozy Heirloom Look
Chandelier | Lumbar Pillow | Sateen Sheets
It’s about mixing and matching patterns—don’t be afraid of things looking too imperfect. The collected vibe feels more heirloom and collected. A reversible quilt is so versatile, which would have been right up Jo Marsh’s alley — for all of those nights with the Pickwick Papers. I love the mix of warm and cool colors in the Kelcey Organic Cotton Printed Quilt and the lumbar pillow that are on Greta’s bed.
2. Velvet Isn’t Just for Curtains & Pillows
Lulu Velvet Table Lamp
Introduce new textures in unexpected places to diversify the feel of a room. Velvet is an incredibly rich texture and seeing it on a lamp makes you never ever want to turn on overhead lights (which is what you want on a cozy winter night). Especially when you find a velvet lamp in a warm, rich color.
3. Add Silvery Reflections
Primrose Vanity Tray
Every room needs something metallic and shiny, and this vanity tray is just so Amy March. She would have loved the ornate styling around the edging and the ability to display something precious or light-reflecting.
4. Light Up the Floor
Flameless Pillar Candles
Teddy Laurence—the boy next door—makes the March girls light up when he enters a room. If you want to create a magical entrance in your own home, put some flameless candles on the floor, like the Stargazer Flameless Pillar Candles. Fortunately, modern conveniences mean these have built-in timers, so you can always come home to cozy light!
5. Make Sure Every Room Has a Pop of Red
Bow Plates | Scalloped Napkins | Acrylic Stemmed Glasses
Red’s vibrant intensity is what makes it so rare in interior design. While I’m not afraid to drench an entire room, you can also use it to add warmth to what can be the “gray months.” This pop of red would have had a hold on Meg March, who had an eye for style. You can use them as mini napkins for place settings or coasters in your living room or by a bed.
6. Use Open Shelves for Decor—and Dishes
Fluted Cereal Bowls | Beaded Edge Plates | Red Rimmed Plates
We’ve had all of our decorative holiday items out on our open shelves in our kitchen But also, don’t forget that you can display utilitarian things there too, which is a nod to the past! These fluted bowls with a little flair are perfect for your fresh fruit (pickled limes, if you please) and comfort foods to carry you through the colder days.
7. Decant All the Things
Marmee runs a tidy and practical house, so I can absolutely see her decanting store-bought goods to take pride in her home. This Cucina Stoneware Olive Oil Cruet is just hard-working enough for her approval (and it blocks the light so your oil lasts longer).
8. Put a Bow On It
Bow Plates | Scalloped Napkins | Acrylic Stemmed Glasses
The bow is so traditionally holiday, but you can take it through winter when you use it more subtly, whether that’s in your hair or apparel or on your tableware. These plates look like china but are microwave and dishwasher-safe.
9. Have Pretty Mugs Ready for Cold Nights
There’s nothing like a cozy night around the fireplace with a mug of French chocolate or wassail listening to your sister play piano. There’s something about a monogram mug that just feels special for winter.
10. Take Candlesticks Out of the Dining Room
Green Spiral Taper Candles
I have some tapered candles in a vintage-looking candlestick holder on Greta’s nightstand, and it feels so incredibly nostalgic. Anything by candlelight is automatically warmer and cozier. The green is so wintery, and not just holiday, so it lasts all season.
11. Don’t Wait for Special Occasions or Holidays to Get Fancy
A practical, yet lovely, set of pretty non-breakable glasses make any dinner table feel more special. While you can serve sparkling water or punch, I can also see this being used for dessert, like a jelly or even blancmange—the simple custard from the book that may need a renaissance!
