Right now a lot of holidays have been put on hold after we progressed to a full national lockdown and a mix of the post-Christmas blues, it’s hard to not feel disappointed.
But there are plenty of things you can do at home to capture those holiday vibes and make January that bit more enjoyable.
Luxury self-catering company Perfect Stays has put together a host of tips and tricks that can help transform your home into a luxury escape and best of all, they’re budget friendly.
Make your home feel like a holiday – Throw a film festival
Seeing as we’re a while off going to any type of festival, get a taste of your own and throw yourself a film festival. Pick a theme, from beach movies to French thrillers and get ready for a laid-back weekend of nothing but movies.
Create a themed cocktail or menu for each film and see if you can borrow or purchase a mini projector from a friend to get the full experience.
Make your home feel like a holiday – Home camping
If you have a garden, pitch a tent and turn it into your own personal campsite. Create a back-garden camp by pitching a tent, setting up some camp chairs around a fire or an outdoor log burner and make some s’mores and hot chocolate.
You could even string some simple lights around your garden to add a little magic to your campsite.
Best of all, you have easy access to the toilet, the shower is nice and warm and there’s no worries of unwanted creepy crawlies.
Even if you don’t have access to a garden, living room camping brings the same experience and you’re warm and cosy inside.
Make your home feel like a holiday – Cocktail creations
Nothing says ‘holiday mode’ like a well-mixed cocktail by the pool. Now, while many of us may not have the luxury of a pool, you can still enjoy a cocktail in the garden, living room, or almost anywhere really.
Build your own personal cocktail menu, gather some ingredients and indulge in a spritz or two that reminds you of holidays past and future.
If alcohol isn’t to your taste (or you just want to avoid the hangover), create some virgin twists to any classic cocktail and don’t forget to pull out the fancy glassware.
Make your home feel like a holiday – Try new foods
Recreate a classic dish from your favourite holiday destination and bring the flavours of your dream getaway to your kitchen.
Or if you would prefer to take a break from cooking, order a lavish Mediterranean meal, or Spanish feast from your local take-aways (as even during a lockdown you can still order take-aways).
But don’t just stop at your evening meal, do this all day from your morning brunch to your after-dinner coffee. You will feel like you’ve spent the whole day anywhere but home.
Make your home feel like a holiday – Update your bed linen
It may seem slightly trivial but something that is always such a treat about staying somewhere new is the bed linen.
You cannot beat crisp, fresh sheets, so why not treat yourself and pretend you’ve woken up in a luxury resort.
Best of all, January sales have started so you might get yourself a bargain.
Make your home feel like a holiday – Spa day
Creating a spa like space at home is easier than you may think. Although you may not be able to book an at-home masseuse, load up on as many sheet masks as possible, light your favourite scented candles, scatter some rose petals, run a hot bubble bath and voila! You’re indulging in a holiday-like extravagance.
If you want to really push the boat out, rent a hot tub for the weekend.
Make your home feel like a holiday – Completely disconnect
If one of your favourite parts of being on holiday is being unreachable, recreate it at home. Place your phone, tablet and computers in a drawer – padlocked if necessary – and spend the weekend like you’re on a desert island.
Avoid news updates, texts and the temptation to check your work emails.
It may seem weird, but you will survive and hopefully feel refreshed afterwards.
By Josh Wildeman, Marketing Manager of Perfect Stays