During the colder parts of the year, it can be tricky to stay warm without cranking up the heat. Fortunately, there are methods to help you stay warm that don’t involve increasing your utility bill. Some are things you can do for yourself while others are tips for improving the warmth of your space.

Dress in Layers

Everyone knows you should add a sweater, jacket, and other layers when you go outside in cold weather. You can apply the same principle inside, too. Layers will insulate your body and make it easier to regulate your body temperature. You can add or remove layers as needed to stay comfortable.

Wear Thick Socks or Slippers

Keeping your feet warm will make your whole body feel warmer. For an extra cozy feel, slip on a pair of ultra-warm wool stocks. Or keep a pair of slippers or shoes to wear around the house, especially if you tend to have cold floors.

Use the Oven and Stove for Cooking

The oven and stove both generate heat in your kitchen. This is why it’s recommended to make no-cook and no-bake meals during the warmer months. But in the colder months, the opposite advice applies: Use the stove and oven often to add heat to your home.

Leave the Oven Open After Baking

Every time you use your oven during the colder months, leave it open after you’re done baking. This will allow the hot air to escape and add heat to the room. However, be cautious about doing this if you have children or pets; make sure they can’t reach the hot oven door or inside the oven. And never use the oven as a primary source of heat, especially if your appliance uses natural gas. Burning natural gas for long periods can increase carbon monoxide levels in your home.

Drink Warm Beverages

In addition to hot meals, you can apply the same principle of warming yourself from the inside with your beverage choices. Keep coffee, tea, cider, hot cocoa, or your other favorite warm drinks on hand for when you’re feeling cold. The liquid will feel toasty going down, and a hot mug is excellent for heating cold hands.

Use a Humidifier

Humid air generally feels quite a bit warmer than dry air. And running the heat in the colder months can strip your indoor air of its humidity. To balance this, consider using a humidifier. Look for the models that allow you to choose between warm and cold air; they typically cost more but are well worth it for the heating ability.

Reverse the Ceiling Fan

It might seem counterintuitive to use a ceiling fan when you’re feeling cold, but it actually can help to warm you up. Let your ceiling fan turn at a low speed in a clockwise direction during the colder months. This will help to push the warm air that rises toward the ceiling back down toward floor level.

Use Microwaveable Heating Pads

Heating pads are fairly inexpensive, and they can make a huge difference when you’re cold. Use a heating pad on your hands and feet when you’re sitting or lying down to feel considerably warmer overall. You can even make a basic heating pad yourself by sewing dried beans inside a piece of 100 percent cotton fabric, which you then can microwave in 30-second increments until it’s at your desired temperature.

Clear Heat Vents, Registers, and Radiators

It’s recommended to have your heating system inspected annually, ideally before the cold weather arrives and you must rely on it to heat your home. It’s also important to make sure the heat can adequately warm your space. Pull furniture, curtains, and other items away from heat vents, registers, and radiators. If they’re blocked, the heat won’t be able to circulate.

Don’t Run the Bathroom Fan After Showering

Because humidity can make a space feel warmer, skip using the bathroom fan when you shower. Then, leave the bathroom door wide open after your shower, so the humidity can spread to other parts of your home. However, if mold has a tendency to grow in your bathroom due to high humidity, consider using the fan, at least for a few minutes.

Spend More Time Upstairs

Hot air rises. So if you have multiple levels to your home, aim to spend more time on the upper level to take advantage of the warmer air there. You could even move your home office or TV from downstairs to upstairs over the colder months to have a cozier setting.

Enjoy a Cup of Soup

Besides warming up your space, you also can warm yourself from the inside. Opt for hot meals, such as a cup of soup, on cold days. And consider making your own soup from scratch. Soup generally takes a while to cook, and the simmering pot on the stove will generate heat in the kitchen.

BLOCK DRAFTS WITH A POOL NOODLE

Keep heat in and cold out by cutting a pool noodle in half lengthwise, wrapping it in fabric, and sliding it under your door. It’ll stay put all winter, and you can re-use it at the pool come summer. (But we recommend you spring for a new one.)

LAYER YOUR COVERS WITH THE THINNEST, DENSEST ONES ON TOP

It’s intuitive, but fluffy blankets should be closer to your skin. Thin, dense blankets should be on top to prevent convective heat loss. Bonus tip: Don’t put your bed directly against an exterior wall. You’ll be warmer if you leave a little space.

Get inspired by beautiful fall centerpieces in every style! Each one is easy to recreate and will bring cozy autumn vibes to your kitchen or dining room.

Grocery Store Mums Centerpiece

Button mums from the grocery store are affordable and versatile flowers for your fall centerpiece. You can pair two types of mums in the same color family for a simple, modern arrangement. Or mix mums with herbs and twigs to bring rustic charm.

Sticks and Cones Centerpiece

Gather branches and pine cones from your backyard (or take a nature walk) to make this dramatic centerpiece. Fill a large, clear vase with the pine cones; then arrange the cut branches among the cones. Wrap a pretty ribbon around the jar and finish with a knot or bow.

Amber Glass Centerpiece

Elegant amber glass is the perfect finish to use in fall centerpieces. Group several amber glass vases together like in this example from @cleanandscentsible, then add fall foliage to each one. Bring out the rich orangey gold glow of the glass by adding battery-operated twinkle lights.

Candle Pillars Centerpiece

Consider reusing or upcycling unique items when creating your autumn centerpiece. Use candleholders in varying heights to create dimension, then add mini pumpkins or candles to each one. Finish the look with fall foliage arranged at the base of the centerpiece.

Fall Foliage Centerpiece

Before you head to the craft store to spend money on fall centerpieces, remember to shop your house first! You might already have what you need to put together a cute arrangement for your dining table. A wood cutting board, a glass vase, fall branches and a few faux pumpkins are all you need to recreate this cute centerpiece by @sweethomevalley.

Sunflower Centerpiece

Sunflowers usually bloom in the summer, but because of their rich golden color are often used in autumn arrangements as well. Fill a vase with sunflowers to recreate this gorgeous centerpiece by @stonegable_blog. Next to the vase, add a collection of white pumpkins and two or three chippy wood candle holders.

Nutty Vase Centerpiece

Mixed shelled nuts make an earthy vase filler perfect for a fall tablescape. Fill tall, clear vases with mixed nuts. Then, nestle a taper candle in the center, about one-third of the way down. To finish, tie one or two ribbons in autumn colors around the center of the vase.

Book Page Pumpkins

You can get these cute book page pumpkins from Etsy seller,  RootToVine. Or if you want to make your own, take the cover off an old paperback book, and trace half a pumpkin shape on one side of the book. Use an X-acto knife to cut along the lines of the pumpkin shape (you’ll probably have to cut a few pages at a time). Once all the pages are cut, fan the book into a pumpkin shape by bringing the front page around to meet the back page, and glue to secure. Fluff out the pages, and spray paint the edges with orange paint.

Thankful Tree Centerpiece

Here’s a centerpiece that not only looks beautiful but also helps you practice gratitude all season long. Arrange pretty autumn branches in a vase. Then, print photos on your home computer (or use your favorite print shop) of family, friends, pets and other blessings. Use decoupage to attach the photos to wood ornaments and hang from the branches with string.

Jack-o’-Planter Centerpiece

To make this playful centerpiece, carve a jack-o-lantern face into a pumpkin. Then, tuck an autumn bouquet into a vase that fits snugly inside the pumpkin. Arrange and fluff the flowers to hide the rim of the vase.

Modern Painted Pumpkins Centerpiece

Paint pumpkins in unexpected bright colors to create this modern centerpiece by @dixieandtwine. Use acrylic paint or spray paint; both will stick well to the surface of the pumpkin, and dry quickly. You might need two coats for full coverage. Your kids will love helping with this one too!

Caramel Apple Centerpiece

Fall is the season for delicious crisp caramel apples, so why not turn them into a centerpiece? Group caramel apples on a cake stand, and add paper tag labels for each guest. This example from @simpleprairielife actually uses fake caramel apples, great to use year after year. But you could also make the real thing, then after dinner, everyone grabs their dessert!

Pink Pumpkins Centerpiece

Pumpkins in shades of pink? Why not? This boho-chic centerpiece from @ashrobburke layers pink pumpkins, wheat stalks, and a macrame runner. Throw the color rules out the window when making your own fall centerpiece, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the results!

Squash Marking

Do you have a pet that likes to mark her territory indoors? Try this. First, you’ll want to blot the soiled area and treat it with an enzyme-based cleaner to get to the root of the smell. Then, lightly mist with an all-natural spritz to deter repeat performances. We love this homemade eucalyptus mix. Simply combine one cup of warm water with 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and shake before using

Wash Those Toys

Let’s face it — dog breath is gross. Now imagine all the germs those slobbery chew toys are carrying. OK, now that you’re properly skeeved out — relax. Just toss soft toys into the washer with one tablespoon of baking soda, and toss the plastic or rubber toys into the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning. Just be sure to check for loose parts before returning them to the toy box. (If you have a sanitize setting on your washer and dishwasher, use it!)

Squeegee for Shedding

A fluffy coat is adorable on your pet, but when it starts showing up all over your rugs and carpets? Well, not so much. Simply pull a rubber squeegee across hairy carpets and rugs for a fast fix.

Holy Hairballs!

Cleaning a few too many hairballs these days? Keep some cat grass or catmint on hand. The fiber will do kitty’s digestive system good and, of course, she’ll love the extra burst of energy catnip gives.

Natural Supplements

Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to kitty’s food can also reduce shedding and hairballs by helping her maintain a digestive tract, skin and coat. But it’s always smart to check with your vet before supplementing your pet’s diet.

DIY All-Natural Room Deodorizer

Create your own natural deodorizing spritz for use on rugs and soft furnishings. Use it where pets love to laze around (hello, sofa!) or have accidents frequently. To make a 16-ounce bottle, mix 1/2 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar into a bowl (it will get fizzy). Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, then add 12 drops of peppermint essential oil. Once the vinegar dissipates, you will only smell the fresh peppermint. Lightly spray the offending areas, then let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming.

Paws Off!

If you have a pet that lives to shred toilet paper, this tip is for you. For cats, add a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil inside the cardboard tube. For dogs, cinnamon or citrus-based essential oils (lemon, orange or lemongrass) will help ward off playful paws.

Nooks + Crannies

Whether it’s in the car or in the house, stubborn pet hair in tight spaces doesn’t have a chance against a damp, textured rubber glove. Create a small pile, then vacuum up the hair in a snap.

Clutter Control

Not unlike kids’ toys, if left unchecked your pet’s toys can quickly take over the entire house. Avoid the chaos with lidded storage. It’s easier to wrangle all those plush hedgehogs and squeaky bones when YOU are in control. Leave two toys out at a time, and rotate through the stash to keep your furry friend from getting bored with too many choices.

Get Outdoors

Another easy way to keep pet hair off your furniture and rugs is to brush your pets weekly and do it outdoors. They’ll love the bonding time and you’ll love less shedding indoors. Go with a grooming mitt or a fine-toothed comb for heavy shedders.

Easy-to-Wash Pet Beds

When you’re picking out that perfect bed for your fur baby, keep in mind that you really want one that can be tossed in the washing machine. For larger beds, make sure you can remove the cover for a quick and easy refresh. Your house will smell better, and the bed will likely last longer, too.

No Loose Litter

An easy way to keep kitty from trailing litter throughout the house is to create a landing pad outside the box. Make it cute by spray-painting a baking pan and cooling grid a fun color, then lining the pan with a pretty contact paper that’s easy to wipe clean.