With 2022 behind us, we’re welcoming the new year with open arms … and more appreciation for the comforts of home than ever before. With January’s chill comes the desire for all things cozy and good for the soul — soft clothing, scented candles, and spiced hot drinks. Whether you’re curling up with a good book, taking a long bath, or sleeping in, we’ve got a selection of Southern-made items to keep you warm and smiling all month long.
WARM-YOU-RIGHT-UP CULINARY ESSENTIALS
Black truffle olive oil
Truffle anything is always a treat — especially in the colder months. This flavor beautifully captures the essence and earthy aromas of a freshly foraged black truffle and goes perfectly with risotto, eggs, steak, or a mushroom-Gruyere pizza. Shop four sizes ranging from $12 (60 milliliters) to $72.95 (750 milliliters) at 30A Olive Oil Co.
Ginger Chai
Straight off Asheville’s popular Indian cafe Chai Pani’s menu, the warming flavors of black tea, cut ginger, and whole cardamom make this soothing bevy comfort in a cup! Heat up the milk of your choice, add the chai, strain it into your favorite mug, sweeten it to your liking, and cozy up by a fire! Shop this popular collab at Spicewalla for $11.99.
Go Nuts! healthy snack bar
Dry roasted almonds and vanilla-tickled sea salt is set in Xocolatl’s naturally fruity, jammy dark chocolate to create an irresistible, but good-for-you, version of an adult PB&J. Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and protein, this bar is perfect for road trips, errand days, or post-workout. Stock up on these bars for $10 each at Xocolatl.
NEW-YEAR-APPROPRIATE TRINKETS
Desktop calendar with easel
Kick off a fresh calendar of trips, birthdays, and milestones with this beautiful desktop calendar of original illustrations created specifically for each month by twelve Dogwood Hill artists. Plus, you can reuse the brass easel and pretty wood box! Find it for $62 at Julep Home & Gift.
Wall calendar
This 2023 wall calendar and planner displays all 12 months on one 24-by-48-inch sheet of 100% recycled kraft paper. Perfect for home, office, or home office, you’ve got space to write on each day with additional boxes at the bottom for tracking monthly highlights and achievements. The calendar comes in black print or rainbow print. Grab yours for $39 at Stoked Design Shop.
Snarky notepad
This New York Times life hack article went viral (and is a must-read). The truest piece? “I don’t need to write that down” is the biggest lie we tell ourselves! Don’t let your ideas or to-dos slip through the cracks. Grab a few of these snarky notepads to keep on hand this year. They’re $18 at Original Brooks.
COZY CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Hair clips
Hair accessories are all the rage, and these elegant tortoise shell ones are the perfect addition to your jewelry box and wardrobe. Keep the hair away while doing your skincare, or wear them out with your winter best. The set is $12.95 at Bradley’s.
Quilted coat
The super-cozy but sleek knee-length coat adds great warmth without the bulk to classy and casual winter get-ups. The bone color, high side slits, and lightweight quilted pattern will stay en vogue for seasons to come. Oh, and it has giant pockets. Shop this for $280 at Uniquities.
Slippers
As an owner of smiley face slippers like these, I can attest to the joy they bring me every morning when I slip into them from the bed and start the day. They’re so soft and fuzzy, and we love the lightning bolts and hot pink color. The pair is $28 at Tin Cottage.
Sweater
Pops of colors are creeping into our outerwear, and we’re loving it. This brightly striped half-zip sweater by Staud is the perfect combination of preppy and quirky. Get ready to hear the refrain: Where did you get that sweater!? Shop this at Oliver for $295
Feathery gloves
How adorable are these on-trend feathered gloves? Super soft and warm enough for Southern winters, you will still be able to text and scroll! The pair is $95 (and there are a lot more color combos) at Clair de Lune.
BATH & BEAUTY
The Restore Kit
This kit has everything you need to winterize your hands and protect your nails from harsh, dry weather. The vegan leather travel pouch is filled with two mini nail files, whipped hand cream, exfoliating sugar scrub, nourishing nail and cuticle oil, and Deborah Lippmann’s “Hard Rock” Nail Strengthening Treatment! Shop this for $34 at Varnish Lane.
All-purpose balm
Everyone’s skin needs a little extra TLC by this point in the year, and that’s where Emogene & Co.’s Healer balm comes in to be your skin’s savior. With only seven ingredients, this natural, effective formula heals and maintains the skin’s natural protective barrier. Slather it on any dry areas like your elbows, knees, feet, or lips. Find it starting at $15 at Emogene & Co.
Petite candle
Handcrafted in small batches, these Linnea candles are the perfect size for half baths, bathtubs, or travel! The Wood House smells of bergamot, violet, and sandalwood (a crowd favorite!), and the Cashmere has notes of herbal patchouli, vanilla, and lime. Both scents are available for $20 each at Urban Cottage.
Mini travel collection
Take the cherished Narcissist scent by Buff City Soap with you everywhere this year! Each collection comes with a mini body butter, mini body scrub, and mini shower oil so you will never be without some “me time.” Find this TSA-approved travel set for $15 at Buff City Soap — and best of luck keeping your cart to just that.
BOOKS
Confessions of a Southern Beauty Queen
This book follows the Memphis and Mississippi tales of beauty queen and social rebel, Patsy Channing as she plops herself in the early Memphis Soul Sound and strives to become Miss America. Shop the book for $25 at Reed’s.
David Arms coffee table book
David Arms is a curator of rustic art and home goods in his idyllic Leiper’s Fork gallery and shop, and he’s got a new coffee table book out. “It is a book to look at. It is a book to read. But I hope, more than anything, it is a book to contemplate, leaving one with a sense of hope while navigating this beautiful and challenging path called life,” writes the author. This hardback book has a handsome embossed jacket and it’s a signed, first edition. Get it from David Arms for $150.
Vacation inspiration in a book
While spending time indoors this winter, take the opportunity to plan your next getaway with Chic Stays. The coffee table book takes readers on a tour of some of the world’s most beautiful hotels and properties, as shared by a variety of celebrities. Pick up a copy for $95 at a’mano.
Here’s to a cozy January!
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