Even though I love dressing up and putting on one of my bold outfits, I’m actually pretty introverted. For me, nothing is better than being home. I’ve spent so much time making my Charleston home feel beautiful, and if you ask me, staying home is almost always better than going out. That said, I know being stuck at home (especially when it’s because of the weather or if you are feeling under the weather) can sometimes feel like you’re missing out.
There is so much joy to be found at home. Whether I am solo, hanging with my bf, catching up with my family, or hosting a few friends, I have a handful of cozy activities that make staying in feel even better. Today, I’m sharing all of my favorite homebody-approved things to do. This is proof that you don’t need to leave the house to have a great time!
What Are Fun Things to Do at Home?
When people think of “staying in,” odds are they’re wracking their brain trying to find things to do. But to me? Staying home allows me to enjoy all of my favorite things (AKA, everything I posted about in my “Cozy Szn Essentials” post, a popular one last year!). Whether I’m spending the night solo or enjoying good company, these are a few of my favorite stay-at-home-activities:
What to Do When You’re Bored at Home
Try a new recipe.
Ordering takeout is easy. But it can get a little boring, especially if you’re not in LA or New York. (Gahhh, the takeout in LA is soooo much better than Charleston!). If you’re home alone and looking for something fun (and delicious) to do, try cooking something new. Scroll through Pinterest, scour my blog, or get inspired by a few Instagram Reels.
The best part? You get a cozy little kitchen moment, a new recipe (like this Panzanella recipe!) under your belt, and something seriously tasty at the end of it. If you need somewhere to start, check out “My Favorite Dip Recipes.” All are easy to make, full of flavor, and feel like the perfect addition to a night in.
Try a new workout video.
You know what always snaps me out of a boredom rut? A good workout. Not only does it lift your mood, but it’s also great for your body: a total win-win. It doesn’t even have to be something intense. The other night I pulled out a few bolster pillows and my yoga mat and took a restorative yoga class on Peloton. It was everything.
Find a new class on YouTube or open up your favorite fitness app (I love the Peloton app). Then, throw on a cute workout set (the outfit matters, even when you are at home!). Whether you’re in the mood for a little Pilates, a calming yoga flow, or something sweaty like HIIT, moving your body at home is one of the easiest ways to instantly cure boredom. And you barely need any equipment!
Declutter one area of your home.
If you are feeling bored at home, it might be a sign that it’s time to get productive. Just pick one tiny area of your space! That corner of your living space you’ve been meaning to tidy up for months? The cabinet under your sink? Now’s the perfect time to tackle it.
It’s wild how much stuff we end up collecting without even noticing—until it starts piling up. Taking a little time to declutter (and only keep pieces you love or actually use) instantly makes your space feel calmer, cleaner, and a whole lot more luxe. Need a little motivation? I shared some of my favorite tips in my “Get Organized!” blog post. Your future self will thank you.
Learn a new language.
Learning a few key phrases in a new language is always a good idea. And if you’re spending a cozy night in? It’s the perfect time to start. Apps like Duolingo or Mango make it super easy (and free!) to pick up the basics. I brushed up on my French for recent trips to Paris and the South of France, and honestly? It made the whole experience all the more exciting. Just a few words or expressions make a difference.
It’s a simple way to keep your mind sharp, feel a little more worldly, and get excited for your next adventure.
What to Do with Friends at Home
Host a themed dinner party.
If you’ve been here for a while, you already know how much I love hosting a dinner party, especially a themed one! It’s hands down one of my favorite ways to spend time with friends at home. Sure, it takes a little prep and planning but the end result is so worth it. Great food, great conversation, quality time with my favorite people.
If you’re ready to host your own, don’t miss my post on “How to Host Your First Dinner Party.” It’s full of tips to make it easy and fun. And for inspiration, take a peek at my “Southern-Inspired Holiday Dinner Party” and these dreamy tablescape ideas to spark inspiration!
Make homemade cocktails.
Invite your best girlfriends over and turn your kitchen into a cocktail lounge for the evening. Have everyone bring ingredients for their favorite signature drink and take turns playing bartender, taste-testing each creation. You can even make it a friendly competition and vote on whose cocktail comes out on top.
It’s such a fun way to get a little creative, brush up on your mixology skills, and enjoy a cozy night in with your favorite people. Need a little inspiration? Here are a few of my go-to cocktail recipes to get you started:
Do a closet swap.
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a few pieces in your closet that haven’t seen the light of day in ages. While I always love donating clothes, sometimes it’s even more fun to give them new life. My favorite way to do this is to host a closet swap with friends.
Invite your girlfriends over and have everyone bring a few gently worn items. Think clothing, shoes, and accessories that they’re ready to part with. It’s a fun way to refresh your wardrobe, find something new-to-you, and give your pieces a second life. And the best part? It’s free!
Have a movie marathon.
There’s nothing better than hosting a cozy movie marathon on a rainy weekend. Whether you’re diving into a nostalgic series or going all-in on a holiday theme, invite your friends over (encourage them to wear PJs or their favorite loungewear) and queue up the popcorn. It’s one of those low-effort, high-reward ways to relax, catch up, and soak in the quality time we all crave.
What to Do at Home By Yourself
Read a good book.
It’s no secret that I’m a total bookworm. And honestly, there’s no better time to dive into a good book than when you have the house all to yourself. Light a candle, dim the lights, and curl up with whatever’s on your nightstand. And of course, beverages! An iced dirty chai latte, a warm cup of tea, a cup of ice water, or even a glass of wine.
I you’re looking for your next page-turner, head over to The Library to see what I’ve been reading lately. It has everything I’ve read over the past ten+ years, all ranked by genre.
Have a DIY spa day.
You deserve a little pampering, especially when you’ve got the place to yourself. Slip on your favorite red LED mask, gather your best face masks . . . and run a hot bath. It’s time for a DIY spa day at home.
I’ll bet you have a few sheet masks stashed in your bathroom drawer—now’s the time to use them. Freshen up your mani or pedi, indulge in an everything shower, and give your skin some extra love. And don’t forget to pull out those serums and balms you usually save for special occasions! You’ll feel like a new person afterward.
Do a little online window shopping.
I could spend hours curating the perfect online shopping carts. Being home alone is the ideal time to window shop from the comfort of your sofa. Scroll through your favorite retailers, check out what’s on sale, or browse those dreamy designer pieces you’ve been eyeing.
Looking for outfit inspo? Head over to my Instagram Shop to see everything I’m wearing and loving lately. And if you’re in home-refresh mode, don’t miss my favorite Amazon home finds for easy decor updates and smart organization ideas.
What to Do with Your Boyfriend at Home
Cook dinner together.
Date night doesn’t always mean dressing up and heading to a candlelit restaurant (though I’m all for that, too!). Sometimes the coziest, most memorable dates happen right in your own kitchen. Cooking dinner together is such a sweet way to slow down, try something new, and just enjoy each other’s company. My boyfriend is great at grilling, so I’ll stick him on the steak while I make a big salad and a couple of sides.
Whether you’re whipping up homemade mac and cheese or attempting pad thai for the first time, it’s all about the experience. Light a few candles, turn on a fun playlist, pour a glass of wine, and make a night of it.
Have a board game or card night.
I love turning date night into game night. There are so many great options made for just two players. You could go for something interactive like an escape room-style game, keep it classic with my personal favorite: Scrabble, or lean into cozy vibes with The Hygge Game. A simple deck of cards works too (Gin Rummy, anyone?).
It’s a fun way to unplug, share a few laughs, and maybe even spark a little playful competition.
Rewatch your favorite show or movie together.
If you’ve been together for a while, you may be used to doing the “same old thing.” One way to switch things up and enjoy your time together is by reminiscing over a favorite show or movie! Bonus points if it’s one you watched in the beginning of your relationship.
Consider it a cute trip down memory lane. Light a candle, grab your fluffiest blanket, and curl up on the couch with your favorite comfort watch—and person! It’s nostalgic, simple, and, honestly, magical.
What to Do with Your Mom at Home
Look through old photo albums.
There’s nothing quite like spending quality time with your mom. I feel so lucky to live so close (and be so close) with my mom. I cherish the quiet, cozy moments when she visits and we just stay in. One of our favorite fun activities to do? Dig into old photo albums.
Whether you have beautifully organized albums or a cardboard box full of snapshots, taking a trip down memory lane together is such a special way to bond. You’ll laugh, you’ll reminisce, and chances are you’ll uncover a few forgotten gems. Maybe you’ll even learn something new about your family history. It’s the kind of slow, afternoon I’ll always say yes to.
Do a little gardening.
My mom has the most beautiful garden back at her house and helps me a lot with mine. I might not have inherited her green thumb, but I love watching her in her element. I also love picking up little tips and tricks along the way.
Spending time gardening together, whether it’s pulling weeds or planting something new, is such a wholesome way to bond. It’s quiet, grounding, and gives you a chance to unplug and reconnect with nature and each other.
Have a tea party (or coffee) afternoon.
Looking to make an afternoon with your mom feel a little more special? Host a casual tea party (or cozy coffee date!) right at home. Pull out your prettiest teacups and saucers (like these, my favorite mugs!). Brew something delicious and whip up a few finger sandwiches or cookies.
Then sit down with her, sip your tea (and nibble on bites), and catch up on life. It’s such a sweet way to turn an ordinary day into a lovely little memory. It makes me think of my (late) grandmother Ruth. She made every little moment extra special.
What to Do at Night at Home
Light candles and do a mini digital detox.
This is my favorite! There’s something so restorative about a quiet night alone. It is easy for me to put on “just one episode” of TV and find myself fully bingeing whatever show is the latest and greatest. But the thing that’s truly restorative? Taking the opportunity to unplug completely and go totally screens free.
IPower everything down. Laptop closed, phone in another room, and the TV off. Then I’ll light a few candles, pour a glass of wine or tea, and unwind with something relaxing. Think: a good book, a puzzle, or a little at-home spa moment.
Do a little skincare ritual.
While I absolutely love my everyday skincare routine, sometimes when I have a free night in, I like to take things up a notch. That’s when I pull out my Monastery LED mask and reach for those special-occasion products. I’m talking the really good cleansers, creams, and exfoliators I tend to save for nights like this.
I’ll light a favorite candle, put on a calming playlist, and slow down the pace. There’s something so grounding about intentionally pampering your skin—not rushing through the motions, but really enjoying every step.
Want to treat yourself too? I put together my full winter skincare routine here—perfect for keeping your skin hydrated and glowing, even when it’s really cold outside.
Watch the stars outside.
If the skies are clear and the evening air is mild, there’s something so magical about enjoying nature. Grab a blanket, pour a glass of wine (or mug of tea), and head outside to stargaze. It’s quiet, calming, and honestly, really restorative.
Simply sit quietly and take in the beauty above, or bring your journal out to reflect on your day. It’s the kind of peaceful, grounding moment that makes you appreciate the stillness of being alone. A little solitude, a little sparkle in the sky… sometimes that’s all you need to end the day on a lovely note.
Embrace the comfort of your home and learn how to stay entertained without leaving the house.
We can’t always be out and about. And honestly, sometimes that’s a gift. Whether it’s by choice or circumstance, staying home doesn’t have to mean boredom or feeling stuck. Quite the opposite, actually.
There’s something really wonderful about leaning into the slower pace of home life. From movie marathons to cozy family-friendly game nights to solo spa evenings, I find that being at home can feel like its own kind of luxury.
Want more lifestyle ideas, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes updates? Be sure to subscribe to my Substack for exclusive content. And come hang out with me on Instagram to see what I’m up to, whether I’m cozy at home or out and about! Also, now you can get blog posts via email!