Dan's Papers - December 7, 2007

During the cold months of the holiday season we turn in to our homes for comfort and relaxation. One of the essentials for curling up by the fire with a good gossip magazine is a cozy blanket. A good blanket can last for a very long time and become our most important possession. My grandma, Nonny, bought me a blanket when I was born. I do not know where she bought it, but I know that it is quality and was made to last. I've had my blanket, aka Blankie, for all twenty-five years of my life. There are pictures of me as an infant sleeping on my stomach in the exact same way I do today, with one arm under my pillow and the other around my blankie. It has become raggedy over the years, but it does remain partially stuffed and very soft. Of course all of my friends and family enjoy a good snuggle with my blankie from time to time, because of its extreme comfort from years of love. I am not quite sure what I will do when it falls apart. A lifetime comfort like this is not replaceable. Whether for sentimental reassurance or for a new addition to the living room during a Sunday afternoon veg session, a nice blanket will enhance the comfort zone in the home.

Just like Nonny did for me, I often choose a nice blanket as a gift to my close friends' new babies. Ideally, I would like to knit or crochet these gifts myself but unfortunately I am domestically challenged and do not have the required skills. So I turn to shopping and leave the skills in someone else's hands. Noel's in Hampton Bays has handmade blankets that make nice gifts for babies. Nordstroms' baby department has cozy blankets that have patches of satin and fleece soft enough for the babies' skin. In any case, baby blankets as gifts are worth spending the extra money on.

When cozying up to the fire a nice fleece from Target will do the trick, but there is a whole world of materials out there to snuggle with. There are imported organic cotton velour blankets that are purely comfortable and will never irritate the skin. These covers are washable and come in all different colors and are available exclusively at The Company Store.

Cranking the heat in the winter has become more and more pricey, and turning the knob above 70 degrees makes the air feel dry. At bedtime I have been sleeping with a heating pad underneath me, and feeling that warmth against the skin makes for a more enjoyable rest. However, the heating pad is not the answer, I need an electric blanket. Most have automatic shut off buttons keeping them safe, and they are a good way to warm the cold bed before climbing in. There are even electric throws available to keep on the couch, which is cheaper than cranking up the heat to 85 degrees.

The ultimate comfort is down blankets. Goose feathered, luxurious and with a high thread count, lightweight down blankets are the way to go. For those who are not able to pay upwards of $500 for a Siberian goose feathered lightweight quilted blanket, www.Overstock.com has some great deals on down delightfulness. A Siberian 330 thread count blanket can be purchased for just 89 bucks! There are an array of colorful Rocky Mountain down comforters that are on sale for $39 and would be great for the kids or in the living room. You can go for the classic white puffy and pure look or get a little funky with a Batik Print Natural Down comforter set that comes in teal, caramel or spice for just $99. The set includes two shams and the comforter.

Down feather blankets and comforters come in all kinds of materials, such as silk or velvet. They tend to be on the pricey side due to the feathers. If you are purchasing a down blanket for what seems to be a cheaper price, make sure you are shopping during a sale when it is marked down, because you get what you pay for when it comes to these luxuries. For example, it is not a good idea to try and purchase a down blanket at Wal-Mart for $25 because they tend to not be made very well and will leak feathers all over your room.

Blankies old and new make the living room and bedroom a haven during winter nights by the fire, with a glass of spicy cabernet, watching our favorite television shows and reading our books and magazines.