A COSY den away from the world is the first space children can call their own.
Everyone loves a private little area — and if they have to crawl into it, so much the better.
Here’s how to make one for your kids — using just ordinary household items and some creativity . . .
INDOOR GROTTO: If spring showers are dampening your kids’ spirits, make a den in your living room.
Natalie Byrne, author and outdoor enthusiast at Millets, says: “Place chairs of differing heights around the living room with their backs facing the inside of the den, then drape over some blankets, bedsheets or a lightweight duvet.
“Pad the floor with cushions, bean bags, pillows or mattress toppers. Add a string of lights and a hand-drawn sign.”
CAMP CANINE: Keep your pooch out of your den by making them one of their own.
A soft blanket, their favourite toys and a few treats will tempt them in.
Add a sign to show it’s strictly their space.
For more fun with your four-legged friend, see the blog at millets.co.uk.
SPRING IT ON: If you have a garden, it won’t be long before you can camp out for the night.
Sleeping under canvas is magical for kids and the addition of hot chocolate and marshmallows while doing a spot of stargazing makes for a total treat.
Read a story together inside the tent at bedtime or play a game such as Uno or snap to give it a holiday vibe.
FLY THE FLAGS: No den is complete without a string of bunting.
Natalie says: “All you need is a sparkle of colour and a dash of different materials.”
Attach fabric or paper triangles to a string.
If you use paper, punch three holes at the top of each flag and thread through some twine to hang the flags.
For fabric, either sew the top edge of each flag around the string or stick it on with a bead of fabric glue.
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