This description contributes to creating an atmosphere of warmth in the excerpt. The three family members, father, mother and son are happy in their cozy little house.
However, after the major recounts the monkey's paw tale, the mood gradually becomes sinister. The tale is an eerie one, about the mummified paw which grants wishes to anyone, but brings misery along with the fulfilment of the wish. The mood becomes sinister because the Whites now want to try it out, even though they have been warned.