Winter is coming. Time to kiss the summer sunshine goodbye and wait for the cooler temperatures to start rolling in.
While the winter season can be a little dire – cold days and even colder nights, it's not as bad as a lot of people make it out to be. Just because you've already stashed your garden umbrellas and winterized your patio misting system don't mean you can't have fun outdoors anymore.
The weather may be icy, and the days are chilly, but you won’t have to wait until spring to throw another party in your backyard! These tips will make you fall in love with entertaining at home during the colder months of the year.
Dress for the weather
If you're planning to throw a party on your patio or backyard during the winter season, the least you could do is give your guests a heads up about the venue. Remind them to wear clothes that will keep them warm and comfortable throughout the night – scarves, gloves, ear muffs, the works.
Serve warm drinks
Greeting your guests with a steaming mug of cocoa as soon as they arrive will make them feel instantly warm. Cocoa’s not your only option, though. There’s coffee, tea, and hot lemonade – whatever you think suits the occasion best. Are you entertaining for the winter holidays? Eggnog is a perfect choice!
Heat the place
Heat lamps and patio heaters are your most practical options for keeping outdoor spaces warm in winter. These devices are not only easy to operate; they're budget-friendly as well.
You can either install heat lamps on the roof of your patio or opt for portable patio heaters that you can move around as needed. Environmentally-conscious homeowners will love electric infrared heaters. They’re silent, don’t emit greenhouse gases, and cheap to operate.
Add fire elements
Fire elements make for very intriguing, yet aesthetically appealing additions to your outdoor area. Aside from making your patio warmer and cozier, fire can also alter the mood of the space and enhance the atmosphere.
If you feel like fireplaces are way out of budget and, currently, too big of a commitment, go for chimeneas – portable and affordable. Also, bonfires and fire pits tend to create interesting focal points for expansive outdoor spaces and are an excellent location for sparking cozy conversations with guests.
More lighting fixtures
Days are shorter during winter, which means you’ll need good lighting to enjoy the use of your outdoor living space for evening parties and get-togethers. Improving your outdoor lighting will not only allow you to use your patio, backyard, or garden longer at nighttime; it also helps ensure the safety and security of your visitors.
Candles and lanterns help create a more intimate feel to the place. Professionally-installed landscape lighting, on the other hand, is great for highlighting stairways and walkways while also adding warmth to the area.
Create a cozy atmosphere
Nobody wants to sit on a cold, metal chair on a freezing evening. If your outdoor furniture is made out of metal, plastic, or wood, consider putting cushions on the seats, but only take them out before the guests arrive. Fabric can also feel chilly when left in the cold for long.
If you want to take the coziness-level up a notch, why not throw in a thick blanket? These things are a lifesaver on frigid evenings.
Invest in a covered patio
For those with the budget to spare, you can further winter-proof your outdoor living space by investing in a covered roof for your patios and pergolas. A less expensive alternative would be patio drop shades and retractable outdoor blinds.
Any of these options will not only protect you and your guests from rain, wind, or cold; they will also give you more space to move around and entertain. So, even with the harsher weather conditions that winter may throw your way, the fun continues!
About the Author
Anna Fox is the Content Marketing Strategist of Señor Mist, a Phoenix, Arizona-based company that provides high pressure misting systems/fog effects, comfort heaters, patio drop shades, hvls fans and more. When not writing, she makes use of her spare time reading books and hiking with her dog, Blaze.
