Winter may be a time for cozying up indoors, but that doesn't have to mean you can't take your party outside. Outdoor entertaining in the winter, such as a barbecue, cocktail party, or game night, is a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones and breathe fresh air.
But how do you ensure your guests have a
great experience while staying warm and comfortable? This blog will look at
five tips for entertaining guests outdoors this winter.
Tips on
Entertaining Guests This Winter
One of the reasons why you should
entertain guests outdoors in the winter is it can be a great way to beat the
blues and make the most of the season. Plus, there are fewer bugs and crowds to
contend with, and you can enjoy the beauty of snow and winter landscapes. So, let's
dive into the tips and get ready to entertain.
1.
Invest in Residential Patio
Heaters
The first thing you should consider when
entertaining outdoors is how to keep everyone warm. That’s where residential patio
heaters come in. These heaters are available in different sizes and styles, and
the most common are powered by electric or natural gas.
Residential heaters provide guests a warm
and comfortable outdoor environment, even during the coldest winter months.
Electric heaters do not require any fuel but must be connected to a power
source, while propane heaters are portable but rely on a propane tank. In
contrast, natural gas heaters require installation but are the most
cost-effective option in the long term.
2.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere With
Blankets, Pillows, And Cushions
Creating a warm environment is one of the
most important requirements for having guests outdoors during the winter
season. Aside from your outdoor heating sources like fire pits and patio
heaters to keep them warm and comfortable, adding blankets and cushions are
also a good idea for a cozy touch.
The soft and snuggly accessories add
comfort and warmth and create a visual appeal to enhance the ambiance of your
outdoor space. In addition, layering with blankets and pillows in different
patterns and textures creates an inviting vibe that will make your guests feel
right at home.
3.
Utilize Outdoor Lighting To Create
An Inviting Ambiance
Outdoor lighting becomes more important
than ever when entertaining guests outdoors during winter since the days are
shorter and darker. It provides practical illumination and a touch of magic to
your outdoor space, creating a welcoming ambiance.
For an intimate feel, you can use string
lights for a warm glow or lanterns and candles on the table and around the
seating area. Another idea is to use a spotlight to highlight trees,
landscapes, or important outdoor features to add interest and depth to the
space.
Don’t forget to consider safety when using outdoor lighting. All electrical cords should be secured and not a tripping hazard. Also, avoid placing candles or lanterns near flammable items.
4. Choose Hearty Menu Items That Can Adapt to The Cold Weather
The key to successful entertaining is the
right food and drink choices. Choose items that will warm guests up and provide
comfort in the cold weather. You can prepare hearty menu items appropriate to
the winter climate.
Consider serving warm and comforting
dishes like soups, stews, chilis, and casseroles. These dishes are not only
filling, but they also provide the warmth your guests need to stay cozy and
comfortable. You can also incorporate seasonal ingredients like root vegetables
and winter squash to add a touch of winter flavor to your menu.
Serving hot beverages like mulled wine,
hot cocoa, or spiked cider is highly recommended for drinks. These drinks will
warm your guests and provide a festive touch to your winter gathering.
5.
Plan For Winter Weather
One of the biggest challenges of
entertaining guests outdoors in the winter is dealing with the weather. It's
necessary to have a plan in place for any possible weather scenarios. Add a
tent or awning to your outdoor space to keep your guests dry if it's snowing or
raining. Add side panels or curtains to your tent or awning to create a more
enclosed space.
If it's particularly cold outside, you
can provide your guests with hand and foot warmers or even heated blankets to
keep them warm. It's also a good idea to have hot drinks like cocoa, tea, or
coffee available to warm your guests from the inside out.
Conclusion
Entertaining guests outdoors in the
winter can be a magical experience if done correctly. With these tips, you can
create a warm and inviting atmosphere that your guests will discuss for years.
Be creative with your decorations and ways to have fun, as this will help improve the overall atmosphere of your outdoor space. Safety should always be a top priority too. Ensure all electrical cords are properly secured, the heating system properly maintained, provide adequate lighting and avoid fire hazards.
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