6 Ways to Make Winter Outdoor Entertaining as Cozy as Can Be

Enjoying some time outside on a winter evening might only be a great idea after several Irish coffees depending on where you live. But from Southern California to upstate New York, we still love spending time outdoors, even if for a moment. Everyone needs fresh air.

But most people don’t like being cold. To make time spent outside with family and friends a whole lot more comfortable, try these ideas for winter outdoor entertaining. Everyone will be saying ahhh—not brrrr.

Gathering around a fire and drinking something warm will have you and your loved ones falling in love with the cooler months (and forming awesome memories to boot). Here’s how to make the evening as cozy as can be.

 

Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits & chimeneas

While outdoor fireplaces might still be a big commitment, there are more options for outdoor fire than ever before, making this desirable outdoor feature a lot more accessible.

You’ll want to choose something that fits your lifestyle and your environment (be it urban or rural). Wood burning fire pits and chimeneas are typically the most affordable and even make for a good DIY project. Other options for heat are propane and natural gas, which is the least commonly used but the most convenient because it requires the installation of a gas line and so never runs out of fuel.

Place your fire feature in a central location with plenty of room for chairs all around.

You’ll spark up cozy conversations with your guests. After all, anthropologists believe that fire gave way to culture as we know it. Evening fires are a time for sharing, storytelling, and bonding. The effect that can fire have on an evening outdoors is an age-old truth (and the absolute definition of “warm and toasty”).

 

Table top fire options

These little beauties are our favorite portable way to illuminate an outdoor evening. Table top fire options like torches and fire pots are affordable and can be combined together for more impact.

Because they’re relatively small, table top options give off less heat, but they pack a big punch when it comes to ambient lighting.  When you add the element of fire to the evening, you invite people to stay a little longer and talk a little more. Fire is a conversation starter no matter what, so getting an affordable table top version is a no brainer.

Arrange them outside on mantles, ledges, and as centerpieces.

Winter outdoor entertaining may not require much more than a table top torch if you live in the warmer states, but if you have “real winters,” combine a torch for mood lighting with a solution for heat.

Heat lamps or patio heaters

A floor standing propane lamp or portable electric heater is a lifesaver for winter outdoor entertaining. Place them as close as possible to where people will be hanging out. Meaning, by the food.

You can simply bring portable space heaters from your home outside, or make an investment into a faux fire place or faux wood burning stove.

Standing stainless steel heaters that run on propane are a very trendy, attractive option. For large parties, standing heaters are a necessity.

Of course, oil and electric heaters don’t add as much to the evening in terms of atmosphere and ambience, so pair them with a beautifying fire element, like a table top torch.

Cushioned furniture and blankets suitable for outdoors

You’ve probably sat on a cold chair before. It’s no fun.

If your year-round outdoor furniture is metal, plastic, or wood, be sure to have a cushion for each and every chair.

Maybe it goes without saying, but you should store these cushions indoors and then place them outside before guests arrive. Fabric left outdoors can feel nearly as cold as wood or metal.

Cushions will keep your guests warm from all angles. Take the cozy factor one step further by having extra blankets on hand. Thicker blankets reserved for outdoor entertaining or camping are a lifesaver on really cold evenings. If you have a guest who didn’t quite dress warm enough, they’ll be really grateful when you toss over a wool blanket!

Outdoor rugs

Don’t neglect the floor. Cold emanates from concrete surfaces or from damp, moist ground. Outdoor rugs can make your guests’ feet and ankles way more comfortable.

On covered patios, outdoor rugs can often be left outside. If you’re creating a makeshift setting for entertaining outdoors, try storing the rug in the garage and then bringing it out. That way it will stay in better condition.

An outdoor rug is an incredibly simple step that makes a huge difference on cold days and evenings.

Warm drinks

The cushions and blankets are laid out, with a rug underneath. The fire is aglow.

Only thing left to do is warm up your insides!

You can provide drinks that are caffeinated, non-caffeinated, alcoholic, and kid friendly. The classics like coffee and hot cocoa have been totally reinvented.

Try hot vanilla cinnamon milk or steamed white chocolate milk for kids. And for adults? We’re a fan of homemade Irish cream in coffee.

For a really special occasion, try a warm drink mini bar. Offer a hot cocoa bar with peppermint syrup, white chocolate and dark chocolate stir ins, and different types of marshmallows. A tea bar can include fresh mint, lemon slices, and various infused honeys.

With these outdoor entertaining ideas, you won’t want to come inside this winter.

What are your tips and tricks for entertaining outdoors during colder months? Let us know in the comments below.