The holidays may have passed, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop partying. That said, the pandemic remains very much among us. So even if you’re interested in hosting a soirée and know it’s safe to do so, it’s still a good idea to do it outdoors. Yes, temperatures are frigid in much of the country, making it a tricky proposition. , can turn an uncomfortable cold night into a memorable and cozy night.
In fact, a winter festival in the elements can be just as elegant and fun as a fancy dinner or an elegant cocktail party. Focus on comfort and embrace rusticity.
According to frequent hosts and hospitality experts, the most important thing is keeping guests warm. There are various ways to do this. Additionally, don’t enjoy activities and decorations any more than you normally would. The great outdoors offers opportunities you can’t get at home, so indulge in bonfires, DIY, and nature in general.
Don’t let the cold weather put you off from throwing the outdoor winter party of your dreams this year. With our expert-approved tips ahead, you can throw in something you and your guests will actually enjoy and never forget.
Only products independently selected by TZR’s editorial team are listed. However, if you purchase products through links in this article, we may receive a portion of the proceeds.
Embrace the bonfire theme
As Alexandra Davin, co-founder of an online interior design and decor course named Clairrow points out, there’s always been the classic idea of an outdoor bonfire. “Provide food options that allow you to incorporate fire as part of the experience. also serves as an activity of sorts while guests use it to keep warm, she continues.
create indoor and outdoor situations
Are there outdoor dining options that have emerged because of the pandemic? Alexandra recommends taking inspiration from them in your own version, whether it’s a tent or gazebo.
“Set up bistro tables with tablecloths and candles, add floral patterns all over the walls and ceiling to enhance the ambiance, and add portable heaters to create an indoor/outdoor oasis,” she explains. The idea is a portable igloo, which I’ve seen for sale on Amazon.Buy an igloo tent and set it up with soft seating and string lights to make it the perfect place for your guests to escape the cold outdoors. so that we can ensure
provide hot food and drinks
Chef and CEO Sylvia Fountaine, founder of Feasting at Home, says keeping food “easy to eat, hot and interactive” is key to outdoor winter party menus. “The last thing you want to do is have guests balance plates or use cutlery and mittens, so stick to the food you have,” she explains.
her suggestion? Enjoy freshly baked mugs of soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. “Just put the griddle on the barbecue, fry the hot sandwiches, and pour each guest a mug of soup from the thermos,” Fountaine says. This option is also highly customizable, so you can make your meal gourmet or classic to your liking. “My guest’s favorite options include aged cheddar with green apple slices, or brie with cranberry compote and thyme.” “We stick to smooth, dippable soups like freshly baked tomatoes and pureed butternut squash so guests can dunk grilled cheese.”
And for dessert, “mulled wine or spiced apple cider of course! We encourage you to keep it,” says the CEO of Feasting at Home. “Liquor is optional, but I highly recommend having a late night drink around the cozy outdoor fire he pit.”
Bring in warmth in different ways
When it’s cold outside, we want to make sure your guests have plenty of ways to stay warm. According to her Lights.com co-founder Sheva Knopfler, this should include heaters and outdoor blankets. Clairrow co-founder Catherine Davin agrees. She recently had a super cozy event, which she described as “fantastic,” thanks to blankets draped over the backs of all chairs and a propane her heater in the center of the crowded area. I said I participated.
Of course, there are also many ways to get creative with this. “I shamelessly love a basket of rubber flip-flops at a wedding where the dance starts, because my heels were always killing me by that point in the night,” says Alexandra. “Take the same idea into your winter party theme and have a large basket of mittens, scarves, and socks for your guests to use and take home as party favors.” Michiel Perry of Black Southern Belle, as well. I’m sharing the idea of , but I’m proposing to take it a step further. “If you’re hosting an outdoor party in cool weather, make your attire part of the festivities by providing each guest with matching scarves, hats, and gloves that match the theme and colors of the party.”
And while always keeping safety in mind, remember that the atmosphere is as cozy as the temperature. try,” Knopfler says. “The flameless decor gives guests the illusion of a warm, candlelit atmosphere without the risk of fire.”
Take a rustic (and functional) approach to decorating
It may be cold outside, but Katherine recommends decorating “absolutely”. “I take a more rustic après-ski approach,” she tells her TZR. “Add an array of party lights, cozy fur throws, and candlesticks with real candles.” Incorporate plants and natural elements into your décor,” she continues.
According to Perry, it’s important to make sure your decor is not only cute but functional. So instead of chair covers? Please use a blanket. Pitch an outdoor tent? Decorate your walls with hats, gloves and scarves for your guests. “Winter party decorations are all about adding function and embracing the beauty of winter while keeping you warm,” she continues.
invite guests
Cold temperatures make it easy for guests to check out and go home with a cold. So make a point of planning activities that keep them engaged. We encourage you to create a more fun event.
However, you don’t have to stop at food. Think outside the box to make your day more enjoyable. “Hanging up winter wreaths, making hot cocktails with the bartender, or having a garden-inspired photo his area near a fire pit or hot cocoa station to keep guests warm while engaging guests.” Let’s go,” Perry says.
