It might be pretty cold outside at the moment in that winter air, but that doesn’t mean that you need to take the party indoors!
A lot of us spend quite a bit of time and money perfecting our outdoor entertaining spaces, so why should we only use them throughout half of the year? A few accessories and specifically warming menu items are all you need to transform your outdoor area into a year-round entertaining hub. In fact, entertaining your friends and family outdoors during winter can be quite cozy and intimate if you know the right tips and tricks to make things as comfortable as possible.
So say goodbye to cool Coronas reminiscent of summer nights and hello to warming cocktails as you embrace the charming possibilities of entertaining this winter.
First things first: set up your outdoor space in a cosy gazebo or around an alfresco timber table. Dress it up with sultry, wintery tones – think neutral greys, black, beiges and cream – with soft-knitted throws draped over deck chairs and large, textured cushions offering maximum comfort.
And the piece de resistance? Bring heat and soft, ambient light to the table with a central fireplace setting or – for those feeling more adventurous – an open fire pit to huddle around as it crackles. This forms a striking focal point and will keep your guests warmed through as the night wears on.
Continue the mood and beat that crisp chill by serving a winter-warming cocktail to your guests. Or for a relaxed feel, a mug of hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise will do the trick. Keep a basket of blankets on hand by the fire, place some extra slow-burning candles and let the night take care of itself.
So what are you waiting for? Get working on that guest list and start planning your next get together as a cozy, outdoor affair by the fire!
