With COVID-19 sadly resurging just as the holidays arrive, what are the best ways to gather outdoors for winter holiday parties and meals with proper social distancing? Our correspondent Jillian Tangen has rounded up everything we need to know about how to host a luxury holiday meal or party outdoors, and what to do to entertain safely at home with social distancing in cold weather this winter. ‘Cause if they can do it in the Alps, why not do the same in your own backyard?
How to Move the Holiday Joy Outside This Year
“Long,” “dismal” and “hard.” Those are just a few of the words that are being used to describe the winter months ahead when it comes to social distancing. After all, summer, in comparison, was easy. Warmer temperatures, a natural affinity for BBQs and easy access to outdoor activities made it uncomplicated for people to gather outdoors with family and friends.
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As someone who considers themselves an avid fan of winter, we don’t think the impending season is being given its fair shot. If you ask us, illuminating sunsets, invigorating hikes, the return of the ski season and hot chocolate by a fire pit don’t sound terrible at all. On the contrary, we’re very much looking forward to it. As we are the chance to test out our new winter gear and transition our backyard into the apres ski spot of our dreams.
How to move the holiday parties and meals outside this year.
That’s right, just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean you have to bring the party indoors – in fact, you shouldn’t, according to the CDC. Instead, opt to transition your outdoor space into a cozy winter wonderland akin to any one of the world’s best rooftop bars.
How to move the holiday parties and meals outside this year.
If this past summer made best-sellers out of such backyard pleasures as gardening gear, pool inflatables and outdoor TVs, winter 2020 we hope will see a run on fire pits, sheepskin throws and crock pots, keeping everyone warm and cozy whilst also staying safe and happy outdoors.
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How to Host a Winter Holiday Party or Meal Outdoors this Year
Whether you have a small terrace or sprawling, manicured grounds, we’ve got ideas for you. And its worth the investment. Because turning your outdoor space into a cold weather oasis will make a difference in how long, hard and cold this winter will feel.
How to move the holiday parties and meals outside this year.
What do you need? Ahead are 25 of our must-have items for making your outdoor space ready for outdoor entertaining no matter the weather.
1. light the way
As the days get shorter, you’ll want to create more light in your outdoor space for an extra cozy ambiance. You can’t go wrong with string lights, such as these vintage inspired Edison Strand Lights ($70) that can easily be hung from a pergola or hooks attached to the house.
How to entertain at home outdoors in cold weather for a holiday party or meal this year: Lights. Courtesy Photo.
If your outdoor space is far away from an electric source, you opt for an LED light with a rechargeable battery. Allsop’s Portable LED Lantern ($80) lasts 8-10 hours on a single charge, features 16 different colors, has 5 lights modes and is designed to handle outdoor elements. Alternatively, Fatboy’s Bolleke LED Lantern ($119) can be hung from practically anywhere – be it trees or fire escapes.
And just as you would inside, layer your lighting and include some seasonal scented candles scattered through the space for optimal hygge vibes.
2. warm up
For those extra cold days, you’re gonna want a source of heat. Consider investing in an outdoor heater like those found at restaurants. This stainless steel Hampton Bay Patio Heater ($149) can heat 200 square feet, which is perfect for a socially distant dinner or afternoon hang.
How to entertain safely this winter at home and host a holiday party or meal outdoors: Hampton Bay Patio Heater. Courtesy Photo.
You could also go with a fire pit. It creates more of an apres ski feel for when you’re spending time outdoors with friends or family. There are plenty of wood burning options like Terrain’s Weathering Steel Pular Chiminea ($448), Blue Dot’s powder coated steel Smoky Fire Pit ($499) or this Corten steel Plodes Geometric Firepit ($1,145).
How to entertain safely this winter at home with social distancing and an outdoor holiday party: Fire Pits. Courtesy Photo.
For those looking to simply flip a switch without sacrificing ambiance, Room & Board’s Adara Fire Tables ($2,000-$3,600) can be used with either propane or natural gas, making it easy to enjoy roasted marshmallows at a moment’s notice.
How to entertain outdoors at home in the cold weather this winter for social distancing: Heated Furniture. Courtesy Photo.
Live in a city and can’t have an open flame or propane tank? Splurge on heated furniture like Galanter & Jones’ radiantly heated Helios Metreo ($6,200) loveseat and coordinating Helios Chair ($1,700), or add a set of Siezoen’s industrial looking Heated Chairs ($745) to your outdoor dining table. Your guests will definitely thank you.
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3. give ‘em shelter
Covered structures like screened-in porches or pavilions are a great way to define an outdoor space. It will also protect you from the elements. Paragon Outdoor’s Novara Structure Louvered Pergola ($2,176) combines a traditional open roof pergola and a pavilion with a closed roof by allowing you to open and close the louvers for when you want some sunlight or need protection.
How to entertain outdoors at home in the cold weather this winter for social distancing and a holiday party: Shelters. Courtesy Photo.
For a more traditional look, Fifthroom’s Ramada ($11,700) offers a solid roof. Add some outdoor curtains like Sunbrella’s Indoor/Outdoor Drapery Panels ($116 – $144) and you will be able to sit outside no matter the weather, while still allowing air to circulate.
4. get cozy
As we learned earlier this year, textiles can help make your yard or garden feel like an extra part of the home, and throw pillows are an easy place to start. Grandin Road has a large collection of wintry themed outdoor pillows. They are soft to the touch but made of fabrics that are waterproof, so you can leave them outside. These Joyful Black and Red Plaid Pillows ($55) are perfect for the holiday season, while the velvet Verge Pillows ($40 – 60) from Room & Board work throughout the winter.
How to entertain safely this winter at home with social distancing at an outdoor holiday party: PIllows. Courtesy Photo.
An outdoor rug is another way to make an open-air space feel cozy. Many brands make rugs that look like cloth but are actually hard-wearing plastic. They can be kept outside all year long. Outer recently launched a collection of outdoor rugs ($475) made from recycled water bottles that are ideal for centering a space.
Don’t forget a few throw blankets and sheepskins to add further warmth and dimension. Our favorites are Pendelton’s Glacier Park Merino Throw ($199), Elvang Denmark’s Classic Alpaca Throw ($146) and the ethically sourced Sheepskin Throws ($95 – $165) from The Citizenry.
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5. tools of the trade
Everyone knows summertime calls for a specific set of tools – think a proper grill and sustainable party serveware for outdoor entertaining. And just like summer, winter comes with its own entertainment toolkit to make the most of the season. Invest in an assortment of items like insulated mugs, thermoses and crockpots. It will help keep your guests as well as your food and drink warm.
How to entertain safely this winter at home with social distancing at an outdoor holiday party: Tools. Courtesy Photo.
When serving hot chocolate, Irish coffees and hot toddy’s, opt for some chic and durable Enamel Mugs ($42/Set of 4) from Golden Rabbit. And of course you can’t go wrong with a Stelton Vacuum Jug Pitcher ($118) to keep those drinks piping hot and on hand. When it comes to hot food, an All-Clad Gourmet Slow Cooker ($250) not only works for “set it and forget it” dinners, but also for keeping a warming stew or chili ready outdoors.
And for something a little more fun, don’t forget extras like Terrain’s Marshmallow Roasting Sticks ($20) or their Popcorn Popper ($44) for keeping spirits bright.
How to host a winter holiday party or meal outdoors this year
There you have it. Our tips for anyone planning to host a holiday party or meal or entertain outdoors in the cold weather this year. Let’s make one of the silver linings of 2020 a fresh seasonal outlook. Where we transform our backyards into a cozy winter oasis perfect for social distancing. Just don’t forget your long johns. See you outside!
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in New York and is married with three young children. She loves cross-country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new
