Keeping Cool:

Entertaining outside is always in season, although sometimes the elements have other plans.

But before you go pushing that party to the toastier months, get your backyard out of hibernation and follow these easy steps to keep your guests warm this winter.

Strip it back

Mother Nature doesn’t have the final word when it comes to your backyard warmth.

Fitting out your entertaining area with a HEATSTRIP gas heater is a stylish solution to the cooler climates, and they are perfect for an outside area of any size. Forget the obtrusive gas heaters that everyone trips over (every single time!) and go instead for sleek and subtle. Having a wall mounted heat strip means you don’t have to deal with storage stresses or sacrifice space that could be used for entertaining.

Rug Up

And we’re not talking about scarves and hoodies.

Add a Nordic touch to your decor with rich furs and thick blankets on all seating and tables.

These luxurious details are always received well and will show your guests that you have this winter party thing all figured out. Heavy throws that your guests can wrap themselves in, and hot water bottles are another way to toast the weather, although be careful - people may not leave.

Fire beats ice

Who doesn’t love a fire pit?

Everyone snuggling together, mesmerised by the dancing fire as they are transported somewhere rustic and untouched. Make the most of the fire and gather some pallets and milk crates as seating, preferably in a circle formation to bind the group. Even pass around the bowl of marshmallows, and play a drinking game or two. The fire will immortalize the night and think of the photos!

Warming menu

The fact that you eat more in winter is no surprise and might even be a soft spot for some, pun intended. With that said, the festive fun that comes with planning a winter menu is too good to pass up on. A baked brie with warm pita bread will have your guests purring, followed by churros or fondue station. If you really want to make an impression a spit roast is another outdoor winter dining option. Don’t forget to keep guests hydrated with mulled wine and some coffee liqueur, we can’t have cold hands, can we?

Keep it tight

It’s always tempting to spread the crowd over the vast backyard.

With a croquet corner, a seated area and a place where people can have a bite and refill drinks. Resist this urge. In winter, it’s usually a better idea to keep it tight and have a smaller entertaining space for body and heat strip warmth to do its magic. Think crowded and communal so your guests don’t have to make the freezingly fatal sprint across the sparse backyard for another drink. More cosy, less casualty.

Warm lighting

When was the last time you looked at your backyard lighting with unbiased eyes?

It’s an easy thing to overlook, but warm lighting will provide your backyard party with an easy atmosphere, as opposed to bright and fluorescent interrogation lighting. It will actually make the space feel toastier, especially if you complement the space with candles and warm fairy lights. Warm lighting always makes for great photos too, so throw on a beanie and say cheese!

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While the winter months don’t have the same wrap as summer, there are so many ways to throw a memorable outdoor party in winter. Warm guests are happy guests, so turn up the heat and fit out your entertaining area with a stylish new heatstrip and other warming touches.

Image Source: http://www.capetownmagazine.com/mulled-wine