In the summer, sticking to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines was simply a matter of meeting a friend for a walk, or having a low-key barbeque in your backyard. However, now winter is here, it’s all the more tempting to move meetups indoors. Winter is for being huddled up by the fire watching movies, not for freezing in your backyard, right? However, experts still recommend sticking to small, outdoor gatherings in the fight against the pandemic. Fortunately, there are many ways to make your outdoor space more hospitable for guests in the cold weather. Here are some tips for making your backyard meetups a little more cozy this winter.
Give me Shelter!
Just because you’re outside, doesn’t mean you and your guests have to be completely exposed to the elements. It’s useful to have some kind of shelter on hand in case it rains or snows. Portable buildings are a convenient and relatively cheap option for giving you and your guests some protection from harsh wind, rain and snow. They are easy to set up and move, should you change your mind about where to host your guests.
Outdoor heating
To stop things getting too chilly, think about getting some outdoor heating. There are sorts of heating options that cater to a range of budgets and different types of outdoor space. A firepit is an affordable and convenient option for warming up those cold evenings. If you’re not too confident with fire, you could also opt for outdoor electric heaters. However, both firepits and outdoor electric heaters are in high demand at the moment, so it’s important to act fast so you can get your hands on one before they sell out for the season.
String lights
Add a cozy, festive feel to your backyard with some outdoor string lights. These are an ever-popular choice for adding a welcoming feel to your outdoor space. They are fairly cheap, durable and waterproof. As well as being an attractive decorative feature, they also serve a practical purpose in bringing some essential light to your yard as the evenings draw in, and it starts to get dark earlier. Remember to turn them off when you are not using them, or hook them up to a timer, to save on your energy bills.
Hot drinks
What better way to feel cozy than to have some hot, festive drinks? Consider serving your guests some comforting hot chocolate or mulled wine. It is easy to make a big batch of mulled wine for you and your guests; simply boil red wine, fresh oranges and spices together for a few minutes on the stove, and you will have a delicious, comforting winter drink. You can also add sugar if you want to sweeten things up.
Blankets
Consider having a basket of blankets so you and your guests can keep warm and snug. Although we can’t cuddle up together at the moment, that’s no reason not to get cozy at a safe distance.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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