Take It Outside Host An Outdoor Winter Party!
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”
Edith Sitwell
Entertaining looks a little different this year. As with everything else, we have had to pivot and think of creative ways to still enjoy small social touchpoints. I agree, it takes a little more effort but here’s to hoping I can convince you of the merit of how you can still enjoy your outdoor space. Plus, winter is really long and we need to find ways to not only get through it but to enjoy it!
Heat Things Up
First requirement ideally is a heat source. The most cost effective is a good old-fashioned campfire. You can use your current set-up if you already have a campfire space and organize a zone close to it. Or you can purchase a portable fire bowl that will leave you with the option to place it anywhere and to be able to move it around to change things up. In cottage country we have many options to support local for the purchase of your outdoor firepit or chimenea. A large size fire bowl or in ground campfire pit is going to be the best way to throw the most heat especially as we launch into the later winter months. This is going to come with the requirement for some dry wood delivery but again we are situated in the ideal location to source delivery options. And above all, have your fire cracking before your guests arrive so they can get a feel for your outdoor theme and are comfortable right from the start.
Creating Ambiance
If your summer patio furniture won’t suffice this is an opportunity to try a new approach for accommodating your guests. A picnic table is ideal for setting up food and drink and will be easy to stage with a creative outdoor look. If you don’t have a picnic table, you can source an inexpensive table at your local hardware or thrift store or try your hand at making something rustic. You can cover your table with a tablecloth and now the fun begins! This can be a continuation of your Christmas efforts by using greenery, pinecones, candles and outdoor lights to add personality and warmth to your party zone. It won’t take much to create an interesting and lively ambiance for your guests. Don’t forget blankets and seat covers. Faux fur fabric can be purchased fairly inexpensively and can be re-used even in the shoulder seasons.
Eat Drink and Be Merry
Moving your BBQ to your party zone can help streamline food preparation, and keeping things chilled is not going to be a problem with winter entertaining and will reduce trips to the house. Use thermoses for hot chocolate or mulled wine to further your outdoor theme. Consider serving food in rounds, starting with kebobs or other ideas that are easy to hold and eat without too much effort. Most summer campfire foods can be cycled in like hotdogs, burgers and s’mores for desert also work. Pinterest has some fabulous campfire warm-you-up food and drink ideas like:
• Tortilla roll-ups
• Cheesy garlic bread in foil
• Bacon wrapped water chestnuts
• Grilled foil pack cheesy fries
• Italian sausage and potato foil dinner
• Personal pizzas on the BBQ
• Cup of soup
• Chili
• Campfire quesadillas
• Bailey’s dipped toasted marshmallows
• Hot buttered rum with apple cider
• Peppermint schnapps with hot chocolate
I’ll be honest, you will be tired setting this all up, but I guarantee you will want to do it again! I found my guests positive reactions exceeded the effort and attention to detail. It really is a cozy and fantastic way to enjoy winter. There are so many inspiring ideas and recipes online to help build a further case for outdoor winter entertaining. I think you are hardy enough for an outdoor winter party, after all we live here in cottage country!
By Joanne Clark
