When the temperature starts to drop and the winter chill sets in, most people are quick to retreat indoors for parties and gatherings. However, hosting an outdoor party during the colder months can offer a unique and memorable experience for your guests.
Whether you’re celebrating the holiday season, ringing in the New Year, or simply gathering friends and family for a special occasion, braving the cold might be one of the best decisions you make this winter. Don’t let the winter chill stop you! Here is why (and how) to take your party outside.
Less Competition for Dates & Venues
Winter is typically considered the “off-season” for outdoor events, which can work in your favor. Since many people are likely hosting their gatherings indoors during the colder months, outdoor venues – or even your own backyard – are often available with fewer scheduling conflicts. Vendors may even offer discounts or promotions for wintertime services which can make your party even more affordable.
Cozy & Inviting Aesthetic
Cold-weather parties basically come with their own decor, as winter environments often feature bare trees, sparkly snow, or frost-tipped leaves to create a serene stunning backdrop. You can further embrace the ambiance and use twinkle lights, pinecones, snowflakes, and garland.
To keep your guests warm, set up outdoor heaters, fire pits, or fireplaces for warmth and provide blankets for guests to snuggle up in. Create a menu of warm comfort foods and drinks to contrast the chilly air. Adding warm drinks like hot cocoa, spiced cider, and mulled wine creates an inviting atmosphere. Pair these with warm treats like roasted marshmallows and s’mores, and warm stews and chili for a main dish. For party favors, consider insulated tumblers, cold weather gear, hand warmers, or mini bottles of liqueurs and spirits for guests to spike their warm beverages.
Creative Entertainment Options
Wintertime offers an array of activities that you can incorporate into your party. Snow on the ground? Consider hosting a snowball fight, snowman building contest, or even hitting the sledding hill. If you’re without snow, lay out some craft supplies and invite guests to create their own holiday decorations. If you’re hosting a party or get together at a larger venue, create a scavenger hunt. And of course, offer alternatives for those who aren’t keen on the cold by setting up seating areas around a fire pit with plenty of blankets and cozy items.
More Space, Less Crowding
Hosting an outdoor party offers the added benefit of space. Many homes and apartments can feel cramped when trying to fit guests indoors. Being outdoors allows you to spread out, set up seating areas, decorate, and encourage guests to mingle without feeling overcrowded.
Unique Themes
Not sure what type of outdoor party to host? Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Bonfire Bash: Invite guests over for a night around the fire complete with s’mores, hot drinks, blankets, and storytelling.
- Holiday Market Party: Inspired by European holiday markets, set up small tables or booths where guests can exchange homemade gifts or treats, or create stations that allow them to craft their own.
- Winter Fun: Bring out the kid in your guests and set up a variety of childhood activities. Snow angels, sledding, ice skating, snowball fights, snowmen builds – all of the classics from childhood.
- Outdoor Movie Night: Bundle up with blankets and set up an outdoor screen to watch a holiday movie or classic winter film. Don’t forget the snacks.
Keep in Mind
- Be sure your guests know this is an outdoor party. Create a dress code that is more casual and encourages cold-weather gear. And remember to keep walkways clear and salt any ice-prone areas to ensure guest safety.
- Plan for indoor access. Weather is always unpredictable, so if it’s too cold or snowy, you don’t want to force your guests to be uncomfortable or cancel their attendance. And even if the party does stay outside, you’ll want to make sure you have a space for guests to take a break from the cold.
Conclusion
An outdoor winter party is anything but ordinary. The cool air, crisp surroundings, and wintery precipitation can transform your party into a magical experience for guests of all ages. With the right preparations and the right venue, embracing the season and enjoying the charm of gathering outdoors will create memories that will last long after the snow melts.
Kadi McDonald is a freelance writer, marketing strategist, and proud Cleveland sports fan.
