Have you ever stood at your kitchen window — or any window — looking out over your patio in winter, missing the summer fun you had? Perhaps you’ve wondered how long it would be before you could again sit outside and listen to the birds, watch the bees, and feel the breeze? Well, don’t wait for summer to enjoy your patio. You can enjoy winter patio fun too!
Learn all about the inspiration (and essentials) for winter patio fun. Make your patio warm, cozy and welcoming during the months of winter, even if you don’t live in a cold-winter part of the world.
And, believe it or not, winter is the perfect time to get outside. It’s true! Spending time on your patio during winter can be surprisingly enjoyable. A few perks that come immediately to mind include:
- Fresh Air
Being outdoors, even in colder weather, can provide a refreshing change of scenery and fresh air, which can be invigorating.
- Quiet and Peaceful
Winter might bring less noise, certainly fewer insects, offering a hushed and more serene outdoor experience compared to the other seasons.
Obviously there are going to be times when being outdoors is not feasible or enjoyable — think below freezing temps or a windy gale — brrr. But ultimately, spending time on your patio during winter allows you to embrace the weather, connect with nature, and find comfort in the outdoors, even when it’s colder.
Seven Ways for Warmer Winter Patio Fun!
With the right setup, such as heaters, blankets, and maybe a fire pit, your patio can become a snug little haven. Here are several ways to get your winter patio fun started:
1. Outdoor Heaters
Invest in outdoor propane or electric heaters, such as standing heaters, tabletop heaters, or mounted heaters. They can provide significant warmth and help keep your patio comfortable. You might be interested in this Patio Heater that we use for our frequent winter happy-hours.
2. Fire Pits or Chimineas
These not only provide warmth but also create a cozy atmosphere. Fire pits and chimineas come in various designs and sizes and can burn wood, propane, or natural gas. And while A Fire Pit is Year Round Fun, it REALLY comes in handy during winter. Remember to “think safety” when using heating elements or fire sources outdoors. Following manufacturer instructions and placing heaters or fire pits on stable surfaces away from flammable materials is essential for the utmost safety.
3. Outdoor Rugs and Curtains
Covering the floor with outdoor rugs helps insulate the area, while outdoor curtains or windbreaks can shield your patio from cold winds and helps retain the heat. The curtains on our 12’ by 12’ Toja Grid pergola work as a wind break in winter as well as a sunshade in the summer.
4. Cozy Seating and Blankets
Use comfortable cushions on the outdoor furniture, especially if the furniture is metal. Add lots of throws or blankets for guests to bundle up in. These do not have to be fancy. But enjoy decorating your outdoor space – it’s an extension of your home and your unique style should be reflected in your outdoor living space.
And by the way, having some comfortable and warm winter garb to wear is critical for an enjoyable outdoor cold-winter experience. We’ve embraced fleece vests, hats, and gloves as well as poly-fill puffer jackets which can be easy on the pocket book but very effective at keeping out the cold. We’ve acquired much of our outdoor winter wardrobe from the cool website: 32degrees.com
5. Enclosed Spaces
Consider creating a partially enclosed area with a roof or walls to protect against wind, cold, and precipitation. That was the idea for our Grilling Deck – weather protection to grill all year long!
6. Hot Beverages and Snacks
Serve warm drinks and have snacks available. Having hot cocoa, tea, or coffee on hand can help keep everyone warm from the inside out. Try our recipes for Black Bean Chili, White Bean and Bacon Soup and Julie’s Hot Toddy’s.
7. Light Up Your Patio
Lighting your patio in winter, in particular if there is snow on the ground, creates a dynamic visual effect as the light reflects against the snow and radiates throughout the entire environment.
Popular lighting options are string lights (powered or solar), a variety of lanterns (powered, solar, or fuel such as lamp oil), or bottle lights (powered by batteries). All of these options can be hung between trees or along a pergola. A combination of lighting options offers some functional lighting — say, you’re sipping a warm beverage and need to see — as well as lighting for ambiance to set a mood on a crisp winter evening. Shop for a variety of bottle and jar lights here.
Let the Winter Patio Fun Begin!
Now that you’re all set up with heaters, blankets, and maybe a fire pit — your patio can become a cozy winter haven. Enjoying the crisp air while staying warm and bundled up can be a delightful experience. Once you have created a cheerful atmosphere, here are some ideas to maximize the use of your outdoor living space for winter patio fun:
- Stargazing
Winter nights often bring clearer skies, making it an excellent time for stargazing. Your patio can offer a perfect vantage point for observing the night sky. Learn all about the basics of Stargazing as Great Entertainment. - Outdoor Activities
Depending on your interests, you can still engage in outdoor activities like reading, enjoying a hot drink, or even doing some winter birdwatching. - Entertaining
Hosting friends and family on the patio during winter can be a unique and memorable experience. Cozy gatherings with warm beverages, yummy food, and good company can make the cold weather more enjoyable.
And it is a good idea to have a handy basket of hand warmers, chap stick for dried lips, extra gloves, mittens, and hats — whatever is necessary to keep your guests warm and toasty. Comfort is critical when entertaining on the patio in a cold-winter environment.
However you decide to warm up your patio, make sure you continue to use your outdoor living space during the winter months for winter patio fun. And remember, every day is Friday on the patio!
Winter Patio FAQs
How do you create a winter outdoor space?
Sometimes winterizing the outdoor space is as simple as bringing indoor comforts outside. Lay a rug, hang a curtain, or add a canopy. It could also be as simple as having some blankets and pillows around. Add these to the seating in this space, and you can count on staying cozy all season long.
Do patio heaters really work?
As temperatures drop, outdoor heating keeps your exterior spaces cozy. Unless you live in a state where winter plummets below 0°F, the best outdoor heaters and outdoor fire pits will keep outdoor spaces accessible far longer than they would be without.
Can I garden around my patio in winter?
There are plenty of plants for patios in winter. Evergreen bushes, conifers, grasses, flowers, and even succulents can be part of the display. Consider plants with winter interest as well, such as those that have persistent berries or interesting bark.
How should I light my winter patio since it gets dark earlier?
As night falls earlier in winter, creative lighting turns your patio into a winter wonderland. Twinkling string lights can transform your garden or patio into a celestial sanctuary mirroring the starlit winter sky. Wrap them around bare tree branches, cascade them over fences, or weave a canopy of light above your head.
Dot solar LED lanterns along pathways, hang them from branches, or cluster them around your seating area. With creative lighting ideas, craft an atmosphere that wraps you in a warm embrace against winter’s chill.
Please Leave a Comment
Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or tell us what we missed and can add to this post. Is winter an outdoor season for you? What do you like best about being outdoors in cooler weather? Are you having winter patio fun currently? If yes, how are you enjoying your patio in winter near Roanoke, Virginia, or in any other location, anywhere? Please attach a photo to your comment so we can see how much winter patio fun you’re having.
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