Are you looking to mix things for the holidays by doing something a little bit different or out of the box? Do you enjoy being outdoors in the fresh air, taking in the cool breeze and all of the sounds of nature? Well, why not relish in the season with the ones you love by opting to bring your celebrations outside! While we certainly don’t expect to have a white Christmas around these parts, there is still something so special about spending time outdoors on a cool December evening, surrounded by the glow of golden hour and all of your closest friends and family. If you’ve got a fire pit, then make sure to check out our fire pit entertaining guide.
If you aren’t quite sure where to start, not to worry – we have you covered with our best tips and tricks as well as some fun ideas to make this holiday one to remember!
If you have a backyard or patio, don’t feel like you have to retire it during the cooler months. Trust us – it’s easier to host your festivities outside than you think! If you already have outdoor furniture, you can easily dress it up with some seasonal accessories. A nice table cloth there, some fun throw pillows there, Christmas lights and candles everywhere!
Holiday Outdoor Options
Okay, but what if you’ve already packed away your patio furniture for the winter, or don’t have any at all? No need to feel left out! There are plenty of options to rent tables and chairs so you can invite the whole family to join in. Whether you’re creating a whole arrangement, or you’re merely supplementing what you already have, this will ensure that all your loved ones have a seat in your greatest room.
We know that budgets are tight this time of year and if you’d much rather save the money for holiday gifts as opposed to renting outdoor furniture, a holiday picnic is an inexpensive way to capture the same effect. Pack up your family, friends, and some good food and head out to your local park. Being along some decorative floor pillows to sit on and a festive autumn blanket to set all of the food on and serve everything family style. This option is great if you are looking for a more intimate gathering. You know, the kind where you can scoot on in and get cozy with your loved ones.
Holiday Outdoor Decor Inspiration
If you’re in need of some decor inspiration, a great place to start is by picking out a color scheme and sticking to it. Utilizing the hues of the season – reds, greens, golds, and silvers – will instantly begin to transform your space into a winter wonderland. Find some tasteful candles and a variety of florals and greenery to add to the table for some color. Have fun and add some twinkle lights to your backyard or patio that will serve a dual purpose for setting the mood as well as illuminating the area for better visibility.
If the weather is quite chilly, it may be a good idea to add some decorative blankets and pillows to each chair for added comfort and warmth if needed. If the weather is particularly chilly out and blankets and pillows just aren’t going to cut it, you can always use an outdoor heater when you need a little backup to keep everyone warm and toasty.
Holiday Tablescapes
However, if getting outside this season isn’t an option (we’re looking at you, El Nino), try getting the supplies together for the perfect outdoors inspired holiday tablescape. Using pinecones, pine leaves and maybe even some dried winter florals. When it comes to the decor because with tablescapes often times less is more so no need to stress over perfecting every single detail. Using rustic inspired touches like natural wood slices for chargers is a way to incorporate the beauty of nature into your tablescape decor without breaking the bank. Not to mention, if you happen to have a garden, adding in some fresh herbs to place settings by tying or tucking into napkins can also add a beautiful aromatic touch to the table.
Outdoor Entertaining for Your Guests
As your guests are arriving, don’t forget to carve out some space for entertaining! This is especially when you have kids joining in on the celebration who will likely be riding a sugar high by the end of the evening. Having games for your friends and family can serve as an icebreaker for any new faces at the table. Adding fun outdoor games for everyone to play is the perfect way to get the party started and get all your guests mingling. Some of our favorites? Easy to pick up games like corn hole, horseshoe toss and bocce ball. This is just the beginning though as there are plenty of different activities you can add to the celebration that are sure to get everyone in the holiday mood.
If you are looking for an interactive tablescape where everyone can get involved and enjoy an activity together, try buying some mini ceramic ornaments and a variety of art supplies. Everyone can then paint and decorate their ornaments as they wait and will leave with a momento from your celebration. This will add even more of a personal touch to the outdoor tablescape and tie into the season.
Outdoor Dining Silverware
Okay, now that we’ve gone over all the fun stuff, let’s get into the important details for hosting an outdoor celebration. A factor to consider if you plan to enjoy a meal outdoors is to make sure you have the appropriate serveware and coverings for your food. Read: this is not the time to be using your special wedding china. If you are going to be serving a meal outside, use serveware that you would not mind getting ruined in the likely event that someone’s hand slips or a dish is on the edge of the table. Use appropriate dishware, like shatter resistant melamine, to avoid any disasters that could put a damper on this special occasion. While we’re on the subject, having proper covering for your dishes is also a definite must. The last thing you want is a pesky bug flying into the mashed potatoes or apple pie. You also never know when the family cat or dog will want to try and steal a little taste of the main dish.
So there you have it, our complete guide to bring your holiday gathering outdoors. Although it can be a bit intimidating, it is more than possible, and definitely worth taking your feast outside. Stay warm and enjoy the pie!