14 Ways to Create Cozy Outdoor Christmas Spaces, Even in the Cold
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One of the most magical ways to embrace the Christmas carnival is by designing a cozy space outdoors for the holiday season, even when it’s freezing cold. Picture this: A warm and inviting space where you can gather under twinkling lights, wrapped in blankets, sharing stories and hot cocoa as the air grows crisp.
If you’re searching for a way to celebrate Christmas outdoors or you just want to enjoy the chill with people you love, you can make your outdoor space cozy and festive without a hassle.
Light It Up
String lights, fairy lights, or even lanterns, will bring the soft glow of warmth to your outdoor Christmas setup. Flicker of light against the cold darkness makes everything feels festive and welcoming. Light up the space all evening long by draping the lights around trees, along fences, or even inside clear lanterns. It may seem like a small addition, but it can change the atmosphere entirely. A study found that homes that decorated their outside with Christmas lights saw an increase in neighborhood satisfaction and a stronger community spirit.
Create a Hot Drink Station
It’s difficult to ignore the allure of a warm cup in your hands while sitting outside. Designate a drink station with a small table or bar cart. You could also add a bunch of marshmallows, whipped cream, and some cinnamon sticks, for the ultimate cozy garnish. Your guests are going to feel right at home, as there’s something about a warm beverage that says holiday cheer.
Use Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs can help to bring a sense of coziness and comfort to your space, if you plan to spend some time outside. Not only will they help to add color and texture to the scene, but they will help them to keep your feet from being chilled by the cold ground. If you want to add a bit of warmth and coziness, try layering a few rugs in different textures and patterns.
Gather Around a Fire Pit
Nothing says ‘cozy’ like sitting around a fire with friends and family during winter! A fire pit can be the focal point of your outdoor Christmas gathering, what ever you are doing, be it roasting marshmallows or just enjoying the heat. If you would, gas or wood burning ones are available. This is the perfect way to beat the cold and have a fun, interactive place for conversation.
Comfortable Seating
It’s much easier to keep people outside enjoying the holiday fun when you have comfortable seating. To make it seem a real escape, consider cushioned seating in soft cushions, or a hammock chair. Sofas or armchairs make up outdoor lounge sets which are perfect when you want to sit down to enjoy long conversations and hot drinks.
Decorate the Outdoors for Christmas
Your living room isn’t the only place for Christmas decor; bring the holiday spirit to your backyard or patio. Hang wreaths on gates or fences, drape garlands across tables and chairs, and if you’ve got the space, put up a Christmas tree outside! Decorate trees with ornaments, tinsel, or bows to add a merry festive feel to your outdoor area. These small touches will make everything else Christmas and make your space undeniably so.
Install a Snow Machine
If you are feeling extra creative, why not make a snowy atmosphere, wherever you are. While snow machines aren’t just for movie sets, they can be rented to add some festivity to your outdoor Christmas space. This touch will bring the magic of snow no matter how the weather is or isn’t cooperating with a white Christmas.
Create a Christmas Music Playlist
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without music. If you want to set the mood, some Christmas classics playing softly in the background won’t hurt. Wireless speakers are great for this and you can mix up a playlist that suits the vibe of your outdoor get together — from old school carols to more current tunes. There’s nothing like music bringing everyone together.
Invest in Wind Protection
An outdoor space can go from being somewhat cozy to not much of a retreat with a cold breeze. Outdoor curtains, clear panels, or even tall trees can provide much needed protection from the elements. They can hold heat in your outside space and also provide some privacy. They not only will keep you cozy, but they can also add a touch of elegance to the design.
Add a Christmas Countdown Calendar
If you want to add a fun festive touch to your outdoor space, you may want to create a Christmas countdown calendar. It’s a fun thing to do to build up anticipation for Christmas Day and it’s a great way to get your guests ready for the holiday spirit. Regardless of whether you go for an advent calendar full of goodies, or one that includes small, daily surprises, it’s a sweet addition to your Christmas display.
Add Outdoor Heaters
Often, the first thing that sends people inside is the chill in the air, but it doesn’t have to keep you from your outdoor space, as long as you have the right heating solution. You can supplement that heat with portable heaters or even hanging heat lamps. Fire pits not only heat, but they create a cozy ambience, while electric and propane heaters are particularly easy to use.
Set Up a Cozy Dining Area
If you’re hosting a holiday meal outdoors, your dining space should feel warm and inviting. If you have an outdoor dining table with chairs, that’s ideal, but you can really elevate the setup by adding tablecloths, cloth napkins and candles. Blanks or outdoor pillows can also be added to the chairs if it’s more comfortable for you.
A Layer of Blankets and Throw Pillows
How can you not want to be wrapped up in something soft, drinking something warm? In your outdoor seating area, place large throws on chairs, benches, and sofas and people will naturally gravitate to them. The more, the merrier—the extra blankets will make your guests feel they’re being hugged by Mother Nature.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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