Garden parties are a fun way to get together with friends and family in the warmer months, but what about in the winter?
Believe it or not, you can still have a garden party even when there’s a chill in the air.
Here are some tips on how to make your winter garden party a success.
Make sure that your guests are comfortable by providing indoor and outdoor spaces with seating and which can be heated. Food and drinks along with music and other entertainment can help to make your garden party a success.
Choose the right location
The first step to throwing a successful winter garden party is to choose the right location.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you’ll want to make sure that your party is held in a place where guests can easily access.
You’ll also want to make sure that there is enough space for guests to move around comfortably.
Make sure your guests are comfortable
One of the key things to remember when throwing a winter garden party is to make sure that your guests are comfortable.
This means providing both indoor and outdoor spaces for them to enjoy.
If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s lit and keeping the indoor area warm.
You should also provide outdoor heaters for guests to use if they want to step outside for fresh air.
Provide food and drinks
No garden party is complete without food and drinks.
When it comes to winter parties, it’s important to serve food that will keep guests warm.
Your menu should be just as festive as the rest of your party.
Serve winter-themed food and drinks that will keep your guests warm and toasty.
Hot cocoa and cookies are always a hit, or you could go for something heartier like chili or stew.
Don’t forget to have some non-alcoholic options as well, like cider or hot tea, hot chocolate is always a big hit.
Add some entertainment
To really make your winter garden party a success, you’ll want to add some entertainment.
Music is always a good option, but you could also set up a movie projector to show movies or TV shows.
Or, if you’re feeling creative, you could even put on a play or skit for your guests.
Dress for the occasion
Of course, you’ll want to dress for the occasion.
While you may be tempted to wear your coziest sweater and pants, remember that you’ll be outside in the cold.
Layer up with clothes that you can easily remove if you start to feel too warm.
And don’t forget to wear gloves and a hat to keep your hands and head warm.
Or for great fun why not try fancy dress?
Get creative with decorations
Get creative with your decorations and bring the winter wonderland to your backyard.
Hang string lights and icicles from trees, or set up a fake fireplace for guests to gather around.
You could even make your own snowflakes out of construction paper to hang up around the party area.
Garden shelter is a must
Holding a garden party in the winter can be great fun if the weather stays dry but, due to the season this will be uncertain and you will need to consider some form of shelter.
Party tents are an ideal option, they are widely available, come in a range of shapes and sizes, can be easily erected and, if you choose to buy, are affordable and can be reused time and time again.
Using a tent for your garden party will provide protection for your guests from the elements, they can be heated with portable heaters and you’ll be able to add your decorative touch and style to the interior, which can also be furnished with garden and other furniture.
Recommended garden party tents for winter
Heating
Including some form of heating in your garden party plans is a must.
Nobody wants to feel cold, no matter how well dressed they are, so heaters will be essential to keeping everyone comfortable.
Portable heaters that can be moved around as needed are a good solution and there are different types available that use either gas or electricity.
If you’re using gas heaters, make sure they are well ventilated and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Food and drink
As with any party, food and drink is an essential part of the event.
When planning your menu, think about how long people will be outside and whether they will want hot or cold food.
Buffet-style food is always popular as it’s easy for guests to help themselves and you can cater for different tastes and dietary requirements.
If you’re serving hot food, make sure it’s piping hot when it comes out of the oven or pan, and keep it warm until people are ready to eat. Slow cookers are great for this.
For drinks, have a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and make sure there is plenty of water available.
If you’re serving hot drinks, such as mulled wine or cider, take care when handling hot pans and keep them away from children and pets.
Entertainment
Music is a must for any party and can really help to set the atmosphere.
If you’re using a portable sound system, make sure it’s weatherproofed or covered so that it doesn’t get damaged if it starts to rain.
Other entertainment options could include garden games such as croquet or boules, or you could have a selection of board games or cards for people to play inside if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Whatever entertainment you choose, make sure it’s suitable for all your guests and that everyone knows how to play or use it before the party starts.
Lighting
As the evenings get darker earlier in winter, lighting is an important consideration for a winter garden party.
Fairy lights are always popular and can be used to decorate both the inside and outside of your party shelter.
Candles also create a lovely ambience, but make sure they are placed in safe holders away from any flammable materials.
If you’re using electrical lighting, make sure it’s weatherproof and that any extension leads are placed where they won’t be a trip hazard.
Decorations
Adding some festive touches to your garden party can really help to get people into the party spirit.
Hang streamers and balloons, or put up fairy lights and lanterns to create a sparkly, Winter Wonderland feel.
If you’re using a party shelter, you could drape fabric from the ceiling or walls to add some extra color and interest.
And don’t forget the all-important Christmas tree!
Winter Garden Party Checklist
– Party shelter
– Heaters
– Food and drink
– Entertainment
– Lighting
– Decorations
– Christmas tree
Final words
Winter gardens provide the perfect backdrop for festive celebrations with friends and family.
Whether you are planning an intimate dinner party or a larger gathering, make your winter garden the star of the show.
With beautiful decor, delicious food, and plenty of warm drinks, everyone is sure to have a wonderful time.
Read Next
- Discover the Beauty and Versatility of Garden Fire Pits
- From Comfort to Style: Explore the Latest Patio Furniture Designs
- Garden Lights: Enhancing your Outdoor Space with Ambiance and Style
- Stay Cozy and Connected to Nature with Modern Garden Shelters
- A Shed for All Seasons: How to Adapt Your Garden Shed for Year-Round Use
- Transform Your Outdoor Space with Stylish Garden Furniture
