Puzzled? Seriously, who entertains outside when there is snow on the ground? It just so happens, we do. Spring, Summer and early Fall are my go to months for entertaining ‘cause I’m a landscape architect and I have a huge backyard. Winter is usually off limits for hosting events since I live in a small house with 3 kids and 2 big dogs. Recently, though, we hosted a bunch of dads in the backyard around the firepit for some beer drinking and story sharing fun. Here’s what I did to prep the backyard:

1.      Make it SAFE: Shovel, sand and remove all snow and ice to prevent slipping. If you really want to get crafty, you can wet the sand before you spread it. It’ll freeze on the ground and make a great non-slip surface.

2.      Light the FIRE PIT: 2 hours ahead of time light the fire pit, this will prep the coals so you have a consistent fire when guests arrive.

3.      Provide SEATING: Gather all your patio furniture around the fire. Circular fire pits help you maximize the seating, proximity and therefore warmth.

4.      Make it WARM and COZY: Accessorize with colorful pillows for aesthetics but mainly for comfort. A barrier between you and the chair adds a level of warmth.

5.      Keep it CLOSE: Bring all your beverages, snacks and s’mores outside. Have a table accessible to each chair so guests don’t have to move away from the warm fire to have a drink or bite.

6.      Create AMBIANCE: Provide lighting around the perimeter with solar lights, candles or Christmas lights to set the scene. If using Christmas lights choose either white lights or multicolored. Using both can be distracting.

7.      Tis the season to add ORNAMENTS: Embellish the trees with ornaments, lights or colorful garland.

Now sit back, relax and enjoy the peacefulness of a snowy night. Do you entertain outside in the winter? I’d love to hear your fun winter entertaining tips.