Most people associate BBQs with warm weather, cool drinks and a beautiful sunny afternoon by the pool but that doesn’t mean that the only time you can host an awesome BBQ party is when it’s warm. There are a lot of ways you can alter a summer party to make it suitable for the colder weather and everyone can still have a great time. Our furniture is great for cold or warm weather, our outdoor sets perfect for backyard entertaining. Here’s how to host a party in the cold that will have everyone planning their own and talking about yours for years to come.
Have extra layers available
People can’t have a good time if they’re freezing, so have blankets and extra sweaters available for your guests. It’s also a great idea to make sure you put in your invitation that your guests should come prepared for the weather. Also, make sure the person who is in charge of the BBQ is wearing clothes that are not flammable or any thing that dangles or has tassels so that it won’t catch fire.
Purchase an outdoor heater
Even those who wear layers might still find it kind of chilly, still, so having an outdoor heater might help take away the chill. Outdoor heaters are not going to provide an environment that is an extension of your home but they can help to make an outdoor environment more comfortable when the weather is cooler.
There are wall-mounted and free standing ones, gas fuelled and electric ones too. There’s a variety of options, so there’s one that can work for the outdoor space you have. By installing an outdoor heater, or two, you can ensure your party keeps going and your guests enjoy their time at your home.
Warm it up
When a BBQ is hosted in the summer usually cool drinks are provided, so for your cold weather BBQ why not provide your guests with hot drinks? You could still have cold options such as beer and wine, but drinks like hot cider or hot chocolate will warm hands and help keep everyone cozy while you prepare the food.
Further, by keeping the drinks in travel mugs the drinks will stay hot for longer and your guests will enjoy the drinks while socializing and keeping cozy. And if you enjoy alcohol at your BBQ parties, consider spiking hot drinks with Irish cream or brandy.
Change up the food
The basics like hot dogs, hamburgers, steak or chicken are staples that everyone can enjoy but the side dishes served should be changed so they are more in line with the weather since pasta salad isn’t exactly the thing that goes with cooler weather.
Sides like potatoes or grilled vegetables are much more suitable for cool weather BBQ parties, and desserts like warm apple crisp or an apple pie would be perfect for this kind of event.
Overall, hosting a cold weather BBQ is kind of unconventional but if it is done right it will be a huge hit with all your friends and family. By making a few small changes to your outdoor space you will be able to make sure you can use it for almost the entire year and you can host a variety of parties. If you are looking for a way to make your cold weather BBQ even more exciting you could put in a small outdoor skating rink for your guests to enjoy some ice-skating in the afternoon. However even without an outdoor rink by changing up just a couple small things your outdoor space is cold weather ready, and your ability to host an amazing party is not hindered by the disappearance of summer.
