Inspiration
Creating Outdoor Holiday Traditions on your Patio or Deck
Outdoor holiday experiences are often the most unique and special. That said, because going outside in December is not anyone’s natural inclination, creating unique holiday traditions in your outdoor living space requires thought and preparation. To help you make the best use of your patio, deck, and porch during the holiday season, we have put together a guide with a few helpful tips and ideas.
First things First
Decorate your space!
You are more likely to incorporate your outdoor living space into your holiday festivities if it's decorated for the season. A festive patio or deck will be more inviting and encourage you and your family to get outside.
Take it up a notch
Setup an Outdoor Tree
Whether you have a deck, porch, or patio, every outdoor living space has the perfect spot for a Christmas tree. An outdoor tree will provide a focal point for your display as well as offer you a creative and fun option for Christmas morning.
Put the tree to use
Create an Outdoor Christmas Morning Tradition
Setting up an outdoor tree creates a unique opportunity for Christmas morning. If the weather permits, consider starting a new outdoor Christmas morning tradition.
If you have an outdoor fireplace, consider hanging a second set of stockings for Christmas morning surprises.
Instead of awkwardly squeezing them into your family room, an outdoor Christmas tree provides the perfect setting for large & outdoor-themed gifts.
Whether or not you do outdoor gifts, enjoying your Christmas morning coffee by an outdoor fire is certainly a tradition worth starting.
A Unique party experience
Include your Outdoor Space in your holiday gathering
Indoor gatherings get stuffy in the winter when it is tough to balance your central heating system with a group of people wearing tacky sweaters. Instead of forcing guests to suffer through, plan on using your outdoor living space as an overflow area where people can step outside to cool off and get some fresh air.
If the weather is too cold, there is no need to plan an entire evening outside. Simply consider warm drinks and cocktails to start or end your gathering.
There's so much room for activities!
your outdoor living space provides plenty of room and the perfect setting for holiday fun.
Gather friends and Family
Warm Seasonal Drinks & Cocktails
Whether it's part of your holiday party or an impromptu gathering of friends and neighbors, enjoy some fresh air and keep warm with hot seasonal drinks and cocktails. For the kids, consider hot chocolate and mulled apple cider. For the spirited adults, consider seasonal favorites like mulled wine, hot toddies, and spiked cider or eggnog.
If you're looking for something new and creative, consider one of the Outdoor Dreams Holiday Cocktails!
Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
Create a Yule Log tradition
The custom of burning a Yule Log goes back to before medieval times. If you have a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, consider starting your own Yule log traditions.
A great place to start might be bringing "The Christmas Song" to life by roasting chestnuts on an open fire while Jack Frost nips at your nose.
fun for kids of all ages
Holiday S'mores!
For the holidays, consider stepping up your S'more's game. Instead of graham crackers, consider using extra Christmas cookies or gingerbread. For a peppermint twist, sprinkle your s'mores with a crushed candy cane or swap out the traditional chocolate bar with peppermint bark.
Simply swap out your graham crackers for gingerbread. Whether you use ginger snaps or gingerbread men, this one change creates a delicious seasonal treat.
Another delicious twist! The addition of peppermint bark or crushed candy canes provides a bright, refreshing pop of flavor that truly elevates this campfire classic!
Looking to get rid of extra Christmas cookies from the cookie swap? Turning Christmas cookies into s'mores will help you get rid of them 2 at a time!
Keep the mess outside
Stringing Popcorn
This is an old tradition that we hope makes a comeback. On a nice evening, set up by a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to string popcorn for your Christmas tree. By stringing your popcorn on the patio or deck, you are limiting the mess and cleanup. In fact, leave the mess and any leftovers for the birds and squirrels; they will greatly appreciate it.
While Stringing Popcorn...
Watch your favorite holiday classic!
If you've set up an outdoor TV, take advantage of a beautiful evening and watch your favorite holiday movie outside. Take things up a notch and plan a themed evening with snacks and treats inspired by the movie.
Speaking of messes...
Give your Elf an Outdoor Shelf
These little devils have been causing havoc and creating messes ever since they arrived. It's time to kick the elves out of the house and let them create messes outside, where the cleanup is easier.
All of your plans hinge on
Having a plan to keep warm!
Have Blankets & Throws Ready
Be sure to always have blankets and throws ready to keep all of your friends and family members warm. Don't be afraid to have extra for those that need to double-up.
Check out our guide to winter use of your outdoor space for more tips...
Be Prepared to Start a Fire
If you have a wood-burning fire pit or outdoor fireplace, keep fully stocked with firewood, starters, and kindling so that you're always ready to start a fire.
Check out our guide to winter use of your outdoor space for more tips...
Don't forget the food and drinks
If you're entertaining, it's important to keep the food and seasonal drinks warm. To do this in your outdoor space, simply keep your grill on low and use it as you would an oven.
Create some romance
Hang Mistletoe
If the blankets and fire aren't keeping you warm, maybe a little passionate spark is what you need. Mistletoe hanging from a pergola or pavilion is sure to add a little heat to the holiday season.
once you've found your kissing partner...
Toast the New Year Outdoors!
Finish off the holiday season on your patio or deck. Watch the ball drop on an Outdoor TV and celebrate with a traditional toast. If the weather proves too cold to celebrate the entire evening outdoors, set up an outdoor space to get some fresh air or celebrate the year with a cigar.
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