Create a Winter Oasis in Your Backyard
Just because it’s cold out, that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. Invigorating winter air, snow and short days filled with glorious winter sunshine are all yours to enjoy. Here's how to turn your backyard into the perfect winter oasis.
2 Min. Read | Home & Backyard
Create a Comfortable Spot
To stand up to the cold and wet weather of winter, you really have two options when it comes to furniture: pieces that are so durable you can leave them outside, or pieces that are easy to move back inside if the weather turns snowy.
All-Weather Furniture is ultra-tough and sturdy – built specifically to stay outside, no matter the weather. If you prefer something that’s more mobile, camp furniture is lightweight and easy to move, and built tough enough that it can stand a little snow if you forget to take it inside once in a while.
Stay Warm
Once you’ve got seating squared away, the biggest hurdle to spending time outdoors in winter is staying warm. It only takes a few warm additions to your backyard setup to stay toasty without wrapping yourself from head to toe in your heaviest outerwear.
A blazing fire is our favorite way to stay warm in winter – something about the flickering flames and radiant heat encourages smiles and conversation. A fire pit in the middle of your outdoor hangout can create a blazing source of heat that’s just as warm as the woodstove or radiators inside.
If you plan to kick back outside for a while, a blanket is a great addition to your outerwear to stay cozy. Bring a few indoor blankets out from your bedroom or living room to wrap yourself up in, or get a tough-but-cozy waterproof blanket specifically designed for the outdoors.
Finally, warm yourself up from the inside with a hot drink or stew – or melty, gooey marshmallows and s’mores made over your fire pit.
Add Outdoor Ambience
Once you’ve got a warm, comfortable spot set up, you can focus on setting the mood and having some outdoor fun. It’s time to deck out your seating area with everything you need to enjoy your time outside.
Outdoor lighting is essential for the shorter days of winter, even with a fire pit providing a warm and inviting glow. Camp lighting – like lanterns, flashlights and headlamps – will keep your backyard bright when the sun goes down. Add a wireless speaker and you’ll have a soundtrack to go along with your conversation and relaxation.
Have Fun!
With these few simple elements, your backyard will be transformed into a comfortable place to sit with your family and enjoy warm food, drinks and laughter – but that doesn’t mean you have to stay put.
Turn your backyard oasis into a base camp for other outdoor activities. Hit the neighborhood with your skis or snowshoes, climb the local sledding hill with a snow tube or build snowmen decked out in winter fashion.
Relax close to home in your comfy oasis, and take in all the invigorating activities that winter has to offer – because if you’re staying in, you’re missing out.
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