Sipping on a cocktail at a gloriously sunny rooftop bar can seem like an extremely distant prospect during the depths of winter, when we’re much more likely to find ourselves sitting on the couch watching Netflix.
We tend to think of winter as a waiting period before the real fun — the kind that spring and summer deliver — arrives. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
For one thing, there are plenty of excellent cold-weather destinations to visit during the winter. Plus, with a few adjustments, you might find that you can recreate the rooftop ambiance right in your own backyard, even during the chilliest of days.
In this post, we’ll run through a few aspirational strategies that can help you make the most of your backyard during the winter months. Take them on board, and you’ll likely find that you have no problem if the winter months drag on — after all, you, your friends, and your family will be having too much fun to even care.
Spending time in your backyard during the winter becomes a lot more appealing when you know you won’t be subject to the elements. A little rainfall or snowfall? They’re easily manageable simply by creating a covered area, such as by installing a pergola or awning. These simple, budget-friendly additions not only ensure that you can ride out the elements, but they also help set the space for outdoor hosting. Once you’ve got your covered area, you’ll just need to make a few additions, and you’ll have the cozy space you need. If you need the best windows for terraces, check out Hamilton windows replacement & installation.
Homeowners tend to shy away from investing in quality furniture for their backyard. While this approach can seem like a money-saver, it usually has two negative ripple effects. For one thing, you’ll be less likely to spend time outside if all you have is uncomfortable seating. Second, you’ll be less likely to take care of the furniture, which means you’ll only end up replacing it sooner than expected anyway.
Quality outdoor furniture will allow you to really sink into the comfort of the winter season, all the while ensuring that you’re warm and cozy. Wicker chairs, lounges, and a few blankets will have you spending much more time outside during the winter months.
The idea of spending your evenings staring out into the cosmos — the air is clearer during the winter months, which is excellent for seeing the stars — is a lovely thought. In practice? The cold temperatures can turn what should be an awesome experience into more of a ‘this is OK, I guess’ experience.
The cold will do that to a person. Happily, we know the solution to cold temperatures, and that solution is heat. Adding a few heaters or a fire pit to your outdoor living space can transform your experience of spending time in your backyard during the winter months. They don’t just bring warmth, but also style. It’s pretty inviting to see a warm fireplace in a cozy outdoor living area!
Snowy landscapes are great to look at, not so great to spend time in. Even if you have a plan to bring the heat, having snow on the ground is uncomfortable at best — it’s wet and cold no matter how you look at it — and outright dangerous at worst. You can’t realistically invite your friends and family to spend time in your backyard if they’ll have to make their way through a snowy pathway just to get to the hangout spot. Having a few supplies, such as a snow blower, shovel, and ice melt product, will allow you to keep your all-important walkways snow-free and safe. Make a habit of clearing the snow regularly (rather than allowing it to build up), and you should find that you can keep your outdoor space fully usable even with just 10 minutes of work.
In the summer, you’ll have the golden hour sunshine to bathe your backyard. In the winter, when it gets dark by mid-afternoon in some places, you’ll need to find alternative ways to create an inviting lighting ambiance. Most people underserve their backyards by failing to provide enough lighting. When in doubt, err on adding more lighting than you might think. String lights, lanterns, and a few well-placed ground lights can instantly turn a dark and dreary outdoor area into one that looks straight out of a winter wonderland.
For various reasons, the world seems to go a little quieter during the winter months. Yet, while it can be nice to enjoy the silence of the winter air when you’re by yourself, social gatherings can feel a little flat if they’re overly quiet. The solution? Add a speaker system to your backyard. It’s not about blasting music as loudly as you can — noise carries further in winter, so don’t disturb your neighbors — but about creating a nice background ambiance.
Want to really step up your backyard’s entertainment credentials? An outdoor TV or projector can be great for outdoor movie nights or watching a sports game.
Hot tubs are great year-round, but they take on even more importance during the winter months. When the temperatures are cold, the thought of stepping into a body of hot water is highly appealing — and if it’s in your very own backyard? Then all the better. Hot tubs can be expensive, but entry-level models are more affordable than you might think. They’re perfect for upping your backyard’s relaxation credentials, allowing you to feel like you’re at a swanky winter resort right at your own property.
Our final tip? Be ambitious when it comes to putting together your backyard winter plans. The winter months can be long and miserable, and having a genuinely awesome outdoor area is essentially a safeguard against wishing away the time, hoping that spring will come back as soon as possible. It’s a way to enjoy life every day, essentially.
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