The Essential Features of a Magical Winter Garden Party

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Just because it’s getting a bit nippy outside, it doesn’t mean we have to all shut ourselves indoors. Garden parties can be every bit as enjoyable in winter as they are in summer – it just takes a little bit of preparation!

If you’re looking for a magical way to celebrate a special occasion this winter, hosting a wintery garden party will make it memorable and exciting. Cozying up in cold weather, enjoying some warming comfort food and socializing late into the evening are some of the best things about winter. Here’s how to make the most of it for any birthday, anniversary or festive get-together.

Shelter

The first thing you’re going to need to set up is somewhere relatively sheltered for your guests to convene. A small number of people could gather under a gazebo or pergola, but if you’re planning a larger bash, think about hiring a proper party marquee.

These not only keep your guests out of the wind and rain, but can also be used to totally transform the atmosphere of your garden, take a look at these for inspiration. Whether you want to throw a cosy lodge-style party, host a sophisticated soiree or transport them to an exotic destination, a high-quality party tent will do the trick.

Keep it warm

The winter chill is the main reason most people prefer to celebrate indoors at this time of year. If you’re going to host a garden party, make sure you’ve thought about how to combat the cold.

Marquees work best with certain types of heaters so, if you’re hiring one, make sure that it’s going to be safe and effective enough for the space you’re creating. Be wary of space heaters, which can produce carbon monoxide in unventilated spaces, while any kind of infra-red heater simply won’t emit enough heat to warm a larger area.

Outside, you might want to use patio heaters or even a festive firepit to add ambiance (and give your guests the chance to toast a marshmallow or two). Blankets certainly wouldn’t go amiss, either!

Lighting

With the nights drawing in, you’ll need to take extra steps if you want your festivities to carry on into the evening. Solar-powered lawn lights, clusters of candles (real and artificial) and larger lanterns are perfect for creating a welcoming ambience. Make sure the borders or your garden, flowerbeds and pathways are brightly lit so that people can safely make their way around the space once night falls.

Inside your marquee, you can’t go wrong with fairy lights. From simple bulbs in a warm white shade, to cute paper lanterns or pretty floral designs, a few strings of these tiny bulbs can instantly add an ethereal aesthetic to your venue. Candles in hurricane jars provide the additional benefit of warmth, just be careful in small spaces and around young children (or drunk adults) as they can quickly become a fire hazard. You can find some of the best garden lighting options for this winter here.

Hearty food and drinks

Nobody is going to deny you a glass of fizz at your party, but you might want to supplement it with some warm, comforting dishes. Buffets need to be supplemented with food warmers, thermos flasks, slow cookers and any other gadgets and devices to keep your food warm. You might also consider a fondue set (cheese or chocolate – or even both!) as a wintery centrepiece.

In addition to party drinks, serving hot beverages is a nice touch. Mulled wine or mulled cider is perfect for the season – you can get pre-made mixes or whip up a recipe from scratch if you’re feeling creative. A hot chocolate station is a great non-alcoholic choice, where you can allow guests to add cream, marshmallows and chocolate powder as they like.

Comfortable seating

Plastic chairs and flimsy garden seats aren’t going to cut it in cold weather. In order to keep your guests comfortable, invest in wooden or rattan furniture that will look and feel much warmer. A complete set of garden furniture – including a bench or sofa, dining chairs and armchairs will be perfect for a small party. If you’re planning a larger event, consider hiring chairs especially.