The first snow of the season doesn’t have to signal the end of your outdoor entertaining era. With a little creativity, a bit of preparation, and a small investment, you can enjoy the open air throughout all four seasons.
Heat Things Up
Nothing sends people inside quicker than the cold. A crackling fire pit or cozy outdoor fireplace will instantly transform your space into a gathering place. You can also invest in patio heaters, which can be moved around and positioned strategically based on your activity.
Get Comfortable
Comfortable furniture is key to enjoying outdoor spaces year-round. Look for weather-resistant wicker, aluminum, teakwood, or other materials meant to handle the heat of summer and the deep freezes of winter.
Get Lit
Lighting is also essential to outdoor spaces, especially as it gets dark as early as 4:30 PM. While your fire pit or outdoor fireplace can provide some ambient lighting, look for additional options, such as overhead string lights, pathway lights, or spotlights. Not only will this help you enjoy your patio or lawn, but it will make them safer as well.
Don’t Slip Up
Make your patio and other walkways slip resistant with grip paint, anti-slip coatings, or non-slip mats placed in high-traffic areas. Keep deicing material on hand to avoid slippery surfaces in the first place.
It’s Game Day
Make sure to get plenty of use out of your outdoor areas by having activities in place for the young and young at heart. A bag full of old mittens, scarves, and toboggans will help your snowmen come to life. You can also keep a stash of Kool-Aid and squirt bottles to let the kids make art in the snow. Get creative, and you may just find that you are as much of a winter warrior as you are a summer soldier.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your space, contact Armstrong Construction today. Let our experts help you plan out the perfect patio, porch, pergola or other outdoor entertaining area to help you enjoy your largest investment from the outside in.
