We’re making our way into the colder months filled with crisp evenings, frosted lawns and bare trees. If you’re looking for ways to feel that sparkle when you step outside, mug of warming hot chocolate in hand, here are some tips and tricks to reimagine your outdoor space this winter. It’s time to plan a little festive magic.
Twinkling lights are synonymous with the festive season, so begin designing the outdoor space with beautiful lighting. Layering different styles helps to build depth. Try stringing outdoor Christmas lights along fences or wrap them around tree trunks give you a soft backdrop. Then, add lanterns to steps or tabletops to bring in a gentle, grounded glow that feels intimate rather than overpowering.
There’s a practical element to lighting too. Spotlights aimed at larger shrubs or architectural features highlight their structure and help to direct any guests who might be visiting over the holidays. You could also consider using cascading lights on trees and shrubs to add depth and dimension. These create movement and make the space look alive.
If you want your guests to linger outside for a little while, focus on keeping everyone warm. A fire pit offers both heat and atmosphere, with flickering flames that naturally draw people together. Alternatively, electric or gas patio heaters provide a practical option when you want consistent warmth without smoke or sparks.
Whichever you choose, position seating in a semicircle to create opportunities for conversation while ensuring everyone stays close enough to the heat to feel comfortable. Always check manufacturer guidelines on safe distances, especially when placing heaters near fabrics or decorations.
Outdoor seating can feel stark in winter unless you dress it properly. With the right accessories, you can create a comfortable space outside.
Try introducing weather-resistant cushions to make chairs more inviting. These are easy to shake off after a frosty night. Also, layer soft throws across benches or drape them over the backs of armchairs so guests can wrap up without having to head indoors. An outdoor rug beneath a table or lounge area gives the space definition and provides a touch of insulation.
Natural details tie the whole look together. You could scatter pinecones across tables and place them in baskets or glass bowls as table centrepieces. Evergreen wreaths on gates or hung against exterior walls are also festive.
Introduce some potted winter plants to your setup too. Hellebores, cyclamen and hardy heathers all add colour and texture at this time of the year, plus they thrive in cold weather. Place them at varying heights to draw the eye across your space and pair them with rustic features like woven baskets or wooden crates.
Ready to wrap up and head outside this winter? Make your outdoor space enchanting and you’ll not want to go indoors.
I love every single one of these! We have never hung lights on our house! I really want to hang them on our back porch because I could leave them up year round (it’s covered). I love decorating for Christmas, and these are more good ideas!
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We put lights out the front of the house and a projector but it’s a bit of a chore – taking them down is even worse because everywhere looks so bare afterwards! I’m all for having some pretty lights up all year round!