A snowy scene featuring a family bundled in coats and hats, seated on various POLYWOOD furniture around a fire pit.
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How to Throw an Outdoor Winter Party

Written by: Caitlin Evans

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Published on

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Last updated on

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Time to read 4 min

Your backyard doesn't have to go into hibernation in the winter months. Whether you want to throw a casual wintertime get-together or a cold-weather hang with cocktails, you can host an affair to remember no matter where you live. So grab a hot toddy, and let's start planning an epic outdoor winter party.

In This Article
Stay Warm Set Up Your Party Space Put Together a Self-Serve Bar Choose a Theme for Your Winter Party Winter Family Party Activity Ideas
A brown Braxton 5 Piece Deep Seating Conversation Set with Fire Pit Table with beige cushions in front of a swimming pool at dusk.
Featured: Braxton 5-Piece Deep Seating Conversation Set with Fire Pit Table in Teak/Natural Linen

Stay Warm

Warmth is an essential element for any winter weather party, so ensure you have plenty of heat sources. Here are a few tips to keep your guests toasty:

  • Bonfire: There's nothing like a roaring fire to keep everyone comfortable while providing a welcoming ambiance. Before you send out invites, check your community's laws to see if you're allowed to light a fire in your backyard.
  • Fire pit table: If you want to avoid dealing with kindling and matches, a fire pit table is an easy alternative. It's safe, low-maintenance, and built to withstand the elements. Plus, you'll have plenty of table space for trays of hot cocoa and tasty snacks.
  • Heat lamps: If you want to hold a party on your patio, set up a few outdoor-rated heat lamps. They're adjustable and low-maintenance—just like fire pit tables. Gather your furniture around the lamps so everyone can stay cozy while conversing.
A black and bronze electric patio heater hangs from a wood-beamed ceiling. The heater

Set Up Your Party Space

Once you figure out your heating situation, it's time to make the area inviting and comfortable.


  • Avoid metal chairs. Metals have high thermal conductivity, meaning they heat up and cool off quickly. This is why wrought iron and other metal furniture are too hot to use on sunny summer days and frigid on chilly winter days. Opt instead for furniture materials with low heat conductivity like wood or high-density polyethylene.
  • Offer blankets and pillows. When everyone is facing the fire, their backs are exposed. Giving guests blankets and pillows to snuggle in will keep them warm from head to toe.
  • Use extra lights. Winter days are short, so you'll need additional illumination to ensure good visibility and great ambiance. Hang curtains or screens. These partitions act as windbreaks, keeping heat in and preventing smoke from being blown into your guests' faces if you have a fire going.
  • Cover your space. Use an awning, tent, or patio umbrella to protect your guests from the wind, snow, or rain.
A grey Vineyard Deep Seating Loveseat with white cushions, blue striped pillows, and a pink blanket sits on a patterned outdoor rug in front of shrubbery.
Featured: Vineyard Deep Seating Loveseat in Slate Grey/Natural Linen

Put Together a Self-Serve Bar

Take one thing off your plate and set up a drink station so guests can help themselves to libations at their leisure. Fill crockpots with classic winter drinks like apple cider, hot chocolate, and coffee. Then place marshmallows, creamer, chocolate-dipped spoons, and a bottle of Irish cream liqueur or whiskey nearby. That way, guests can make themselves an adult beverage or stick to a mocktail.

A white mug with brown speckles and a brown handle sits on the armrest of an orange Adirondack chair. The mug is filled with tea.

Choose a Party Theme

While selecting a specific party aesthetic isn't required, it does add that little extra something. Consider these winter party concepts for your next get-together:

  • Winter wonderland soirée: Invite guests to embrace the chill with winter-inspired costumes. Think snowmen, ice princesses, sparkling snowflakes, and penguins. Decorate your space with fairy lights and frosted centerpieces to complete the magical ambiance.
  • Tropical escape: Who says winter has to be cold? Bring the shore to your door with a South Beach-inspired bash. Serve café con leche, blast salsa hits, and drape vibrant, tropical blankets over colorful Adirondack chairs to create a warm, colorful getaway. Add tiki torches or string lights for a finishing touch.
  • Outdoor movie night: Transform your outdoor space into a cozy theater under the stars. Screen winter classics like Happy Feet for a fun vibe or Fargo for something dark and intriguing. Provide blankets, hot cocoa, and buttery popcorn for the ultimate silver screen experience.
  • Fireside wine tasting: Turn up the sophistication with a winter wine tasting hosted by a sommelier. Set the scene by the fire with a curated selection of reds and whites paired with a decadent charcuterie board. Glowing candles and cozy seating create a relaxed yet chic ambiance.
  • Hot tub hangout: If you have a hot tub, why not make it the center of a winter warm-up party? Invite friends for a soak while sipping mulled cider or sparkling wine. Enhance the experience with plush robes, fluffy towels, and a playlist of chill lo-fi beats.
A white POLYWOOD Vineyard 5 Piece Oversized Adirondack Set arranged on a patio overlooking a lake. A pitcher, glasses, and a plate of snacks sit on the table.
Featured: Vineyard 5-Piece Oversized Adirondack Set in White

Winter Family Party Activity Ideas

Want more party ideas to keep guests entertained? These family activities will help bring fun to your get-together:


  • Backyard scavenger hunt: The first person (or team) to follow the clues and find the prize wins.
  • Get crafty: Fill a picnic table with winter-themed supplies and let your guests make fun crafts. You can display them as added party decorations when they're complete, then send them home with guests as souvenirs.
  • S'mores party: If you're going to have a fire going outside, serve up a platter of s'mores fixings along with a couple of creative additions like peanut butter cups and chocolate chip cookies. Compete against the kids or other families to see who makes the ultimate s’mores treat.
A tray of chocolate, marshmallows, and wafer cookies sits on a white POLYWOOD Round 48 Inch Fire Pit Table.
Featured: Round 48" Fire Pit Table in White

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Caitlin-Evans-author-bio-photo

Caitlin Evans

Cait is an Indiana-based creative content writer who has been with POLYWOOD since 2020. She’s a Purdue alumna, a proud logophile (word nerd), and an advocate of the Oxford comma. In her free time, Cait loves gardening, cooking, running, camping, and spending time with her husband and four fur children. 

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