How to Make the Most of Your Backyard This Winter

Learn how you can enjoy your backyard during the winter months.

Winter often becomes a long and daunting time of the year for many of us because we’re trapped indoors for months on end. Cold weather makes it more challenging to spend time outdoors, and many people develop cabin fever.

A great way to get outside the house during the colder months is to transform your backyard into a warm, cozy venue offering plenty of entertainment opportunities!

Blain’s Farm & Fleet has plenty of fun and inspiring ideas for how you can extend your backyard patio or outdoor living space through the winter. Learn more about how to stay warm, create a wind break, entertain others, and enjoy delicious food and beverages all from the comfort of your patio!

How to Warm Your Patio & Backyard This Winter

Arguably the most critical factor in allowing you to spend more time outside this winter is a heat source. Whether you’re trying to play a card game, grill on your patio, or enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate while you socialize, your outdoor space must maintain a warm, welcoming temperature.

There are plenty of outdoor heating options available to help. You must consider your available space, use cases for the heat source, and what you find most aesthetically pleasing.

It may seem like a tough decision, so we are here to help. Refer to our guide below to see the options you have and the benefits each one offers:

• Gas Patio Heater – Provides instant heat and doesn’t require fire-starting materials. Simply keep your propane tank full of fuel, and enjoy instant heat.
• Portable Fire Pits – Mobile heat source that gives you the flexibility to quickly move your firepit to accommodate your changing needs.
• Stationary Fire Pits – Traditional way to keep your outdoor space warm. A sturdy option that comes in many shapes and sizes.
• Tabletop Gas Fire Pit – Makes a nice centerpiece on a table and keeps you warm in the process. A perfect way to add a unique and eloquent look to your outdoor patio.
• Gas Fire Table – Perfect for if you have a smaller patio or are looking for a clean, easy-to-use heating option. Also, pick out your favorite fire rocks to personalize your fire table.
• Portable Gas Fire Pit with Sound System – Listen to your favorite songs while you warm up. Plus, take this all-in-one heater and sound system with you when tailgating.
• Forced Air Heaters – Recommend using this for larger outdoor shelters and arrangements. Easy to use and warms up your area very quickly.
• Garage and Space Heaters – Only use if you have an enclosed shelter. It takes a bit to heat up but is a safe heating source that maintains the temperature you desire.

How to Create a Wind Break for Your Outdoor Venue

Do you have a roof over your patio, porch, or outdoor space? How about walls or something to protect you from the wind?

To endure the surprises mother nature throws at us during a Midwest winter, your outdoor space must be able to withstand snow, wind, and sleet. If you do not have a roof or wind break, don’t worry, we have some recommendations.

One option is to build a wind break using old pallets or fencing materials. It will allow you to create a barricade around your outdoor space and gain some privacy.

If you’re looking for a fully-enclosed venue, set up a Canopy or Garage-in-a-Box to escape the elements. Just make sure it has enough space to set up backyard games, outdoor furniture, and decorations.

Additionally, heat your shelter using one of the heat source options. Just be sure to use a heater rated for the type of area you create. And follow all manufacturers’ directions for safety.

Decorate & Provide Entertainment Options for Your Venue

Now, it’s time to have fun, get creative, and put your personal touch on your outdoor space! Harness your inner interior design skills, and figure out a blueprint for how you want to set up your outdoor room. Be sure to consider both your style and needs as you plan.

Are you going to be playing outdoor games, or are you looking to fill your space with tables and chairs? Would you like to include a grill or small appliance, so you can enjoy a freshly-cooked meal or snack? What type of lighting would you like to include?

These are the types of questions you need to ask yourself as you are planning.

Obviously, the size of your outdoor living area is going to play a significant role in what you can include. Ideally, you’ll have a large enough space to have an outdoor grill, set up some outdoor games, include some patio furniture, and brighten up your area with porch or outdoor string lights!

Enjoy a Snack or Beverage While Outside

Whether you’re playing cornhole toss or reading a book and relaxing, it’s only a matter of time before you work up an appetite. Instead of going back and forth from inside your kitchen to the outdoor venue, bring the cooking outside!

Make something warm in the crisp air by cooking on an outdoor grill or with a small kitchen appliance, such as a Presto Pizzazz Plus Rotating Oven or a toaster oven. 

In addition to a warm snack, enjoy a warm beverage! Heat up a fresh cup of mulled wine, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a coffee maker, such as a Keurig, and keep it warm in a travel mug!

If you make all your food and want to continue playing your cornhole game or reading your book, place the food in storage containers. And keep them in a cooler.

Oftentimes, we only think about using coolers to keep things cool when, in fact, the insulation also keeps things warm. Coolers are designed to keep the food or beverage at the temperature they were when placed inside.

Have fun selecting the outdoor shelter, heat source, furniture, cooking supplies, lighting, and entertainment that suits your needs. With the help of Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can create a venue that allows you to socialize outdoors with your family and friends all year round!

In Dangerously-Cold Conditions, Bring the Outdoors Inside

Even if your outdoor space is equipped with a heat source and a wind break, sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow make it difficult to stay outside. When the temperature gets below freezing, it doesn’t matter how many layers you put on; the crisp air seems to go right through them.

Instead of giving up, bring the outdoors inside by starting your own indoor greenhouse! Utilize grow lamps and seed-starting kits to cultivate your garden right in the comfort of your own house.

Be sure you follow the instructions on how frequently you must water and provide light for your plants, so they grow properly!

For more backyard tips and how-tos, check out our Deck & Patio Blog.