Fall brings crunchy leaves and pumpkin spice, but it also brings a drop in temperature. As the seasons change and the weather gets colder, it’s time to prepare your outdoor living spaces for the winter. Summer doesn’t have to be the only time you can enjoy your outdoor hosting spaces, and after taking steps to winterize, you can host all year round.
Clean and Protect Your Deck
An important first step to winterizing your home is to check, clean, and protect your deck and outdoor wood. A deck is the perfect hosting spot and was probably a source of outdoor festivities all summer. With this in mind, protecting your structure from frost and snow is important. First, sweep your deck of any leaves or debris and clean it with a soapy water solution. Make sure you get in between the boards to increase ventilation and make the transition to spring even smoother. Then sealing your deck with a watertight sealant is the best way to protect it from moisture all winter.
Embrace Hygge
Another way to get your guests outside and comfortable is to extend the ideas of Hygge into your outdoor living space. Hygge, derived from the word hugga or “to comfort,” is a lifestyle in Denmark of comfort and calm that helps to create coziness throughout the colder months. Bring in comfort through candles, blankets, cushions, and even new cushion covers with cozy textures to make the space warm and inviting for your guests.
Fire Pit
Investing in a fire pit is another great way to create warmth in your space while creating a natural gathering spot. It can also be a great space for activities such as making s’mores. However, it is important to cover and protect your fire pit throughout the cold months so that you can continue to have a dry fire pit to light your fire. Use wood that has been stored in a dry place and put a cover on your fire pit to prevent moisture and rust. And if you happen to see a pile of snow or ice, make sure to remove it.
Lighting
Nothing is more inviting than warm lighting, especially as the colder months tend to get darker earlier in the day. Creating a cozy ambiance through string lights or metal lanterns is a great way to entice guests. Putting lights along your trees can also make for incredible festive decorations while helping your outdoor space to be well-lit.
Add a Pergola or Tent
Lastly, if you want to invest more into your backyard, putting up a tent or a pergola is a great way to winterize your outdoor living space as they protect you from wind, snow, and rain in the winter months. They can also provide structure to your outdoor space, helping to keep heat in.
If you would like to see some of the beautiful outdoor spaces we have created, please visit the Outdoor Living page on our website.
