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There’s something so Christmassy about the twinkle of lights on a crisp evening, warm drinks, good company and general merrymaking. Forget traipsing to an outdoor Christmas market in town, when you can create your very own winter wonderland at home and tailor it to fit whatever theme you want. Whether you’re in the mood for festive films, a chorus of your favourite carols by candlelight, or some facetime with St Nick himself, we’ve got the perfect inspiration for Christmas outdoor celebrations that are guaranteed to spread cheer.
Trail of Lights
Give the likes of Kew Gardens and Blenheim Palace a run for their money with your own festive light trail. We’re not saying you need to rush out and buy metres of fairy lights, LED reindeer and any light-up Christmas novelty you can get your hands on. Keep it cheap and sustainable by looking at what you’ve already got and asking around. We all have strings of lights that just don’t make the cut some years or a few decorations to spare, so why not invite guests to lend you a selection to help create a communal display that will still ‘wow’ but not tug so hard on the purse strings. They can take their decs back when the party is over and, as it’s for one night only, you won’t have to fret about costly energy bills come January.
Warm up at the end of the trail with a spiced cider or hot chocolate for all the festive feels.
If you’ve chosen to do this in your front garden or in a communal area, you could even use the event as an excuse to raise money for charity – ‘tis the season for giving after all!
Carols by candle light
In the words of Buddy the Elf, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”, so why not host a party that lets you and guests revel in their best-loved Christmas carols and jingles. From, ‘Hark the Herald’ to ‘All I want for Christmas’ and everything in between, there are plenty of festive tunes to revel in and keep voices ringing. Set up a sound system outside or, if you are lucky enough to have someone who knows how to tinkle the ivories, bring out a piano or keyboard to really set the mood.
Make sure the warm drinks are flowing to keep those vocal chords lubricated and set up lights and decorations for extra atmosphere. Hand out song sheets or use a screen with lyrics on, so everyone can keep up with the words and, if you can safely give guests a candle to hold, make sure you have cardboard drip shields or paper cups to keep melted wax at bay.
While many like to stand when they belt out their favourite musical numbers, be sure to provide comfortable seats for those who can’t stand, meaning guests of all ages can have a great time. It also helps create a cosy environment, so make sure there are a few well-placed throws at hand to keep guests warm throughout the evening’s festivities. For added comfort, look no further than one of our sofa sets with plush Olefin® cushions, which are perfect for snuggling up to sing the night away but also fast drying and stain resistant – because we don’t want spilled mulled wine or cocoa to dampen the evening.
Backyard cinema
There’s nothing like Christmas movies to build excitement in the lead up to the big day – and they are always better enjoyed with friends, especially when watching a classic you all know and love.
For a fun, original theme this year, create your own outdoor cinema. It doesn’t have to be expensive and can be quick and easy to set up with a projector and white sheet – pegged up on your washing line, or hung between trees – some twinkling lights, delicious snacks to keep rumbling tummies quiet during the film and warm blankets to cosy up underneath.
Guests could even bring their own sleeping bags and tasty treats of choice, so they really feel at home. You know your audience, so handpick some Christmas crowd-pleasers, pass the popcorn (or pigs in blankets), and roll film!
For VIP-style cinema seating, lounge on a deluxe outdoor sofa setup, such as this corner set from our Bermuda Light collection, complete with heigh-adjustable table to keep refreshments within easy reach but out of your eyeline. You might even like to kick back in a recliner or on our Bahama daybed set for the ultimate home cinema experience.
If things are still a bit chilly, you can’t beat a fire pit (a safe distance away of course, so your improvised cinema screen doesn’t go up in flames) where you could also toast marshmallows during the interval.
Bay it’s cold outside… but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fantastic festive outdoor get together!