Winter weather doesn’t have to put a damper on your outdoor party plans! With the right setup and a few clever tricks, you can create a warm, cosy, and unforgettable gathering—even if the weather is less than perfect. Whether you choose a tipi or a sailcloth tent as your main focus, here’s how to turn chilly conditions into the backdrop for a magical winter celebration.
Tipi or Sailcloth Tent: Your Warm, Weather-Proof Haven
The key to hosting a winter party outside is ensuring your guests stay warm and comfortable. A large tipi or sailcloth tent offers the perfect blend of shelter and charm.
Tipis: A traditional tipi has a conical shape, excellent for keeping heat inside. It naturally creates a cosy vibe, especially if you decorate it with blankets, fairy lights, and lanterns. You can even put a firepit inside if there are smoke flaps at the top.
Sailcloth Tents: Sailcloth tents are perfect for larger groups and can handle rougher weather. The translucent material lets in natural light during the day, and with heating inside, it becomes an inviting escape from the cold.
Inside either option, be sure to add blankets and hot water bottles to keep the space toasty!
5 Quick Tips for a Successful Winter Party Outside
- Keep It Cosy with Layers
Provide extra blankets, shawls, or even fun winter accessories like beanies and mittens for guests to use. You could even create a “winter wardrobe” station where people can grab what they need. - Lighting Creates Magic
The sun sets early in winter, so use festoons lights, candles, or lanterns to create a magical, glowing atmosphere. Even in a tent, these lights make everything feel festive and intimate. - Engage in Winter Games
Get guests active with winter games like snowball tosses, or a cosy version of a scavenger hunt. It’s even possible to rent small ice-rinks! Movement will keep everyone warm and in high spirits. - Embrace the Winter Theme
Make the most of the season by decorating with pine cones, twinkling lights, and natural elements like wood, bark, or snowflake accents. Consider having a hot cocoa bar or a DIY s’mores station for some added winter fun. - Serve Warm Drinks & Comfort Food
Hot drinks like mulled wine or hot chocolate, will warm your guests from the inside out. For food, think hearty dishes like chilli, soup, or fondue.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the cold keep you from enjoying the outdoors this winter. With a tipi or sailcloth tent and these tips to keep things warm, fun, and festive, your outdoor party will be the talk of the season. Plus, if the snow starts to fall, it’ll only add to the magic of the experience!
So go ahead, invite your friends, bundle up, and throw an unforgettable winter bash!