The Warm Weather May Be Fleeting But We Still Want To Stay Outside – 6 Elements For Creating A Cozy Outdoor Winter Lounge

Earlier this week we had a meeting with a wonderful blogger (more on her coming soon) who lives in Minneapolis where 6 inches of snow had just fallen. WHAT?! In New York, temperatures are now in the below 60 range and in LA, it was actually overcast for the majority of yesterday, flirting with us hard and giving us hope sweaters could be worn outside comfortably and instead of just in our air-conditioned homes. This change in weather (more in some areas, obviously) is bittersweet, to say the least. Our outdoor spaces, for those lucky enough to have one, have been ESSENTIAL to our mental well being. Since now Emily is actually living in a place with real “weather”, she posed this very important question for us all to think about: How can we help the readers enjoy their outdoor spaces for as long as possible?? So after some discussion, we came up with six key elements. It’s not rocket science but they are pretty important if you have any hope of staying comfortable outside until the snow really takes over. YIKES.

Let’s warm up, huh?…

Fire Pits

First and foremost, this is one of my favorite photos of Emily and Birdie. That mother-daughter bond is so darn special. But I digress. We are here to talk about the other heartwarming thing in this photo… The fire pit.

We talked about fire pits earlier this year when summer hit because whenever you can sit outside, a fire pit is ALWAYS a great purchase. Plus, you know, smores.

HOT SMORES TIP: Velinda and her wife Katie buy Reese’s Thins as a chocolate option and I am telling you it was the game changer I didn’t know I needed in my life… also I really miss our game nights.

Shall we get into the great pits that are still available…

1. Steel Wood-Burning Fire Pit | 2. Concrete Propane Fire Pit | 3. Steel Wood-Burning Fire Pit | 4. Cast Iron Fire Bowl | 5. Ceramic Wood-Burning Fire Pit | 6. Concrete Fire Pit Kit | 7. Long Rectangle Fire Pit | 8. Wood-Burning Fire Bowl | 9. Steel Propane Fire Pit

Well, I like all of these because I picked them out but I really love how #1 has that great lid. Plus it has a little rack inside for grilling. Speaking of lids, #5 steals my heart for many reasons. First I love that bold color (it also comes in black and white), it has TWO lid options (the other making it a usable coffee table) and it just has a great modern yet unique shape. But if you are down to use propane #2 is simple, pretty, looks like it gives off great heat AND you can set your glass on the lip. Win-win.

Let’s keep this heat, hot…

Outdoor Space Heaters

If a large open fire isn’t your thing or it’s not safe for your space, an outdoor space heater is your next best “keep you warm” bet. It’s just important to know if you prefer an electric or a propane-fueled one, and also the size. The bigger the space, the larger the heater (or number of heaters :))

1. Electric Outdoor Patio Heater | 2. Indoor/Outdoor Standing Heater | 3. Metal Bio-Ethanol Outdoor Tabletop Fireplace with Flame Guard | 4. Electric Ceramic Oscillating Space Heater | 5. Outdoor Patio Heater Standing Gas LP Propane Heater | 6. Orbit Tower Heater | 7. Electric Patio Heater with Adjustable LED Light | 8. Freestanding Patio Heater | 9. Electric Patio Heater Outdoor Standing

Now the space heaters of my childhood were exclusive to #5. Or at least those are the only ones I remember. But I was pleasantly surprised that there are more options that are somewhat affordable. Take #1 and #9. They are the modern (and electric) version of #5. I love how sleek they look. Also, #1 gives off a little vintage vibe to me with that top. I also love #3 because it’s so cute and small and perfect for a tiny outdoor patio or balcony. It’s almost a cross between a fire pit and a space heater. Lastly, the top of #7 changes colors if you want it to. Talk about a party;)

Outdoor Lanterns

This element is more of a mood-setter rather than giving you functional heat. Despite your body needing a little extra warmth, your eyes still want to be delighted with pretty details. Lanterns are great for that because they look good the entire day. I don’t think we have every styled an outdoor space without at least one if that shows you how passionate we are about lanterns. We really love them, y’all.

1. Metal Outdoor Lantern | 2. Rutherford Bamboo Lanterns | 3. Black Metal Lantern | 4. Bolleke LED Indoor/Outdoor Lantern | 5. Indoor/Outdoor LED Candle Lantern | 6. Clear Glass Cheyenne Lantern | 7. Indoor/Outdoor Flameless Candle Lantern | 8. Metal Outdoor Lantern with Black Hood | 9. Rattan Solar Lantern with Handle

There aren’t too many available outdoor lantern options that I really loved but these all are awesome gets. #1 looks classic but has modern lines, #2 and #9 will add a layer of visual texted (our favorite saying), #4 is a fun new take on a lantern and lastly, #6 might be my favorite. They won’t be great to keep outside 24/7 but they sure are pretty.

Outdoor String Lights

Another all year round classic and EHD outdoor must-have. String lights make everything better. Ultimate ambiance. I don’t know about you but as soon as I flip those babies on I feel like I’m instantly either on vacation or transported to some magical, relaxing place. If you don’t have them we HIGHLY recommend you fix that.

1. Indoor/Outdoor Incandescent String Lights | 2. String Lights with Satin Globes | 3. 100′ Outdoor 100 – Bulb Globe String Light | 4. Edison String Light with Clear Bulbs | 5. Simple String Lights | 6. Edison Bulb String Light

#1 and #5 are a fun gentle twist on the classic cafe string lights. From there it really depends what you prefer. Do you like black with a teardrop blub like #6, or a round bulb like #3, or an opaque glass like #2?? #4 is great if you want to create a very light and minimal outdoor space.

Outdoor Blankets

Now for the coziest of the elements… blankets. We think that outdoor blankets should be thick, washable, durable and of course, add some design sparkle to your outdoor area. You have to also decide if you would prefer something water-resistant. But the most important thing is to make sure you love how the blanket feels when you are wrapped in it. Let’s get into it.

1. Cabin Fleece Throw | 2. Sherpa Weighted Blanket with Removable Cover | 3. Nanoloft Puffy Blanket | 4. Dual Cable Throw | 5. Soft Cotton Throw | 6. Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket | 7. Microplush Weighed Blanket with Removable Cover | 8. Reversible Fleece Throw | 9. Cotton Throw | 10. Mountain Classic Camp Blanket | 11. Indoor/Outdoor Buffalo Check Blanket | 12. Knit Throw | 13. Woven Luxury Throw | 14. Waterproof Outdoor Blanket | 15. Over-Tufted Cotton Throw

Since it’s winter (and the holidays are FAST approaching) I love #1, #8, and #14. But #2 and #7 have removable covers which is ideal for easy washing without sacrificing plushness. If you are a water-resistant fan then #3, #10, and #14 are great options that also look cozy to wrap yourself in…basially blanket sleeping bags.

Outdoor Weather Domes

Ok, this is one is pretty crazy and in all of my years at EHD (which is 4 tomorrow), never would I have thought weather domes would be recommended:) Aesthetically they aren’t what we would call beautiful. However, considering the state of the world and wanting to grab at any ability to have a somewhat comfortable “outside room” to hang out in in the winter sounds pretty great. 2020: The year of practical and not always beautiful purchases. Now for the questions… Does anyone have one? Do they work? They seem like a GREAT option but would love to know your thoughts.

1. 10′ X 10′ Weather Pod | 2. Bubble Tent Garden Dome | 3. 15′ X 15′ Weather Pod

With these three it’s really about size/price point. #2 is clearly THE luxury option but the other two look like perfectly awesome options:)

Well as we know winter is coming and I hope that this post gave you a little hope that extending your outdoor time might be possible (I know it also very much depends on the state or country). So enjoy the rest of you fall and for those that live in cold climates let us know if you have any other suggestions! Let’s all help us stay outside for as long as possible:)

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credit: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: The Ultimate Outdoor Movie Night and Campout with Intel