Fall Gatherings Al Fresco: Take Thanksgiving Outside!
Like most everyone, I’m incredibly grateful for my family, friends and neighbors, and I miss getting together with them. Foregoing another year of holiday celebrations seems almost unbearable… but with the pandemic still looming, many of us are wondering what to do about this year‘s holiday gatherings.
So, why not take Thanksgiving outdoors this year? Not only can the fresh air help ease germ concerns, but your back yard offers much more space to move around, start up a game and let the kids run off their energy.
Whether you celebrate with a full, traditional Thanksgiving dinner or prefer a more casual lunch or appetizer picnic, al fresco dining adds festive ambiance to any fall gathering (and also recalls the first Thanksgiving, which is always depicted outdoors).
With the right outdoor living space, plus a bit of luck with the weather, this year’s Thanksgiving can be your best yet. Check out these fun tips and ideas for the perfect outdoor fall celebration!
When the weather cools, think warm
Take a look at the incredible al fresco Thanksgiving setting this blogger designed! Amazing, right? But you don’t have to live in Southern California to enjoy outdoor gatherings. Yes, Virginia falls can be cold one day and hot the next, but you can invest in a backyard gathering space that works year-round. The key is a heating element for colder days. Your best bet is an outdoor fireplace or custom fire pit, which should hold up for decades and create a high-end look to your living space. Quality Built Exteriors can build one with your desired materials, from stacked to pavers, even with built-in benches.
If your budget isn’t quite ready for a custom build, consider purchasing a clay chimenea, which you can relocate and store away as needed. For easy switch-on heat, try an inexpensive propane heater for your patio area. If your outdoor living space is covered (such as a screen porch) you can get a ceiling-mounted electric heater.
Take cover
In case of a rain shower or wind, you’ll be glad to have a roof over your head. Covered and screened porches make the perfect spot to escape, while remaining outside in the fresh air. Covered areas allow for more cozy accessories that can’t be used on open porches or patios. So, go ahead and deck out your space with warm fall blankets, pillows and candles to make guests want to sit and stay a while (and the kids play a while). There truly is no better place to visit with guests, admire the falling leaves, and sip your favorite autumn beverage before sitting down for a meal.
Grill, smoke, or fry your bird
Cooking outside is a true passion for many people. Whether you want to grill, smoke, or fry your Thanksgiving turkey, an outdoor kitchen is the ideal space! Outdoor kitchens are available for every budget—from surprisingly affordable to seriously elaborate. An exterior contractor can help design and build your ideal outdoor kitchen, or you can purchase an outdoor cooking appliance at your local home improvement store. No matter what you decide, cooking outside gives you more time to mingle with guests, and less time hidden away inside the kitchen.
Light it up
If an evening soiree is what you have in mind, then outdoor lighting is a must. Covered areas, such as screened porches or pergolas, provide the perfect place to hang overhead string lights or outdoor chandeliers for added ambiance. Or make use of the colorful fall foliage by hanging lights from nearby trees or bushes. The glow of a fire brings warmth and coziness to any gathering, so don’t forget to light candles throughout your space or, better yet, build a bonfire for guests to gather around for light, warmth, and of course, s’mores!
Set the stage… strategically
With much of the fall foliage down for the count by Thanksgiving, if you aren’t lucky enough to have a privacy fence (Quality Built Exteriors can build you one in wood or vinyl!), you might need to get creative to provide privacy for your gathering. If you live close to neighbors or have a smaller yard, this can be tricky. Take advantage of natural privacy screens, such as large hedges or trees, by placing your main seating areas nearby. Covered porches have the added benefit of allowing space for hanging plants or curtain panels. You could even hire a contractor to add privacy panels to the sides of your deck. If all else fails, invite the neighbors too!
Think outside the bird
There are so many ways to celebrate the holidays—and so many people to celebrate with! Thanksgiving dinner does not have to be limited to a certain style, cuisine, time or format. Think outside the bird and host a potluck Friendsgiving dinner, a soup swap event, or even a leftovers brunch on Black Friday. Thinking beyond your close family and friends is fun too. Why not take advantage of all of your outdoor spaces, including your front yard, and invite the neighbors to stop by? If you’ve heard of the Turquoise Table movement, then you’re already familiar with the idea of creating connections in your community by simply placing a table in your front yard and inviting your neighbors to drop by for a visit, a drink or even Thanksgiving dinner!
So, whether you choose a traditional family meal served on your porch or patio, casual Friendsgiving festivities by the fire, or a drop-by picnic party for the neighbors, having the perfect outdoor space will help make your next gathering an event to remember!
Need help creating the outdoor space of your dreams?
Contact Quality Built Exteriors today. We can design and build the perfect porch, patio, or pergola for your next gathering!
