Posted on Sep 20, 2022. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Hosting a small outdoor gathering this winter? Here are some functional, stylish, and safe ways to keep guests shielded from the elements.

1. Use heaters and fire pits. 

An obvious way to keep guests warm? Portable heaters and fire pits, which can be rented from a wide variety of companies throughout North America. Another option is individual table warmers or heat lamps.

2. Block the wind.

Tents and other barriers can be a great way to shield guests from those cold wintry winds—but make sure they have plenty of openings to ensure proper ventilation, which can prevent the spread of COVID-19. Consider a tent with open sides.

3. Opt for cozy furniture, and hand out customized blankets and accessories.

Rental materials should be strategically chosen to keep guests warm. Cushions, pillows, throws, and more can warm up outdoor furniture; they’ll also give guests something to sit on if the furniture itself feels cold.

4. Serve toasty drinks and food. 

Think through your menu, making sure to incorporate plenty of drinks and food items that will warm guests up, like pre-packaged, mini mugs of hot soup, and warm apple cider or a hot toddy. Whiskey tastings or a hot cocoa bar can also be a fun, interactive option; just be sure to follow all COVID-appropriate procedures for serving.

5. Communicate clearly.

Above all, make sure your guests are aware that the event will be outside so they can dress appropriately. (Ugly holiday sweaters, anyone?) The last thing you want is for attendees to be ignoring social distancing protocols to gather around one fire pit or find an indoor spot. Establish ground rules on the invitation and through clear signage at the event, and consider assigned seating, staggered entry times, and other precautions.

Source: Biz Bash.