Christmas outdoors: celebrating the festive season in your garden

Twinkling lights, chestnuts roasting on the fire pit and rustic decorations – Christmas in the garden can be very special indeed. While we can’t guarantee good weather, there are many ways to enjoy celebrating with friends and family in the open air. So, this Christmas, why not swap the sofa for the garden chair and create a festive vibe in your own back garden?

Ahead of the big day, think about where in your garden you want to create a festive atmosphere. Your garden deck could be the perfect focal point for a Christmas gathering. That’s because it’s likely to be an accessible, flat space that works perfectly for dining and entertaining. If you have non-slip decking, you can rest assured that your guests will stay safe, even if the ground is wet or icy.

Christmas ornaments look beautiful set against natural timber. And when it comes to decorating your deck, you can be as bold or understated as you like. You could even stand a Christmas tree on the decking. If you want to create a winter wonderland, there is an almost limitless choice of freestanding reindeer, snowmen and Santa models. For a more understated look, take your inspiration from nature. A simple but beautiful wreath, like this one from Nordic House, would look stunning hanging on a wall next to your deck. Alternatively, why not have a go at making your own, using greenery from in and around your garden?

If your decking is framed by bushes or trees, branches are perfect for hanging ornaments. Evergreen garlands are a fabulous festive addition to a fence or railing around a deck. Add some twinkling fairy lights and you’ll have a magical Christmas deck.

Simply roasting chestnuts or toasting marshmallows on a fire pit is a perfect activity for an informal gathering. But perhaps this year you’re feeling more ambitious and want to enjoy Christmas dinner outside. Whatever your plans, the good news is that there are many options for alfresco cooking, from barbecued turkey to campfire chilli. And your deck is the ideal spot for al fresco dining.

While you’re focusing on the food, don’t neglect the decorative details that make a Christmas table memorable. Festive crockery, candles and table decorations can transform your meal into something truly special. If you’re feeling crafty, Gardeningetc has some great inspiration for making your own beautiful table decorations using natural materials. Avoid taking your best china into the garden by investing in some eco-friendly bamboo tableware that you can use again and again.

One of the best things about celebrating Christmas outdoors is that the younger family members have space to play and let off steam. Festive games aren’t just for children though – they’re a great way to bring the generations together.

If we’re lucky enough to experience a white Christmas, you could enjoy a family snowball fight, or test your creativity with a snowman competition. On the other hand, if the weather is fine, there’s no reason not to dig out those games you stored away in the shed at the end of the summer. A simple ball game, boules or skittles will make memories and burn off some of those Christmas calories.

There’s a reason why most of us retreat indoors over Christmas. Winter weather means you may not want to spend long outside. Unless it’s especially wet or cold, however, you should be able to enjoy some time in the garden.

Sales of outdoor heaters have soared in recent months, due to the growing trend towards outdoor living. Unfortunately, these come at an environmental cost and many are extremely energy inefficient. Researching low-energy options could reduce the impact of keeping warm outdoors.

Truly environmentally friendly options include having plenty of cosy blankets to hand and ensuring everyone is properly dressed for the weather. Installing a windbreak could also make a big difference. Investing in a shelter for your deck will not only create a warmer space, it will also keep everyone dry in case of a Christmas downpour.

Before the festive season gets underway, make sure you’re confident that your garden is fit for the festivities. Having a garden that stays safe through the winter means you can enjoy more time outdoors with family and friends over Christmas. From checking drains and fences to adding more outdoor lighting, there are many things you can do to make your garden safer in winter.

With Gripsure non-slip decking from our residential range, you can relax knowing that your deck will stay safe, whatever the weather. That means you’re free to focus on the good things in life. And that’s what Christmas is all about.