Between the ever-changing colours, the brisk daytime temperatures, and breathtaking sunsets, one could argue that Fall is the most beautiful time of year for celebrating outdoors. As with Spring & Summer events, it’s imperative to plan for the weather. The difference, come this chillier season, is that you’ll want to think not only about possible rain, but also about keeping guests warm and cozy. No need to worry though! Colder weather does not have to be a deal breaker! Here are 3 great ways to be prepared ahead of time and maintain that warm & fuzzy feeling all night long!
Warming Up from the Inside Out
Think hot chocolate, seasonal cocktails and specialty coffee! Warm drinks are a staple of Autumn events. Let your creativity go wild with a fun “hot drinks” station. A variety of hot chocolate toppings, from marshmallows to whip cream and sprinkles will wow kids and adults alike. Setup a variety of creamers or spiked flavour shots for the coffee drinkers. Think outside of the box with a signature drink incorporating Fall flavours like pumpkin, apple and cinnamon. The possibilities are endless! Be sure to provide fun glassware and these hot drinks will really sizzle! Don’t’ forget to rent a large coffee maker or some smaller carafes to keep the cold out. Whether it’s self-serve or you have a bartender on site, offering a mix or alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot drinks will keep guests warm from the inside out!
Covered Up & Cozy
Really lean into the “coziness” of a cool weather event by making blankets and throws available for friends and family as the evening settles in. As with the hot drink stations, “cuddle” stations will not only serve the purpose of keeping people warm, but they will also add to the vibe and creativity of your event. At a couple of areas around your yard or outdoor space, place some decorative baskets piled high with small throws or blankets perfect for getting covered up and cozy. At the end of the evening, guests can simply toss them back in the baskets making for easy clean up. If you really want to impress, and you’re planning well in advance, consider embroidered or monogramed throws as your party favour! How fun!
Keeping Things Heated
Portable heaters are a key piece of the planning puzzle when it comes to outdoor events in the Fall. Under a tent, in a garage, or out in the open, patio heaters, forced air heaters and even electric infrared heaters can provide the warmth necessary to take the chill out and keep guests comfortable. When considering what heater will work best for you, it’s important to think about proper ventilation as many portable heaters run on propane. As well, think about how much space you have and whether you prefer a heater that will go inside a tent for instance, versus one that will sit outside the tent. Of equal importance are the forecasted temperatures. The colder it is outside, the harder it will be to heat up your space, so be sure to secure enough heaters to suit the weather. It’s also not a bad idea to have extra propane tanks on hand just in case you run out mid-way through the night. If it’s particularly chilly and you have your heaters “cranked”, you’ll burn through that propane much faster. Being prepared with extra tanks on hand eliminates any last-minute scrambling. Of course, discussing all of these things with your trusted rental provider will ensure you get exactly what you need.
With proper planning and forward thinking, it’s easy to embrace the beautiful Fall weather and really make the most of this amazing time of year. Add some hot drinks to your menu, set up some cuddle stations, rent yourself some heaters and let the good times roll! Happy Fall!
