How to Host a Harvest Time Party in Cold Weather
- 1). Contain your party space. Whether tucked inside an open garage or barn, arrange your tables and chairs in a tight circle facing inward. This places people's backs to the outdoors and they face inward keeping the body warmth inside. Hang tarps or blankets to cordon off extra space and keep the atmosphere more intimate.
- 2). Host your party during the day. Even when the prairie winds blow, the bright fall sunshine can still be strong and warm. You can have indoor and outdoor seating this way. If it's still a bit cool light several fire pit-style outdoor fireplaces on the outside area of your party. The fire pit will add a true harvest ambiance to your party area.
- 3). Use alternative modes of heat. If your party is inside a barn or garage, heat the corners with propane heaters. Propane heaters are used by restaurants and clubs to extend patio dining and can be rented or purchased for a very reasonable price at most large home hardware stores.
- 4). Only serve hot refreshments. Hot spiced cider, hot cocoa, coffee and mulled wines will keep your guests happy and warm. Also remember to serve up chili, sloppy joes and other hot casserole dishes. Starchy foods will also crank up the internal body temperature and mac-and-cheese is a crowd-pleaser.
- 5). Pitch a big tent. You may want to consider putting up a medium enclosed event sized tent. You can use propane heaters to keep the chill out but with people milling about, they manage to create their own warmth.
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