5 Creative DIY Basement Renovation Projects

The best houses put every inch of space to good use, from the powder room all the way up to the master bedroom. However, basements are often overlooked. Maybe it’s because they lack natural light, or because they tend to be a little cooler in temperature. Another reason might be that many newly built homes are sold with unfinished basements. Whatever the reason is, basements tend to be neglected as viable and useful spaces.

The truth is, however, that any finished or unfinished basement has the potential to provide untapped utility. The best part is, you might not even have to hire an expert or break the bank to do it. With a little bit of creativity, you can convert this underused and underappreciated space into a private oasis.   

Here are 5 creative DIY basement renovation projects you can take on.

Home Theatre

You don’t need a 100” flat screen television or an elaborate surround sound system to create a home theatre that’s fun and cozy. Because of the lack of natural light, basements are the perfect place for a home theatre, even one that’s built on a budget. To start, installing a projector on your ceiling is as simple a drill and a few screws. You can also install a motorized or non-motorized projector screen over a wall that doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Even simpler, if you have an unfinished basement with exposed concrete walls, you can paint one of the walls white to make it a screen.

Workshop

With some lumber, simple tools, and a little bit of handiness, you can build your own heavy-duty workshop in your basement. Some items you might want to put together include a workbench and a shelving unit for storage. You can also drill holes in a shelf as a way to store different kinds of screwdrivers. As well, a store-bought peg board and some hooks provide a great way to store your tools while showing them off. Extra touches could include a whiteboard for jotting down notes, and a work stool.

 Storage Area

Basements are the perfect place to store items you don’t need readily at hand every day. With either built-in or freestanding shelves, clothing racks, and closets, you can effectively store a lot of belongings you don’t want to look at every day. If you have an unfinished basement with exposed studs, you can easily install shelves in between these studs to create very usable storage space. You can also convert your area under the stairs that might have otherwise gone unused into storage for larger seasonal items like Christmas decorations.

Art/Music Studio

It doesn’t take much to turn the basement of your home into a loft-style space that fosters creativity. If you’re a visual artist, laying down some area rugs, placing some comfortable spaces to sit, and creating storage for your materials can transform your space into a studio. If you’re a musician, you can improve the acoustics and create a home studio feel with foam egg cartons or real acoustic paneling.

Home Gym

Looking to stay out of the gym while staying in shape? Your basement could make a great home gym without a huge investment. To make it a safe space, lay down some padded flooring, which is often as simple as cutting it with a pocketknife. From there, things like a chin-up bar and free weights are readily available online.

About The Author: Alex Capozzolo is the owner of the Brotherly Love Real Estate blog and a content writer for the real estate industry. We buy houses in Philadelphia, PA. Our focus is on helping people through one of the most important investment decisions of their lifetime by seamlessly providing fast, honest, and professional real estate services.

Guest Contributor: Alex Capozzolo

How to Prepare Reclaimed Wood for Reuse

Reclaimed wood has been adored by many people for its look. The character, history, uniqueness, and structural integrity these wood possess are features that homeowners greatly appreciate. Working with reclaimed wood be very meticulous so it will take careful planning, preparation, and patience to get the best out of the reclaimed wood that you have.

Determining the Wood Species

Just like any other wood, reclaimed wood can come from different species of wood. One good parameter in choosing what species of reclaimed wood to choose is the strength of the wood. It’s best to consult with a structural engineer to confirm that the chosen size and length of the reclaimed timber are adequate for your design. 

Staging and Material Inspection

After determining to wood species of your choice, we need to have our timbers inspected on-site. It’s best to do the inspection on a site where there is very large space for the timbers to lay out. 

There are various features that you can check on the timbers on inspection day. It can be irregular cuts and notches. It can be the ageing features of the wood. The features of your choice will entirely depend on your taste

The next step is to have a professional look on the timbers of your choice to see the structural grade of each piece. This process can take as long as five hours as the process includes poking and prodding each wood. Chunks of dry rot are removed sometimes during these inspections. The inspector will give a formal report of the inspection afterwards. 

Corn Cob Blasting and Fumigation

After the design drawings and the construction contract has been finalized, it’s time to clean and fumigate the timbers as preparing reclaimed wood for use is a very critical step. The last thing you want once reclaimed timbers are erected are loose organic particles constantly falling over from the beams. 

The first thing to do is to manually scrape the wood beams to remove any loose barks or wood chips. The next step is blast those wood beams with corn cob. This process will remove any excess bark, dry rot, and debris from the wood gently enough that it will not destroy the surface.

The last step is fumigating the wood. This is done by applying a solution of borate glycol onto the wood surface. This solution penetrates the wood and kills any bugs left.

Now your reclaimed wood is prepared and ready for construction!

Guest Contributor: Maria Espievidal

Rustic Living Room Design Guide

What do you imagine when you hear the words “rustic design”? You probably think about cozy cabins in the woods, snowy peaks and hot cocoa in your hand. Or you might think about tiny cottages surrounded by orchards and wildflowers. However, you don’t have to live in the Swiss Alps or English countryside to enjoy this level of comfort and peace. You can introduce rustic design into your home and surround yourself with relaxing décor and comforting peace.

Reimagine your walls with stone wallpaper 

If you don’t want to tear down walls or do any major work on your home, you can simply grab some rustic wallpaper, pick a wall and create a beautiful nature-inspired statement item in your living room. Today, you can find all sorts of practical wallpaper designs that are easy to put up and take down in case you get bored with one look. Combine your statement wall with some faux wood beams and you’ll feel like you stepped into a fairytale cabin every time you enter your home (and all that without too much work).

Warm up the space with wood accents

One of the key elements in rustic interiors is the use of wood. This is the best way to give your home a rustic vibe, even if you’re aiming for a more modern approach to this style. You can go for anything from wood art installations to heavy coffee tables and warm wood accessories. There’s only one rule to wood: try to use the same wood tones throughout the space to achieve a coherent look. For that warm feel to your space, focus on rich colored accents when matching accessories to your wood, and if you prefer a cooler atmosphere, opt for grey tones.

Add a few nature items 

Rustic design is very closely connected to nature, so make sure to include a few items that come straight from the outdoors. For instance, you can brighten up the space with a wicker or driftwood chandelier or create a gorgeous fall-inspired centerpiece for your coffee table. If you want to go a little bit darker and mysterious when it comes to your design, you can look into taxidermy and mount a hand-carved animal skull onto your wall. If this idea tickles your mind, you can learn more about it and include a gorgeous conversation-starter piece into your home.

Get cozy in front of a fireplace 

A fireplace is a staple in rustic design, so if you have any means to include it into your home, don’t hesitate to invest in this item. Of course, a fire-burning hearth is tricky to construct and maintain, so if you want to avoid the fuss, you can opt for one of those gas fireplaces. These are easier to install and require zero effort when it comes to maintenance and getting the fire going. Just turn it on, enjoy the dancing flames and curl up to your loved ones (pets are a great replacement for humans too).

Soften up the vibe with textiles

No rustic home is complete without plenty of cozy textile elements. No matter if you’re aiming for a traditional look or you want to achieve the fusion between rustic and modern design, textiles will balance out the space, so they are a must. Integrate softness and texture into your space with pillows and throws, but don’t neglect your window treatment. Besides these elements, you can also pay attention to your furniture pieces—a mix of upholstered and bare furniture is a great way to achieve the harmony between warmth, coziness and elegance. 

Rustic design is perfect for everyone who craves comfort and relaxation but is not willing to sacrifice any style. Incorporate some of these interior design elements into your home and you’ll fall in love with your space all over again!

Guest Contributor: Michael

Top Tips to Consider Before Diving Into A Swimming Pool Project

Top Tips to Consider Before Diving Into A Swimming Pool Project

Swimming pools make great additions to a property, especially when you or your loved ones love frolicking in the water. 

However, you have to first be aware of certain factors before you dive deep (pun intended) into your pool project. 

From deciding on what kind or design of the pool that you want to secure the services of expert swimming pool builders, read on and discover helpful tips to get you chilling and swimming in no time.

Diving In

If you want to have your own aquatic haven right in your own home, then you can’t just dip your toes in, so to speak. You have to make sure you have fully immersed yourself in the whole scenario of owning one. 

Sure, it’s thrilling to have your own pool where you can lounge and splash around anytime you feel like it. However, pool ownership also entails responsibility. So when you are toying with the idea of having a swimming pool, it is best to do some careful thinking and thorough planning. 

You have to look at it from different angles and see if you can really commit to this home improvement project. Adding a pool to your home can make or break the value of your property, too.

Before you go and take the plunge, it would be prudent if you at least have a basic idea of the things involved. You don’t just need to decide on the type or design, you also have to consider things like plumbing, landscaping, ensuring that your contractor uses waterproof paint on applicable surfaces, and other building, cleaning, maintenance, and upgrading factors.

It would also be wise if you can secure the services of a master swimming pool builder. Look for one that has years of experience in constructing pools as well as creating a beautifully landscaped area around it.

To help you tread carefully into your swimming pool project, we have put together some salient tips that will help you decide and properly build a spectacular swimming pool:

1. Know What You Want

Do you want a hot tub, a lap pool, or a full-on spa? What is the size and shape that you have in mind? Is it an indoor or outdoor pool?

There are plenty of designs and types of swimming pools to choose from. In fact, it is easy for you to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of designs and materials out there. There are concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl pools. There are above-ground pools and in-ground pools. You can even opt for resort-style infinity pools.

To help you decide on what you want, you have to first identify the purpose. 

Why do you want a swimming pool? Are you the type who wants swimming as a part of your exercise regimen? 

Then perhaps a lap pool will do. If you have small kids who are not yet fully trained to swim, then maybe you can include a wading pool in your design. 

If being around water relaxes you and helps you stay calm, then a pool with a hot tub can help massage away the worries of the day.

2. Set a Budget

A swimming pool is an investment that you have to decide on carefully. A properly designed pool can add value to your property whereas a one that has been haphazardly and poorly made can do the opposite. 

You should also consider how long you are going to stay in that property. Are you going to stay in that house for good or do you have plans of selling it in the future?

Aside from the initial investment that you will be shelling out for the pool, you also have to take account of the maintenance costs. Depending on what kind of swimming pool you like, you have to be ready to finance it. 

You don’t want to scrimp on a swimming pool because, for one, you don’t want to risk your safety. Secondly, should you decide to sell your property, you want the swimming pool to contribute to upping the ante in terms of value.

3. Discuss, Agree, Finalize

If you live alone, then you’ll have to decide on the design of your swimming pool on your own. However, if you are living with a partner, or your family, then you need to consider their thoughts and feelings about the pool project, too.

For example, including your family in the design or decision process may help in having a pool that will be enjoyed by everyone in the house. If the money that will be used for building the pool will come from a joint account, then it would only be respectful to also discuss it with the other party.

You also need to consider the specific needs of other family members who will use the pool. For example, the elderly might use it for therapeutic purposes, or you may have young kids who’ll need a shallow pool they can use safely with adult supervision. These considerations will affect both the design and cost of building the pool.

4. Be Aware of Legalities

Before you build a pool, make sure that you are aware of the zoning laws and other community or housing rules that apply. Ensure that you are not breaking any regulations before you set out creating your swimming haven.

There are cities or housing communities that are very strict when it comes to liability and maintenance rules.

5. Think About Technical Stuff

It is also very important to know about the technical factors that will affect how you will enjoy your pool. This includes considerations as to your current plumbing and water lines. You might also consider adding other features such as a cascading waterfall, dynamic jets, or underwater lighting. Add-ons such as water and lighting features must be thought of beforehand to avoid messy, time-consuming, and costly renovations.

It is also crucial that you choose the correct water circulation system to ensure that your pool water remains clean and fresh. A reputable swimming pool contractor will be able to recommend the best one based on your requirements.

6. Remember the Landscaping

Part of a glorious swimming pool experience is the environment. Having a setting that is both pleasing to the eyes and soothing for the soul can greatly enhance your pool encounters.

Don’t forget to include the landscape design in your pool project. Whether you’re after creating a coastal, modern, or rustic vibe, the landscaping will surely create an ambiance that will round out your swimming pool fantasies.

7. Choose the Best Contractor

When you want a pool that satisfies all your personal requirements, then it is important to seek the services of an established contractor. The experience and expertise of swimming pool specialists will ensure that you have a proper pool that is safe and fun to use.

It will also be advantageous if you choose a swimming pool contractor that can also offer maintenance services for your swimming pool and garden landscaping. This way, you’ll only be dealing with one company.

Time to Make a Splash

Make sure you consider the above tips before you decide to start your pool building project. Thoughtfully plan out the steps, weigh the pros and cons, and go for a reliable pool contractor. 

By following these tips, you can dive into your pool project with confidence.

AUTHOR BIO

Rachel Hennessey manages the Pools and Landscaping Division of Hennessey LLC. She also works on Tender and Pre-Qualification and brings in new business to the company's Construction, Interiors, and Civils Division.

Guest Contributor: Rachel Hennessy

These Things Should Always Be Deal Breakers While House Hunting

We’ve talked before about things you should overlook when house hunting, but being flexible and seeing past a home’s imperfections isn’t always the thing to do.

Don’t get us wrong, there are a lot of things that should be overlooked because they can easily be changed down the road. However, some things should never be overlooked. We like to call them “deal breakers”.

Making a list of your deal breakers is essential to finding the perfect home for now and well into the future. That’s why the things on this list should be non-negotiable. Seriously, don’t get emotionally attached to something that will create resentment down the road. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your family to create your own list of deal breakers before your house hunting adventure begins, but we’ve compiled a list of the most important ones in order for you to jump-start the process!

A Real Potential for Water Damage

A lot of household problems can be fixed, but being subject to water damage is one that is not even close to an easy fit. Before committing to a house, be sure to research if it’s in a flood zone. (FEMA has a handy website that can search all flood areas by address.) Also, take notice of its elevation on the block compared to other homes. Is this house at the lowest point on the street? Will your basement constantly be at risk of flooding and causing you large problems and even larger repair bills? Make sure you look very closely for any signs of water damage.

Do your research so that you know exactly what you are getting into, and are not surprised by a flooded basement after the first rain in your new home.

(All Different Kinds of) Safety Concerns

Safety concerns are a very broad category, so it’s important that you get as specific as possible when creating your house hunting deal breaker list. Safety concerns with electronics can be caused by amateur workmanship, such as plumbing or electrical problems. But this could also be caused by other household issues, such as:

• Asbestos

• Radon gas levels 

• Insect infestation

• Mold levels

Check the links for helpful ways to test for common safety concerns. Before you buy any house, let alone a suspect one, make sure to hire an inspector. If they report any problems, know exactly what issues result in you walking away from the deal and which ones you are willing to deal with (and potentially pay for!). Having this information clear before the home buying process will allow you to remain objective during this emotional time.

Below Average School District

If you have kids, be sure to investigate the local school district before you buy a home in that district. Niche.com provides a comprehensive look at most every school system in the country, including elementary, middle and high schools. You can also look at schools individually!

Even if you don’t have kids, we still encourage you to do the same because that school district will impact the resale value of your home in the long run and should be considered before you purchase.

Structural Damage to the Home’s Base

Structural damage in a home can cause some serious problems down the road, not to mention what a nightmare it would be to try to re-sell a home that has these large issues. It’s important to consider this when house hunting in order to avoid large project costs down the road. Look for shifting of the home in cracks, uneven floors or a drooping roof to identify potential structural damage. If you’re not sure, don’t be afraid to Google a contractor or professional so they can assess the situation and reassure you the house is a safe long-term investment.

Unless you are buying a foreclosure for pennies on the dollar, structural damage is certain to massively impact your investment in a negative way.

A Floor Plan That Doesn’t Work for Your Family

All rooms can be rearranged, redecorated, repainted or even switched around, depending on your family’s needs. However, don’t trick yourself: a sweet overlook may be cool, but the layout of the home or the square footage of the home is not so easily changed, especially without a massive budget and an extra-large construction project. Are you looking to double your investment by knocking out walls?

It’s okay to look past the cosmetic upgrades in a home, but don’t look past what the pros call “the bones” of the house: the layout, the number of rooms, the number of bathrooms or again, even simply the square footage. The bones are permanent and will directly impact your lifestyle. Are you willing to change your life just for that sweet view?

House Hunting Outside of Your Price Range 

Buying a home out of your price range is a slippery slope and a financial decision that can put a lot of stress and pressure on you and your family.

It is also the most common deal breaker people ignore!

If you have a strict budget you need to follow, adding this deal breaker to your house hunting checklist will be a great way to “check yourself” and make sure that you are coming in under budget and not putting an unnecessary strain on you, your marriage, or your family. Besides, it is almost always better to invest in a cheaper property than to live with what you cannot afford.

What’s on Your House Hunting Deal Breaker Checklist?

All of these may fall on your house hunting deal breaker checklist, or maybe some of them… or maybe none at all. Technically, the most important thing is shedding light on the fact that people don’t often consider deal breakers ahead of hunting for a house. That’s why a house hunting checklist is crucial to avoid getting emotionally invested and making an impulsive decision that you’ll regret later on.

Remember the biggest rule: once you agree on which deal breakers gets added to the checklist, you cannot purchase any home that has even one of the things on it, regardless of how adorable it may look! This cute house may look great now, but it probably isn’t the best investment for the long run. Hold strong, the right one will come along… it always does!

Learn all about Radon here.

To know more about House Flipping and choosing a property, check out LandCentury.com

Guest Contributor: Hire a Helper

Bathroom Safety Tips for the Elderly

Bathroom Safety Tips for the Elderly

Going to the bathroom doesn’t become an issue until you get older. The bathroom becomes one of the most dangerous places as we grow old. This is because as we age, we develop cognitive issues, weakness, frailty, and some balance issues. These are just some of the common problems elderly people go through as they age, and if you happen to be living with one, the best thing you can do is to make the bathroom a safer place for them. There are a lot of ways to prevent accidental slips and falls that may lead to dreadful scenarios. We have prepared a handful list that you can use to make your bathrooms safer for your elder loved ones.

Useful Bathroom Safety Tips for the Elderly

If you can’t be there to supervise your elderly folds 24/7, here are a few things you can do.

Maintain a Clear Path

Since elderly people are likely to have problems with their vision and balance, it is important for you to make sure that the toilet and the path leading to it is clear of clutters and distractions. Install lights that are bright enough to illuminate the way. Get rid of mats or rugs that may cause them to slip. Make sure that the floor is always dry and that there are no objects lying around the room as it may cause them to trip or slip.

Accessibility Matters

When you are taking care of an elderly person, you should focus on making things easier for them. This means paying attention to trivial things like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, and other essentials readily available and easy to reach. Place them in areas that are easily accessible to prevent instances where they would have to reach out to get them.

Install Toilet Risers

With limited movement, it will be hard to make even the simplest actions like sitting and rising from the toilet. This can be an activity that is tiresome and risky because of the possibility of slips and falls as they attempt to stand up. If you have seen a toilet riser for the handicapped, you will be able to figure out how it helps. It raises the level of the toilet which requires less effort for an elderly person to sit and rise from it. These are great add-ons to your bathrooms, especially for your elder folks.

Use Non-slip Mats

As mentioned earlier, throw rugs and mats should be discarded. If you really insist to have a mat in your bathroom, make sure to get non-slip mats. These are specifically designed to lessen the chances of risks and falls. Since a floor’s surface can be made extra slippery by mud, water, oil, and other substances, non-slip mats can be placed to lessening the surface’s slipperiness.

Transfer Benches Work

Older people may have a hard time lifting their extremities. In this case, lifting their legs to hop into the bathtub can be extremely challenging. This may be a cause to make them lose their balance so it is wise to get a transfer bench that they can use to get into the tub. This is a device placed over the tub and utilized to let them slide into the tub without putting an effort to lift their legs higher. This lets them go in and out of the tub while assuming a sitting position.

Make the Habit of Checking the Temperature

It is good to make it a practice to check the water temperature first before having an older person get in the shower or in the tub. Sudden reactions from extremely hot or cold temperatures can lead to falls and slips.

Let Them Use a Shower Chair

For a person who has weak joints and bones, it can be a challenge to stay standing for a long time. There are those who are not able to sustain good posture and balance for a long time. In this case, having them use a shower chair helps. They can easily bathe without having to worry and feel tired from being in an upright or standing position for a long time.

Conclusion

Living with an elderly person can be made easy by putting some effort in keeping their environment safe. With the challenges they experience in terms of physical, emotional, and mental aspects, daily living can be hard. The simplest things like going to the bathroom can be very difficult and draining. Hence, the need for additional measures is needed. The steps mentioned above are some of the best and most practical ways to do it. These devices are easily available and accessible, so you can score it in a breeze in your nearest physical or online store. With all these at play, you can go through your day in a breeze while being at peace.

Guest Contributor: Gourav Sharma

How to Get Rid of Mold to Protect Your Health

How to Get Rid of Mold to Protect Your Health

Mold, which has been around longer than modern humans, is very important for the environment. After all, this fungus does play a crucial role in breaking down organic material such as dead leaves.

Still, regardless of how beneficial it is for the ecosystem, mold has no place inside your home. Mold growth on your walls and ceilings are unsightly. They also give off a musty smell. Worse of all, mold poses a health risk to you and your loved ones.

It’s not uncommon for people living in homes with mold infestations to suffer health issues such as sore throat, stuffy nose, burning eyes, skin rash, or coughing and wheezing. Severe reactions also happen to people with asthma or who are allergic to the fungus.

And if someone in your family is suffering from chronic lung disease or is immunocompromised in some way, better do something about your mold problem because it can cause lung infections.

If your home has a severe case of mold, it’s best to get the services of professionals for effective mold remediation. Smaller mold formations, however, are more manageable. Here are some tips on getting rid of mold to protect your health.

Gear Up For DIY Mold Removal

Before you start removing patches of mold from your walls, make sure you wear safety gear to prevent inhalation of mold spores that can make you sick. Your safety gear should include:

●      Disposable rubber gloves

●      Safety goggles

●      Safety mask or a respirator

●      Coveralls with attached hood and booties preferable, but long pants and a long-sleeved shirt will do

Mold Removal Materials

Prepare the following materials for DIY mold removal:

●      Bleach

●      Scrub brush

●      Rags

●      Bucket

●      Non-ammonia soap or detergent

Removing The Mold

Start by soaking your rag in water and use it to wet the patches of mold to ensure mold spores won’t be disturbed. Then briskly scrub off all the mold in sight with non-ammonia soap or detergent.

After brushing, mix a gallon of water and 1½ cups of bleach in a bucket. Soak a rag with the solution, wet the affected wall with it, and leave it damp for 15 minutes before brushing it again. Rinse the area you’re working on with water afterward.

If there are still traces of mold, repeat the bleaching process until no visible mold is left. Get an electric fan to dry the area faster.

Mold Prevention

Mold removal is good, but mold prevention is always better. Some things you can do to prevent mold from forming in your home include:

Keeping Humidity Levels Down

Keep in mind that mold thrives in areas where there is plenty of moisture, so keep humidity levels at home in check. As much as possible, the humidity level in your home should be no higher than 50% on any given day. Get a humidity meter from your neighborhood home improvement store so you can monitor moisture levels inside your home.

If you live in an area with humid weather, having a dehumidifier can keep moisture levels down. An AC unit will also work for this purpose.

Ensuring Optimal Airflow

Good airflow inside your home prevents humid air from getting trapped. Keep your windows open in the summer, and install exhaust fans in particularly moist places like the kitchen and the bathroom to vent humid air out.

Finding and Fixing Leaks

Check your roof, pipes, windows for leaks that contribute to the moisture in your home and foster the growth of mold. Fix those leaks as soon as possible.

Immediate Flood Cleanup

In the event your home gets hit by a flood, make sure to clean up and dry everything out within 24-48 hours.

Adding Mold Inhibitors To Paint

If you’re repainting your house, it would be great to add mold inhibitors to it. Although they don’t kill existing mold, mold inhibitors prevent mold growth.

Since mold inhibitors are hazardous, make sure you have protection for your hands and eyes when handling them.

Keep in mind, however, that DIY mold removal is only suitable for small patches of mold. If your mold problem is bigger than ten square feet, your best option would be to call in mold remediation professionals. With their expertise, experience, and specialized tools and equipment, you can be sure your home will be mold-free by the time they’re done.

Guest Contributor: Rachel Anderson

Tips on How To Entertain Guests Outdoors This Winter

Tips on How To Entertain Guests Outdoors This Winter 

Entertaining outdoors is quite challenging, especially in winter. It’s cold and freezing outside, which is why some homeowners would rather stay inside instead of inviting guests for a get-together.

It’s not a lost cause, though. There are exciting and creative ways you can entertain outdoors, even if the winter season is in full swing. Your residential patio misting system will now be replaced with a heater, but you can still party and have fun.

Prepare your patio and backyard, get those party plates ready, and check out these cool tips for entertaining outdoors in the cold wintertime.

Use or Build a Fireplace or Fire Pit

A little bit of rearranging and redecorating will be good. So, move things around and find space for an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit. Adding some warmth to your party venue will make it cozy and comfortable. Your guests won’t mind the cold winter air or the snow if they’re all snug and relaxed.

Use the fireplace as the focal point of your venue. Spice it up by adding some decorations. If you can, find a permanent one so you can use it whenever you need to. If your budget does not permit you to do so, you can always go for portable fireplaces that come with DIY kits.

If you want a more practical option, buy a portable or DIY fire pit from your favorite home improvement center.

Creating a tabletop fire is your third and most affordable option. Use fire pots and torches and arrange them in such a way that they’ll illuminate the place. They can be your centerpiece, or you can line them up on the edges of the patio.

If you’re entertaining in the backyard, an open space, building a small bonfire is a great idea.

Lastly, adding a patio heater is a good investment, especially if you plan to have more outdoor get-togethers in winter. 

Level up on Your Outdoor Furniture

Change your regular cushions, throw pillows, and living room furniture isn’t suited for the cold winter outdoors. It would be best if you leveled up your outdoor furniture. Metal, wood, or plastic chairs should have thick cushions.

If you have an outdoor sofa, look for big cushions that you can place on top of it. Find as many as you can and cover your couch with these cozy pillows.

Also, take out your thick blankets and comforters and arrange them around your furniture. Your guests will appreciate it if you prepare one for each of them.

Be sure you have enough tables so your guests won’t have to hold their drinks the whole time.

Cover Your Patio Floor with Rugs

Even if you have a fireplace or fire pit, your patio floor will still be cold. Sometimes, the floor will be a little moist and damp, too. So, find thick rugs and use them to cover your patio floor. Better yet, if you have an extra carpet, place it on the floor. Add some fluffy floor cushions to make the area cozier and more comfortable.

Likewise, you can add curtains to cover your patio and generate a little heat. It can be a regular outdoor curtain, or you can use bamboo roll-up shades. Be careful and make sure that your curtain is far from your fireplace, fire pit, or tabletop fire.

Serve Warm Drinks

Instead of the usual ice-cold drinks, serve warm drinks. There are many options to choose from - hot chocolate or hot cocoa, hot white chocolate milk, hot vanilla cinnamon milk, eggnog, and warm or spiced cider. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

Brewed coffee is also a good choice, especially if you add some Irish cream or peppermint syrup. Alcoholic drinks like beer and wine are perfect for those who want a little kick.

To add some fun, try putting up a minibar, one that specializes in warm drinks. Experiment on some drinks for a memorable winter adventure; add some honey or mint on your tea, or sprinkle a little cinnamon on your friend’s coffee.

Prepare Warm-Up Food

Warm-up food is food that makes you feel all warm and satisfied. Examples for this are soup (any kind), chili (paired with warm toasted bread slices), and beef or lamb stew.

If you have enough space, prepare an area for roasting marshmallows and hotdogs. The kids will love this!

Don’t Forget to Remind Guests to Dress Appropriately

The appropriate outfit for a winter outdoor get-together includes a pair of gloves, beanies, boots, scarves, and winter clothes. When you send out the invites, specify that it is an outdoor event so your guests will know how to dress for it.

Make dressing up more fun for everyone by coming up with a theme or a wardrobe requirement, such as a winter hat, an ugly Christmas sweater, or colorful scarves.

Prepare Games and Entertainment

If your guests have exciting things to do, they won’t feel the freezing winter air. So, be sure to prepare games and some unique entertainment. It doesn’t have to be traditional party games like relays. Go with games everyone is familiar with, like Monopoly or Pictionary, for example.

For entertainment, bring out the guitar and sing some songs with your guests. Setting up an outdoor cinema is also a cool idea.

Follow these tips and have a fun and memorable outdoor winter entertainment get-together with family and friends!

Guest Contributor: Anna Fox