Picnics in busy parks, neighborhood BBQs, get togethers with friends: oh how we miss thee, especially when the outdoor weather is begging to be celebrated! While the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over yet, we are hoping that we can gather for meals and hang-out sessions that are safe, small, and outdoors this fall.
Quarantine or not, we have long loved the cozy vibe of hanging out by the fire. While families and friends might have to keep a little more space between them for the moment, having a mini firepit is an easy way to stave off a little chill and keep the “party” going longer. There are even tabletop versions that are portable (and surprisingly stylish)! If you do have more space and can accommodate a larger pit, roasting marshmallows is a beloved activity for parents and kids (not to mention an easy dessert). And, as long as everyone keeps track of using their own stick, it’s virtually germ-free!
If you plan to spend an extended period of time outside, such as when serving a meal or watching a movie that’s being projected on a wall, an outdoor heater such as the DOME by Heatsail is a great backyard or patio addition. The DOME has a dimmable light and is rustproof and weatherproof, making it useful year-round.
Some of our favorite outdoor games are naturally suited for the socially distanced lifestyle. Bocce and croquet are among our top picks-both are easy to make safe and sanitary. If you have beanbags for each person, a game or two of cornhole is also a great option! Or you can get a shuffleboard set and some chalk for a novel activity-all you need is a strip of sidewalk or smooth driveway.
As the weather continues to cool down, pamper outdoor guests and keep them warm with blankets. Pendleton makes some of our favorite wool blankets-these luxuriously soft blankets are beloved for their craftsmanship and quality. We also love these faux-down, cotton blankets from The Company Store and the fact that they are machine washable!
Getting together with our friends and family (and getting outside the walls of our home) feels more important and precious than ever. With a few simple modifications and backyard additions, you and your guests can focus on catching up and enjoying each other’s company: facing the new normal is always easier when you’re with people you care about.
