How to Socialise Outdoors During the Winter Months Uncategorized 14.01.2022 As the temperature drops and the Christmas season approaches, this is the time when many people start to neglect their gardens and spend more time indoors. This is because in most cases, sitting outside in the garden during winter would be cold, wet and uncomfortable, however, it doesn’t have to be this way. In this guide, we’ll be looking at how you can make the most of your garden in the winter months and create the perfect space for outdoor socialising no matter the weather. How to Create an Outdoor Space for Socialising All Year Round Shelter When creating an outdoor area suitable for use in every season in the UK, the first thing to consider is how you’re going to shelter from the harsh British weather conditions, including wind, rain, snow and even the sunshine (on the rare occasion it makes an appearance). At Aspiration Blinds, our awnings, retractable canopies, louvered verandas, external screens and glass systems can help you shelter outdoor seating areas, allowing you to utilise it all year round. With the British weather being particularly diverse, you’ll be pleased to know that our retractable canopies can withstand wind speeds of up to Beaufort 10 (63mph) and depending on which system you choose, rainwater can be guided down the sides, or diverted through concealed guttering within the structure for additional protection against the wet weather. This further enhances your ability to use your outdoor area for as much of the year as possible. Seating The type of furniture you choose for your outdoor seating area is very important as flimsy furniture made from non-waterproof materials won’t be able to withstand the harsh weather conditions long-term and can end up being non cost effective if you end up having to replace them frequently. When shopping for outdoor furniture, make sure to look for good quality materials such as teak, stainless steel or synthetic resin which offer properties such as wind resistance, waterproof and rust proof. Heating Unless guests are wrapped up in 3 layers each, shelter alone likely won’t make sitting outside comfortable on the coldest of days. This is why you should look at getting some outdoor heating to keep the area nice and toasty. Outdoor patio heaters are perfect for keeping your outdoor seating area warm once the sun has set in summer and on the chilliest days in the winter. Gas flame heaters can look impressive and make the space look cosy, though infrared commercial outdoor heaters are less expensive to run and provide just as much warmth. When installing any type of heater, make sure to check that they are suitable for outdoor use and avoid leaving any wires loose or in a place where people could easily trip over them. Outdoor Rooms If you enjoy the view of the outdoors whilst socialising but can’t bear the thought of actually being outside, an outdoor room could be the perfect solution for you. These rooms can be created using external glass screens in combination with a retractable canopy or glass veranda, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without having to face the cold and wet weather. At Aspiration Blinds, we offer a wide range of bespoke options to help you create the perfect outdoor room for your garden. Why not get in touch with our team today to discuss your ideal space?