Having a patio or a decking area can be great for the summer months as it’s the perfect place for barbecues and a spot of entertaining in the garden. That said, we feel people can make good use of these areas in the winter months too, and here’s how:

Fight the cold

To still be able to enjoy the patio or decking area at Christmas time, you need a really good outdoor heater, and we know just the thing. A chiminea is a nice option and all you need is some dry wood to burn through and you’ll have a delightful heat in no time. Another option is to buy electric powered outdoor heaters and with these you can easily cover the whole area of a table and chairs, so every individual gets lovely heat to take away the bite from the cold British breeze.

Decorate it in style

Of course, with it being Christmas time, you’ll also need to make sure it has a bit of a Christmassy sparkle. One of the ways you can do this is to have fairy lights scattered throughout the garden, such as along the trees, fences and walls of your home. By decorating around the patio and decking area, you can create a delightful wintery ambience with a Christmas twinkle.

Think outside the box

Okay so you can’t have a barbecue on a cold winter’s night, and who would want to? That said, why not make homemade cocoa and marshmallows and then put on a thick fleece to unwind in the garden. It can be so peaceful with no neighbour noise to either side of your property, and you can just listen to the birds while you sip on sweet homemade cocoa.

Transition from the house in style

French doors are beautiful for patio and decking areas, and that’s because they open out with ease, so you can quickly come inside should the wind pick up too much or rain start to fall. With a nice transition straight into your cosy house, there’s an easy escape route should the weather change its tune. Whether you have an expensive patio with reclaimed slabs or a cheap decking timber, it is possible to create a superb Christmas ambience. With the right equipment and a positive mentality, you can make the most of your garden all year round. A big part of being British is keeping calm and carrying on, and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing rain or shine.

Maintenance is key

Another important aspect is cleaning and maintaining your patio or decking. By sweeping regularly and oiling your timber flooring and garden furniture, you can ensure it’s in the best possible condition all year round. Many people pack up their furniture and only bring it out in the summer months, but winter doesn’t actually do it much harm – so long as you are regularly cleaning and coating the furniture. Jet spraying decking and patios can help too, preventing the build up of dirt and grime, possibly adding many years onto the life of your patio surface.