Unlike most other places, in South Florida, cool weather means spending more time outside enjoying the change of temperature. We all know that when it drops below 70 degrees, it’s time to bring out the sweaters and hang out in the patio.

Your patio is where you go to entertain, relax, connect with friends and family, and enjoy the weather – no matter what the season. The end of summer and fall months means backyard entertainment in the sunshine state.

Whether you’re using blankets and fire or hot meals and visual tricks, there are plenty of ways to warm up your patio during those chilly winter days. Don’t pack away your outdoor summer essentials just yet. Here are 4 easy ways to warm up your patio this winter.

Cozy Furniture and Decor

There are several different avenues you can take when it comes to your furniture and patio décor that can make your outdoor space feel warm and comfortable. See which essentials are perfect for warming up your space.

Patio Furniture: Choose furniture that encourages relaxation such as a cushioned outdoor sofa, all-weather poufs, and hammocks. Have cozy blankets on hand and decorate with plush pillows to add even more warmth to your space.

Outdoor Rug: Not only are they easy to clean and a great accent piece, an outdoor rug brings in color, texture, and adds warmth to your patio.

Candles and Lights: These items may not bring physical warmth to your deck, but decorating your patio with twinkle lights, assortments of pillar candles in hurricane glasses, and festive lanterns will give a sophisticated illusion of warmth.

Fire Pits and Warmers

Creating a fire pit is the easiest way to bring some much-needed warmth to a cool backyard. Center your patio furniture around your fire pit or outdoor fireplace and get ready to roast marshmallows and curl up by the heat of the flames. If the price tag on an outdoor fireplace seems a bit steep, try using affordable tiki-torches and heat lamps around your entertainment area for an equally beautiful and warming effect.

Warm Food and Drink

Hot apple cider, hot chocolate, and spiked coffee. Just the thought of these beverages probably fills your whole body with warmth. Use carafes and coffee mugs filled with your favorite beverage to keep your guests’ bellies hydrated on these chilly nights. Another great way to build heat in the backyard is to serve your favorite recipes straight off the grill. Hot food and drinks are a fantastic way to keep warm outside in the cool months.

A Little Shelter

Closing off your patio can provide some shelter from the cooler weather in the winter and protection from the heat in the warmer months. Make your patio versatile in unexpected weather by adding a screen, awning, retractable canvas, or a seasonal canopy. Patio roofs are so useful, you’ll want to keep them out all year round. You can even add visual warmth to your retractable roof by adding in string lights and candles.

Creating a winter-friendly patio space is easy and doesn’t have to break the bank. Have fun making a cozy and inviting atmosphere no matter the season with these 4 ways to warm up your patio space. Have some decor ideas of your own? Share with us @marmolexportusa.