Winter in Minnesota is often a point of pride for those of us who live here. It’s almost hyperbolically cold and it lasts half the year. But do we complain about it? No! (Well, maybe sometimes.) 

We put on our boots and head out into the world for ice fishing, cross country skiing, and palaces made of ice. The fact of the matter is, you can’t keep Minnesotans inside during the winter, because there’s just too much to do outside. 

But it’s not just these structured activities that brings us outside. Just as often, all we want is a fun patio party with friends. Obviously we’re not going to sit outside in the winter in just our jackets, so let’s talk about some of the best ways to keep warm while you’re gathering on your patio. 

Electric heater

Nothing beats the instant on/instant off heat of an electric heater. It’s a great option for staying warm on your patio because you can find the exact kind of heater that will best heat your outdoor space. If you want to get extra fancy, you can even get an adjustable electric heater so you’re always the exact right warmth. Plus, once you’re done, you can put the electric heater in your garage to keep that space nice and toasty too. 

Firepit

Firepits are the ultimate wintertime sensory experience. You’ve got the warmth, the smell of smoke, the crackling of the logs and the dancing flame. If you’re feeling extra festive, get some marshmallows to roast and that fire is now hitting all five senses. 

Gas heater 

Gas heaters combine the best features of electric heaters and fire pits with the natural feel of a real fire and instant heat with fully customizable BTUs. But more than that, they don’t blow smoke in your face, make your clothes smell, or require a power cord stretched across your patio. You also have a few options with a gas heater: you can install one that attaches directly to a gas line or you can buy a portable unit that runs on a tank of propane. 

Blankets

A blanket may not be enough to keep you warm for a full night of patio fun on their own, but don’t overlook this ancient comfort staple named for 14th century Flemish weaver Thomas Blanket (yes, really). A blanket or two can help keep you warmer by trapping your body heat, which will put less pressure on whichever heat source you’re gathered around. Just be sure to have a set of outside blankets if you’re sitting by a fire, so your sleeping blankets don’t smell like you just went camping.

Portable/handheld heaters

These little guys provide a small amount of heat, don’t take up too much space, and are often battery powered so there’s no need to be near an outlet. These can also be great for supplementing heat from another source with the bonus of not bringing the smell of smoke into your house. Their small size also makes them quite easy to store when it’s time to head back inside. 

Thermal curtains

Like blankets, curtains are not just an inside thing. If you have a structure around your patio such as a trellis, pergola, or arbor, it’s a simple matter to attach some thermal curtains. These will provide two levels of comfort: they’ll keep heat from escaping and they’ll block that icy winter wind. They can also help with reducing noise, which is helpful if yours is the loud patio house. 

Just remember, if you’re enclosing an outdoor space with thermal curtains, don’t use a gas heater as a heat source. Stick to electric if the area isn’t fully ventilated. 

It’s Warmer on the Inside

While all these accessories will help keep you warm while you’re outside, make sure your furnace is ready to keep your family cozy on the inside. Schedule a $99 check up with one of our specialists today to keep up with your furnace maintenance all season long.