Cozy holidays. Those two words together instantly bring a warm and welcoming feeling and make me want to grab a cup of tea and warm up by the fire. You too? Todays post is all about creating a cozy holiday gathering outdoors- and something special.

There is something about that holiday magic that fills the house this time of year. The twinkling trees. The flickering candles. The Christmas music and sounds of family together again. While this year holiday gatherings might look a little different yet again- we can create a cozy feeling inside and outside to enjoy. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner- todays post is about inspiration for doing just that. My mom is planning on hosting Thanksgiving outdoors in her newly landscaped backyard this year so it has gotten me thinking a bit about a few favorite ways to add warmth and ambiance for outdoor gatherings. And I am also sharing something fun that I have joined a few friends for today- a big Holiday at Home bundle full of all.kinds.of.inspiration just in time for getting your holiday on. Details below!
Cozy Holiday Gatherings
One of my favorite ways to warm up the house for the holidays- is to sprinkle a bit of that Christmas magic all through the house- and outside the house. And when looking at hosting a gathering with friends and family- you can deck the halls out on the patio too.
Tip: Add twinkling trees to your outdoor entertaining areas for instant ambiance magic.

Twinkling trees are a Christmas staple. And they don’t all have to be the traditional green Christmas tree to bring that feeling. I love birch twig trees and glittery or snowy trees for a bit more oomph. My favorite way to enjoy them is to use them as a backdrop behind a seating area or dining area outdoors. Note: If they will be out in the elements- make sure they are outdoor safe.

Shop These Birch Trees & Snowy Trees and more of this Outdoor Gathering Here
String Lights
If you have followed along for awhile you already know how much I love string lights for creating magic. Old fashioned Edison lights, dainty fairy lights, star lights- you name it.

Tip: Use those string lights everywhere. On the the table, in the trees and zig zagged overhead. I am obsessed with the magic they create.

These Capiz Star lights are ones that I have talked about before. I absolutely love them in so many places. They bring a ‘celestial’ feeling that is full of charm anywhere you put them. Shop these Star Garland Lights
Fire Pit Ambiance
We had an outdoor baby shower with family earlier this year before Juliette was born- and we were all outdoors for it. To create a warm and welcoming atmosphere- and a place for folks to cozy up and get warm if there was a chill- we added several different fire pit areas where people could sit. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits bring such a good amount of warmth and ambiance- and they also inspire you to linger outdoors just a bit longer.

Tip: Set up one large fire pit seating area- or go with several. Depending on the size of your gathering and also the size of the fire pit – those pop up fire pits are inexpensive and easy to set up and gather several chairs around and enjoy.

I love this fire pit because it has mesh sides which lets the fire ambiance shine even more. Shop this fire pit
Lanterns
Do lanterns instantly make you think of power outages? haha. Maybe that is just here in California with all the safety power shut offs – we have stocked up on lanterns in case we need them. But really – they mostly make me think of outdoor magical ambiance. Though- you can bring them indoors too- they are just as magical inside as well.

Tip: Use realistic flame lanterns for adding light and magic. They work well for lining walkways or hanging by the door to welcome guests. Or simply tuck near your seating areas or hang in the tree for a little extra magic.

Shop these small realistic flame lanterns
LED Candles
Because candles always bring so much pretty anywhere you use them. I love to tuck some LED candles around the seating area.
Tip: LED Faux Candles that have a realistic flame bring such a wonderful ambiance to your outdoor areas- and they are safe to enjoy anywhere. You can also find Outdoor Safe versions that are okay to leave outside in the elements.

Shop these LED Real Flame Candles
Holidays at Home
I got an email asking about joining 9 friends and sharing an ebook with some of my favorite ideas for adding Christmas cozy and ambiance to the house inside and out. And so- a mini ebook based on some of your favorites came together. It is a place you can find those tips and inspirations all together all year long. And the best part – it is available along with allll the other contributors sharing their expertise, tips and more.
You can read more about it & purchase the Bundle HERE. Available for a limited time!

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SO PRETTY & FANTASTIC IDEAS!! franki