Considering Thanksgiving Outdoors? Here’s a Covid-Friendly Guide to Backyard Entertaining

Last holiday season, socially distanced entertaining wasn’t even on our radar. But what a difference a year makes. In 2020, more and more homeowners are winter-prepping their backyards to make outdoor living a year-round reality.

The cold hard truth is: Activities are safer if they are held outdoors. Indoor spaces with less ventilation, where it might be harder to keep people apart, are more risky, according to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. 

What does that mean for seasonal get-togethers?

Does BYOB during COVID mean bring your own blanket?

With cooler temps on the way, here are some sure-fire solutions to make your backyard warm and welcoming.

Heat lamps, patio heaters, fireplaces, and chimineas are among the season’s hottest sellers (literally). Fire pits — either gas or wood-burning — can comfortably seat a group at the recommended six feet apart. Cooke’s version, pictured above, features a granite top.

Many design-minded companies have taken the look up a notch. Belgian-based Heatsail Dome heaters are a modern alternative, providing gentle heat and light long after the sun has set. New York magazine’s The Strategist rates Lava Heat Italia’s pyramid-style Capri A-Line heater the most splurge-worthy in its category.

Or let artwork do double duty. Art of Heat’s custom infrared-heated wall panels can be made from any painting or photograph.

Outdoor furniture can also up an area’s style quotient. Galanter & Jones’ radiantly heated outdoor seating is a tasteful solution to traditional outdoor heating methods. Unique to the market, the award-winning pieces are comfortable, durable, and beautiful.

Scott + Cooner owner Lloyd Scott is partial to the RODA daybed—the ultimate in ease and elegance. Sales have been brisk. “People are entertaining more outdoors. They’re getting their backyards in shape for the holidays.”

It’s also a good time to stock up on throws, quilts, and blankets. Just be sure they’re non-flammable and can be washed in the machine. Keep a basketful handy for guests to grab as needed. Available in variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes, they’re an easy way to add color and texture to any décor.

We were especially intrigued with Curfew’s CBD-infused blanket. If you’ve been feeling anxious lately, or just want to take it easy at the party, this is the blanket for you.

Once you’ve spruced up your space, you’ll want to think about entertainment.

According to RTING.com, Samsung’s The Terrace topped the list of televisions designed specifically for outdoor use. If size is a priority, Sony’s XBR85X950H comes in 75-inch and 85-inch models.

What would any gathering be without music? An outdoor sound system can turn any backyard or patio into an audio oasis. The best combine great sound with durable construction.

Among those recommended by Tom’s Guide is Klipsch AWR-650-SM Outdoor Rock. Ingeniously designed to resemble 17-inch-high hunks of either sandstone or granite, these waterproof faux boulders pack a punch: Dual 0.75-inch tweeters and a 6.5-inch woofer deliver superior sound quality.

Or if you’re wanting to totally rock any outdoor gathering, check out Dallas musician Jon Christopher Davis’ 2020/21 Backyard Tour. The acclaimed singer-songwriter will bring the music to you via customized at-home performances for private parties of any size.

Since the onset of COVID, the McKinney native has kept busy writing and recording new songs with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Stan Lynch, the original drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Their new band, The Speaker Wars—a name coined by friend and founding member of the Eagles, Don Henley—recently wrapped its first studio album.

My personal suggestion: Book now before Jon takes his show on the road next year.

A master at connecting with an audience—whether it’s 20, 200 or 2,000—his spirited sets are an authentic mix of timeless rock, country, and soul.

“It’s our way to keep the music playing at a time when people need it most,” he says. “We’ll work with you to design a show perfectly suited to your individual needs—with social distancing top-of-mind, of course.”