Winter in Minnesota is known for its snow and chill, not for outdoor lounging. But with the right updates, your patio can become a warm and inviting space you’ll enjoy even in the coldest months. Whether you're sipping hot cocoa under twinkling lights or gathered around a fire table with friends, a few smart upgrades can turn your outdoor area into a cozy retreat.

At By the Yard, we believe winter patios should be just as comfortable as indoor spaces. Here are five easy ways to winterize your patio and enjoy it all season long.

1. Use Outdoor Lighting to Set the Mood

Shorter days and darker evenings make outdoor lighting essential for winter patios. Add string lights, outdoor lanterns, or even a heat-emitting patio lamp to create a soft, inviting glow. Warm white lights enhance the atmosphere and make your patio feel less harsh, even on the coldest nights.

Holiday lights are another fun way to embrace the season. Wrap them around railings or planters for extra cheer. Lighting is more than decorative; it allows you to use your patio after sunset while adding a cozy touch that encourages you to linger outside.

2. Bring Life to Your Patio with Winter Plants

Plants add beauty and warmth to outdoor spaces year-round. In winter, incorporate greenery to soften the cold. Use artificial evergreens, faux snow-dusted garlands, and seasonal planters with red berries or pinecones to create a festive feel.

If you prefer real plants, choose winter-hardy options like dwarf Alberta spruce, boxwood, or ornamental grasses. Larger shrubs can even act as windbreaks, helping create a sheltered and private outdoor nook. Whether real or faux, greenery makes your patio more welcoming and vibrant in every season.

3. Add Warmth with a Fire Table or Fire Pit

A fire table is the centerpiece of any winter patio. It provides warmth, ambient light, and a gathering place for friends and family. In Minnesota winters, it’s a must-have to make your outdoor space usable and enjoyable.

By the Yard offers maintenance-free fire tables that are both stylish and functional. Use them for warmth while relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying an outdoor meal. They also double as convenient surfaces for drinks and snacks, making them practical additions to your patio setup.

4. Invest in Winter-Proof Outdoor Furniture

Not all patio furniture is made to handle winter. Choose outdoor furniture that is built to withstand snow, cold, and moisture. Look for materials like HDPE, a high-density polyethylene lumber that is weather-resistant and requires no storage or maintenance.

By the Yard’s patio furniture is made from recycled materials and engineered for four-season durability. It will not rot, warp, fade, or crack, even during harsh winters. Our furniture is also easy to clean and available in a wide variety of styles and colors to fit your outdoor decor.

5. Create a Comfortable and Inviting Space

A winter patio should feel just as cozy as your living room. Add soft throw blankets, all-weather cushions, and decorative pillows to make your seating extra comfortable. Use a durable outdoor rug to define the space and add texture underfoot.

Combine furniture and accessories that reflect your style and make the patio feel like an extension of your home. With a few small changes, your outdoor space can quickly become your favorite place to relax, even when temperatures drop.

Enjoy Your Patio Year-Round with By the Yard

Winter does not have to end patio season. With durable outdoor furniture, fire tables, and thoughtful accessories, you can create a winter-ready patio that is warm, inviting, and perfect for relaxing or entertaining. By the Yard designs furniture that lasts through Minnesota winters and looks great every season.

Visit one of our showrooms or shop online to find weather-resistant furniture and fire tables that will transform your outdoor space. This year, spend more time outside and make the most of winter with By the Yard.