The holiday season doesn’t have to end when the calendar flips to January. If you didn’t get a chance to throw a holiday party last year, why not host one this month?
January is the perfect time to host a holiday party. Why, you ask. Everyone’s schedule is far more open now than during the holiday frenzy of December. Party foods are back in stock, and grocery stores are less busy, says Yahoo!
And what better way to make it special than firing up the grill? A cozy grill party can beat the winter blues, gather your favorite people, and keep the festive vibes going.
Here, we’ll share a few tips that will help you host the coziest holiday party by the grill in the brisk weather of January.
#1 Embrace the Chill with a Warm Setup
Don’t fight the cold, but embrace the chilly vibes of the season. The trick is to create a warm setup that makes being outside feel inviting rather than frosty. It’s January, and no one would want to shiver while waiting for their burger.
Set up a heat source. Once the sun goes down, a fire pit can keep your guests toasty and comfortable. Stand-up propane heaters are also a good bet, says The Family Handyman. Go for the latter if you don’t have a fire pit. They will add warmth and keep your guests comfortable while giving your party an intimate, wintery vibe.
Tom’s Guide advises arranging cozy seating around the heater. For added comfort, place fleece throws or faux fur blankets on a chair. Your guests can grab and wrap them when they feel cold.
#2 Grill Winter-Friendly Foods
Who said burgers and hot dogs are the only grill-worthy options? Grilling in winter calls for heartier, comfort foods that warm everyone from the inside out.
Juicy steaks, flavorful sausages, and skewers loaded with winter veggies like squash, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms are excellent options.
For a fun twist, try grilled flatbreads or pizzas. Let guests customize their toppings, toss them on the grill, and voila—a crowd-pleaser that is as cozy as it is delicious. Want to get fancy? Grill some hearty sandwiches, like a smoky grilled cheese with gouda and caramelized onions.
According to delicious, other grilling recipes you can try in winter are butterflied chicken with chargrilled lemon, chargrilled masala chicken with cucumber and tomato, and Thai-spiced grilled mackerel.
Don’t shy away from grilling seasonal fruits like pears or apples for a sweet twist. Grilled fruits pair beautifully with cinnamon and honey. Or go classic with s’mores—even adults love roasting marshmallows around the fire.
#3 Serve Warm Drinks
No party is complete without drinks, especially when you’re hosting outdoors in winter. Warm beverages are a must, but don’t forget to include a few chilled options to balance them out.
For the warm side, mulled red wine is always a favorite, with its aromatic blend of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus.
Pear cider is another comforting option that pairs beautifully with the grill’s smoky flavors. For a twist, add a splash of brandy or whiskey to it. According to Country Living, alcoholic beverages will turn it into a winter cocktail.
On the chilled side, winter-inspired cocktails can elevate your drink menu. A cranberry rosemary gin spritzer or a grilled orange whiskey sour combines seasonal ingredients with sophisticated flair.
And, of course, bourbon is a must. Wheated bourbons, with their smooth, sweet profile, are perfect for sipping outdoors.
If you want to impress your guests, consider Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon from the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery. According to The Liquor Bros, it has notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of spice, which is why it’s perfect for both neats and cocktails.
To save time for party prep, buy Buffalo Trace online. Just make sure to order from a reputable liquor shop that offers fast shipping. Checking reviews ahead on the liquor shop’s website, as well as third-party sites, will give you a glimpse into their shipping window.
#4 Set the Tone With Seasonal Decor
Lean into winter-inspired decorations, as they will instantly transform your backyard into a winter wonderland that feels warm and festive.
You don’t have to go overboard with decorations. String lights are simple and magical, and make any outdoor space feel cozier. Wrap them around trees, railings, and your grill station for a soft glow.
Have holiday decorations lingering? Reuse them. Plaid blankets, rustic lanterns, and metallic accents will give your space a wintery feel without looking too Christmassy.
Hang snowflake ornaments or use wooden cutting boards for serving to add a rustic, seasonal feel. You can elevate your table with mason jars with cranberries floating in the water and a floating candle on top.
It’s unconventional, but throwing a cozy holiday party by the grill in January is a refreshing way to celebrate the season.
Don’t stress if the fire needs stoking or you forgot the marshmallows. Nobody expects perfection—good food, good company, and a laid-back atmosphere are all that matters.
