Two men drinking hearth wine

Tips for winter entertaining

It’s tempting to spend more time at home in winter when the weather turns cold and inclement, but it’s also a fun time to entertain at home both outdoors and in.

For outdoor winter entertaining there’s many outdoor heating options as well as lighting and décor to set the mood. And of course, Edenvale’s Mulled Wine is an ideal drink, alongside the rest of the Edenvale range.

If you prefer to entertain indoors, set the mood with an open fire or cosy setting. Serve warm winter foods like soups and slow cooked dishes, complemented by wines and alcohol-removed wines.

Plenty of outdoor heating options

There are plenty of outdoor heating options to choose from, but you can’t go past an open fire to create atmosphere.

Fire pits come in all shapes, sizes and materials, and can be as simple or decadent as your space and budget will allow. Choose from a sophisticated built-in option, a DIY project, or an affordable pit or brazier that’s ready to go straight out of the box.

Be mindful that a wood-burning fire can be quite messy, so set it up in an area that is easy to clean. And a word of caution with any outdoor heating or fire – make sure it is safe for both adults and children, has adequate air circulation, and conforms to all regulations.

Other outdoor heating options include fixed electric bar heating, and fixed or portable gas heating.

Dress the part and include a rug

When you invite your guests for outdoor entertaining in winter make sure you advise them to dress appropriately and provide them with a warm rug. The rugs can also be a terrific addition to your décor. There are loads of affordable throw rugs from discount department stores and homewares shops.

Warming food and hot drinks

In winter, hearty food and warm drinks help keep you and your guests warm from the inside out.

Think chucky soups and casseroles made in the slow cooker. Keep it relatively simple if you’re eating al fresco so you don’t have to carry loads of food and crockery outside. Complement your dishes with delicious fresh bread.

For drinks, start with mulled wine and finish with hot chocolate, which your guests can enjoy while roasting marshmallows on the open fire. Cheese or chocolate fondues are also great for outdoor gatherings as they make fun, delicious snacks and provide a never-ending source of warmth.

Edenvale’s Hearth mulled wine is a warm, aromatic fusion of citrus, red currant fruits, clove, cinnamon and herbal notes, with a hint of sweetness and a balanced lingering finish. The perfect drop for enjoying around an open fire.

Mulled wine pairs well with blue cheese, and similar cheeses like Stilton, Gorgonzola, aged Cheddar, or creamy Gruyère. You could even try a cheese fondue to enjoy by the fire.

Edenvale’s Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are also great additions to a Winter get together, pairing well with roast meats.

Create the mood with lighting and candles

Outdoor lighting is a wonderful way to set the scene for outdoor entertaining. Strings of light can be used in the garden or wrapped around different structures. Make sure you choose lights that are suitable for outdoor use, particularly if you’re planning to leave them in place for a while.

Candles are also a wonderful addition to outdoor dining. They can have a practical role in providing light, but they also offer an ambience that bright lighting cannot replicate. Scented candles add a sensory delight, while also complementing outdoor décor.

Creating the winter vibe for indoor entertaining

Indoor winter entertaining can also be very warm and cosy, particularly if you live in an area where it is too cold to head outdoors in winter.

An open fire is the ultimate way to create a cosy atmosphere, but if you don’t have the luxury of an open fire, you can still create a winter feel. Make sure your entertaining area is heated (but not too hot) and use soft lighting from lamps and candles to create a relaxing vibe.

Wines like Shiraz and Sparkling Shiraz, both part of Edenvale’s extensive range, are great warming winter drinks. Serve your guests a bowl of hearty soup to match their choice.

To add a nice relaxing touch, ask your guests to wear slippers instead of shoes to make everyone feel chilled and welcome.

Enjoy alcohol-removed wine from Edenvale for winter entertaining

Edenvale Hearth Mulled Wine combines an aromatic fusion of citrus, red currant fruits, clove, cinnamon and herbal notes. This alcohol-removed mulled wine is a blend of rich spice and fruit flavours, with a balanced lingering finish.

You’ll find select Edenvale varietals at Dan Murphy’s, Coles, Woolworths, and IGA, or you can buy your Edenvale directly from our online store or from one of our online retail partners – Sansdrinks, CraftZero, Brunswick Aces and Free Spirit Drink Co.

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