Here at Lazy Susan, we think there’s something magical about winter evenings spent outdoors — the twinkle of lights, the crisp chill in the air, and the comforting glow from a fire pit.
Even if it is just to blow the cobwebs off, get some fresh air, we’re firm believers that the garden doesn’t need to disappear under a blanket of frost until spring. In fact, with the right setup (and the right festive drinks in hand), your patio can become the place to be this season.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve gathering, enjoying drinks after Christmas dinner, or simply craving a mug of something warm while wrapped in a blanket, we’ve rounded up some of the team's fave festive drinks and winter warmers that pair perfectly with our garden seating.
So grab your favourite mug or cocktail glass, switch on the outdoor lights, fire up the heater, and let’s bring a little festive spirit into our gardens this winter…
Lazy Susan’s Classic Mulled Wine – The Ultimate Christmas Warm-Up
If there's one drink that we think really captures the festive season in a single cosy sip, it’s a classic mulled wine. It’s warm, aromatic, and pretty much designed for chilly nights around the fire pit.
Our recipe serves 6 and is easy to prepare, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients:
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1 bottle of red wine
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300ml orange juice
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1 orange, sliced
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3 cinnamon sticks
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6 cloves
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2–3 tbsp sugar (to taste)
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1 star anise
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Optional: a splash of brandy for extra warmth
Our Method:
Pour everything into a pan, warm gently on a low heat (don’t let it boil), and let the spices infuse for a good 10 to 15 minutes. Serve in mugs and garnish with orange peel or a cinnamon stick. Mulled wine is not only delicious — it’s also practical. It sits happily in an insulated jug or thermos on your patio table, ready for guests to top up. And when paired with throws, soft cushions, and a fire pit? You’ve basically created an outdoor alpine lodge in your back garden.
Lazy Susan’s Cranberry Gin Fizz – A Bright Christmas Cocktail for Crisp Nights
For something a little more refreshing — but still super seasonal — a cranberry gin fizz brings colour and sparkle to your festive drinks menu. This is always a hit at any Lazy Susan office Christmas party, wether we're inside or out.
Our Cranberry Gin Fizz recipe serves 1 and is ideal when you've overindulged and want something light, refreshing, but still Christmassy:
Ingredients:
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50ml gin
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75ml cranberry juice
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15ml lime juice
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Dash of sugar syrup
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Top with cava, prosecco, or champagne
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Ice
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Lime or fresh cranberries to garnish
Our Method:
Shake the gin, cranberry juice, lime juice, and syrup with ice in a shaker. Pour into a chilled glass and top with something bubbly. The result? A bright, zesty fizz with the perfect festive twist. Serve in your best posh glasses at your patio table, surrounded by lanterns or LED candles, and you’ll have an outdoor cocktail bar that feels straight from a Christmas market.
Lazy Susan’s Luxury Hot Chocolate – For a Cosy Christmas Eve in the Garden
Of all the Christmas festive drinks, hot chocolate may be the most universally loved. Adults, kids… Everyone enjoys a steaming mug on a cold night!
Our luxury hot choc serves 2 and is is the perfect relaxed Christmas Eve treat outside or inside:
Ingredients:
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500ml whole milk
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100g dark chocolate
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1 tsp vanilla
Our Method:
Warm the milk slowly in a pan on a low heat, melt in the chocolate, add the vanilla, whisk it up, and serve in big mugs. If you’re planning a Christmas Eve gathering, you could even set up a mini hot chocolate station with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon, a dash of rum or cognac, orange zest, or even coffee beans for a mocha twist. Let guests create their own. Perfect inside or out with the patio heater on, chunky knits, and a couple of soft blankets draped over your garden chairs.
Lazy Susan’s Festive Punch – A Sharing Drink for Outdoor Gatherings
When you’re hosting a crowd, nothing is easier — or more festive — than a bowl of Christmas punch. It looks beautiful on a patio table and lets guests serve themselves throughout the evening.
This recipe serves up to 10 people, can be tailored to taste, and is sure to get your patio party started:
Ingredients:
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1 litre of cranberry juice
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500ml orange juice
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500ml ginger beer
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250ml rum or vodka (optional)
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Cinnamon sticks
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Orange slices
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Pomegranate seeds
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A handful of fresh cranberries
Our Method:
Combine everything in a large glass bowl or drinks dispenser. The flavours are bright, fruity, and perfect for sipping beside a fire pit while the garden glows with Christmas lights. Prefer a non-alcoholic version? Simply skip the spirits and add an extra 250ml of ginger beer for warmth.
Lazy Susan’s Non-Alcoholic Warming Cider – With a Festive Twist
Our hot cider is mulled wine’s cheerful alcohol-free cousin — sweet, gently spiced, and wonderfully comforting. It’s the perfect choice when you’re craving something warming but a little lighter than mulled wine, so its ideal for crisp evenings wrapped in scarves and blankets.
This recipe serves 4 and is quick and easy to make.
Ingredients:
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1 litre cloudy apple juice
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2 cinnamon sticks
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1 orange, sliced
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1–2 tbsp lemon juice (to taste)
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A few slices of fresh ginger
Our Method:
Gently simmer the apple juice with the cinnamon, sliced orange, lemon juice, and fresh ginger for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavours to infuse without boiling. Strain if you prefer, then serve hot in mugs. If you're not driving, then you can also add a splash of brandy to give it some festive oompf. Either way, it is a steamy delcious festive treat.
Set the Scene: How to Make Your Garden Winter-Ready
Let's be honest, who are we kidding, the weather can be pretty awful here in the UK, so great drinks are only half the story if you want to get outside — to enjoy fully, you want a patio that feels welcoming, warm, and usable.
Here’s how to get you and your guests outside, even when the temperature is low.
1. Add Warm Layers to Your Patio Seating
Cast aluminium furniture loves every season — but you might want something softer in winter.
Try adding:
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Thick outdoor cushions
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Cosy throws or blankets
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Faux-fur seat pads
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A decorative rug under the table to take the edge off cold paving
These instantly turn your outdoor dining area into a snug winter nook.
2. Embrace Outdoor Heating
Patio heaters, fire pits, or chimineas create a warm focal point for gatherings — and they look beautiful too. A crackling fire pit beside your garden table adds golden light and brings that magical winter ambience you usually have to visit a Christmas market for.
3. Cover Up and Stay Dry
A covered patio (even just a simple pergola with weatherproof panels or winter fabric) helps keep your outdoor drinks party going during showers and plunging temps.
You can also add:
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Outdoor curtains
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Windbreak screens
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Cosy lighting like festoon bulbs or lanterns
All of these make the space feel enclosed, warm, and wonderfully festive.
4. Light the Night
Shorter days mean more opportunity to play with festive lighting:
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Solar fairy lights in trees
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Lanterns along pathways
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LED candles for a safe glow
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A lit Christmas wreath or garland on the garden wall
Lighting is everything — it instantly transforms the space.
Garden Gatherings: Why Winter Isn’t Off-Limits
In the UK we all tend to think of the garden as a summer-only space, but winter brings a charm all of its own. OK, you need to take steps, but there’s something especially cosy about wrapping your hands around a steaming mug, pulling on a woolly hat, and feeling the cold air on your cheeks while staying warm with a festive drink.
Being outdoors has a way of making gatherings feel calmer and more relaxed. You can grab some fresh air, let the kids stretch their legs, and the dog can have a sniff, with plenty of room to spread out and settle in — perfect for hosting a few extra friends or family. That little bit of fresh air always gives everyone a lift.
Add a few twinkling lights and a clear winter sky, and the garden becomes a surprisingly beautiful place to spend time. With our patio furniture designed for year-round use, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying it through frost, rain, or even a light dusting of snow.
The festive season is all about connection, celebration, and making the most of the moment. And if that moment happens to be outside, mulled wine in hand? Even better!
Cheers to a Cosy Christmas Outdoors
Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate on Christmas Eve, shaking up Christmas cocktails for friends, or serving a steaming jug of mulled wine after a long winter walk, your garden or patio can be the perfect setting this season.
With a few winter warmers, some thoughtful lighting, and a spot of Lazy Susan styling, your outdoor space becomes a magical place to enjoy the festive spirit — glass in hand, blanket around your shoulders, and good company all around.
If you do bring a little festive magic into the garden this year, don’t forget to share it. Tag @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook for our Do Some Good campaign. Your photos spark ideas for others — and help us give back to worthwhile causes.
Here’s to bright nights, warm drinks, and beautiful outdoor gatherings.
Happy Christmas from all of us at Lazy Susan.
