The Oklahoman

During the pandemic, take the holidays outside

- Marni Jameson

Growing up, whenever my brother and I got on our mother's nerves, she'd holler: “Take it outside! Both of you!” And we'd scramble outdoors like the varmints we were.

Going outside was not a punishment. It was a tension reliever, a safe retreat, a welcome escape. (Though he was stronger, I was faster.)

Turns out, Mom had the right idea. Nowadays, the outdoors with all its forevernes­s and fresh air is becoming that go-to place to celebrate our upcoming holidays.

Who saw that coming? Next to being home alone, being outside is the safest place to be in these plagueinfe­sted times, experts say. So, as we look for ways to enliven and share our COVID-hindered holidays, taking them outside may be just what the doctor ordered.

Indeed, starting with Thanksgivi­ng, say the data wonks who track these sorts of moves, households across America, in climates warm and wintry, are planning to celebrate al fresco, if only in small groups. And they are decorating accordingl­y.

TV hosts Evette Rios, of Saylorsbur­g, Pennsylvan­ia, and Tommy DiDario, of Manhattan, are among them. The lifestyle experts

have both outfitted their outdoor spaces for the season.

“Socializin­g with family and trusted friends outside during the holidays may be the best way to handle the new normal,” DiDario said.

The only drawback is now you can't go outside to get away from the prying aunt or crying kids, because you're already there.

Rios will host family members, eight in all, this Thanksgivi­ng on her recently completed outdoor deck, which has a fireplace and outdoor kitchen.

“We plan to do most of the entertaini­ng and cooking there,” she said. “We'll set up the food outside, and keep it warm with Sterno.”

To make that merry feeling, she's decked the deck with garland and decorated an artificial tree designed for the outdoors.

DiDario, a lifestyle contributo­r to “Rachael Ray,” “The Today Show” and “Entertainm­ent Tonight,” has decorated the 550-squarefoot terrace of his Manhattan high-rise apartment, so it's ready for small festive get togethers. He started by hanging pre-lit wreaths along the edge of the terrace. “I can see them from every room.”

DiDario, who shares the one-bedroom apartment with his husband, said, “We use the terrace as an extension of our living space, and plan to make the most of it year round,” including during the cold, dark months.

“We have a bubble of people we know and feel we can get together with safely,” he said. “They are our group. Being outside with them minimizes risk.”

To get that holiday spirit going, both Rios and DiDario put up their holiday decor in early November.

“Normally, I separate Thanksgivi­ng and Christmas,” DiDario said, “but we needed the joy more than ever this year, so I just went for it.”

Apparently, so did a lot of people.

“Decorating for the outdoors is a huge trend this year,” said Jennifer Peterson, spokeswoma­n for Balsam Brands, a leading seller of holiday decor. “Outdoor products are selling out fast as more customers want to bring their holidays outside.”

For those who want to take their holidays outside, too, here are some tips from the pros:

• Don't just bring

the indoors out.

When decorating outside, indoor decor won't cut it. If you don't have live evergreens available

to decorate, look for faux decor designed for the outdoors.

Artificial trees, garlands and wreaths should have UV protection, which prevents sun damage and fading, Peterson said. Lights should be UL certified for outdoor use. The wreaths DiDario hung on his terrace are heavier than standard indoor wreaths, so they hold up in harsh weather, he said. Rios made sure the decoration­s she put on her pre-lit outdoor tree were weatherpro­of and non-breakable.

• Mind the cords.

DiDario knew he wanted lighted wreaths along his terrace, but no outlets were nearby, and he did not want to see cords. So he lit on the idea of using battery-operated wreaths, which have timers. Their lights go on every evening and turn off six hours later. • Add light.

Because many outdoor areas don't have a lot of outlets, look for other ways to create pockets of light, he said. In addition to battery-lit wreaths and garlands, he likes battery-operated candles, which won't blow out or pose a fire hazard. • Ward off the chill.

To make sure you and your guests stay warm, encourage everyone to dress accordingl­y. Adding heat with propane lamps, electric heaters, or fire pits will greatly extend the hours you can enjoy the outdoors. Rios placed propane heat lamps across her deck, and DiDario has electric heaters, since his building doesn't allow propane. Both have throw blankets in easy reach, stashed in a large basket or draped over the backs of chairs. • Windproof the table. When choosing table settings, take the environmen­t into account, DiDario said. Get placemats and napkins made of sturdy material (not paper) that won't blow away. Then put your guests at ease with stemless glassware.

“If glasses and dishes are too fragile, your guests will be on pins and needles. You want everything on the table to sustain outdoor conditions and still look classy,” DiDario said.

• Decorate even if

you don't entertain.

“When I hear people say they're not going to decorate this year because they aren't having people over, so they don't see the point, I remind them: We shouldn't be decorating for others; we should be decorating for ourselves,” DiDario said. “That's what's important. If anyone else comes over and enjoys it, that's a bonus.”

Happy healthy Thanksgivi­ng.

 ??  ?? TV host and stylist Tommy DiDario decorated his outdoor terrace for the holidays using weatherfri­endly, battery-lit wreaths and durable table accents. [PHOTO PROVIDED/ TOMMY DIDARIO]
TV host and stylist Tommy DiDario decorated his outdoor terrace for the holidays using weatherfri­endly, battery-lit wreaths and durable table accents. [PHOTO PROVIDED/ TOMMY DIDARIO]
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 ?? [PHOTO PROVIDED/EVETTE RIOS] ?? This artificial tree, which has UV protection and lights certified for outdoor use, helps designer Evette Rios set the stage for her small holiday gatherings outside.
[PHOTO PROVIDED/EVETTE RIOS] This artificial tree, which has UV protection and lights certified for outdoor use, helps designer Evette Rios set the stage for her small holiday gatherings outside.

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