For those of us in chillier parts still wishing to have some semblance of a social life, safely and support our local restaurants, dining out is our only option, which as we head into the coldest months of the year can be challenging. But I have some great ideas to help keep you warm as you dine in the great outdoors this winter!

But get this, outdoor dining isn’t a new thing!

Europeans have been enjoying it forever… as have skiers.

Of course a bucolic, snow-covered landscape thick with white peaks and bright blue skies are just a dream for most of us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves and have FUN!

I mean, we should be looking at outdoor dining as a GOOD thing… instead of looking at indoor dining as something we can’t do, let’s change the narrative and look at OUTDOOR dining as something we CAN DO… and HAVE FUN doing!

But first we need to be prepared and take the necessary steps to stay warm and cozy.

Obviously a warm winter coat is imperative. I’m not suggesting you invest your life savings and go all Canada Goose, but if this is just a drop in your bucket, by all means, DO! If there’s a winter to stay warm, this is it! And perhaps this investment will inspire you to spend more time outside… but if your pockets are more like mine, there are plenty of other super warm options at a fraction of the cost. I happen to LOVE my Northface down coat. While it’s not runway worthy, it’s stylish enough for me, and long enough to cover most of me. And is it ever warm!

Hats are a must. Scarves won’t really work… at least for me they won’t. I know it would end up wearing half my meal! But fingerless gloves are a resounding YES as is a rechargeable electric hand-warmer. Not sure about that? Then get yourself a healthy supply of disposable hand-warmers that you can place inside your fingerless gloves, and inside your boots to keep your toes toasty toasty toasty! Another way to keep those tootsies warm is to make sure you have a great pair of thermal socks…

Sure you can always wear ski or snowboarding pants, but you may find them a tad bulky. I’m a leggings girl and always have been so when I learned about these fleece lined leggings I was SOLD! Think stylish and chic, but yet as comfortable as your softest PJs. Amazing!

Staying warm outside while being relatively inactive is challenging for me. You see, I am always cold… except for the random hot flash that strongholds me out of the blue. Luckily, this has not happened while I’ve been outdoors, wrapped up like a burrito… yet!

Hopefully you’ll be seated near a fire-pit or heat lamp, but here’s one more thing (such a brilliant thing it is too!) to keep your warm… How about a technology-heated cushion… Yes, it’s a thing! Really!

So let’s have fun this winter, let’s get out and enjoy the outside and everything it offers, including our restaurants!