Thanksgiving is a time for slowing down, gathering close, and appreciating the moments that make life meaningful. For many families, those memories are made around the dinner table.
More and more Colorado families are now elevating their Thanksgiving Day celebration by gathering for that delicious turkey dinner in their outdoor spaces. Not only do the kids love it, but it's also a warm, spacious, and cozy space for everyone to be comfortable.
Here's how thoughtful design β and a space built to be enjoyed year-round β can transform your Thanksgiving experience.
π¦ 1. Creating Space for Everyone
The holidays naturally bring larger groups together, which often means limited indoor space and a lot of moving parts. A well-designed outdoor living area can offer the extra breathing room that makes hosting feel effortless instead of stressful.
Covered outdoor rooms, heated patios, and enclosed four-season spaces allow families to spread out comfortably. Whether it's kids roasting marshmallows, adults enjoying wine around the fire feature, or extended family catching up under the patio heaters, these spaces naturally accommodate everyone.
π₯ 2. A Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere
Colorado Thanksgivings are beautiful β but they can also be chilly. That's where smart heating and thoughtful design come in.
Features like:
- infrared heaters
- wood-burning fireplaces
- gas fire features
- insulated glass wall systems
- covered ceilings and wind-protected zones
β¦create warmth that lets guests enjoy the outdoors long after the sun goes down. With the right setup, even late-fall evenings feel cozy.
See where we've done it before: FEATURED PROJECTS
π 3. Nature Sets the Perfect Scene
There's something magical about Thanksgiving in the mountains or foothills. The crisp air, the changing leaves, the sweeping views β all of it elevates the holiday experience.
Outdoor living spaces designed with large openings, glass walls, upper-level decks, and panoramic views bring the beauty of the season right into your gathering. Instead of crowding around the living room TV, families can enjoy the colors of autumn, the sound of a crackling fire, and the stillness of nature.
It's the kind of environment that inspires gratitude.
π₯§ 4. Outdoor Kitchens Make Hosting Easier (and More Fun)
Thanksgiving cooking can feel like a marathon, but an outdoor kitchen adds flexibility and makes hosting more enjoyable.
Imagine:
- smoking a turkey breast in your smoker
- keeping drinks chilled outside
- freeing up indoor kitchen space
- grilling turkey wings or appetizers on the griddle
- letting guests mingle around the cooking action
Outdoor kitchens aren't just for summer β they are a year-round asset that truly shines during big gatherings.
𧑠5. A Space That Makes Memories
The best outdoor living designs don't just add square footage β they create a place where memories grow.
Thanksgiving moments like:
- kids bundled in blankets sharing hot cocoa
- parents sipping wine beside the fire
- grandparents retelling stories on a heated patio
- family board games in a glass-enclosed deck
- watching the Thanksgiving football game in an outdoor room
β¦become traditions that last far beyond the holiday.
At Masterpiece Outdoorliving, we hear it from homeowners all the time:
"We spend more time together now than ever before."
When your outdoor living space is designed intentionally and built for four-season comfort, it becomes the heart of the home β especially during the holidays.
π‘ 6. Grateful for Home β and for the Outdoor Spaces That Bring Us Together
This time of year reminds us how important it is to appreciate the spaces that support connection, joy, comfort, and togetherness.
And for many families, that space is now outdoors.
Whether fully enclosed, partially covered, or open-air with curated heating, a beautifully designed outdoor living environment creates opportunities for gathering that simply didn't exist before β and that's something to be grateful for.
π Thinking About Upgrading Your Outdoor Space Before Next Thanksgiving?
The who Masterpiece Outdoorliving Team wishes you and your family a very safe, memorable, and happy Thanksgiving!
If you'd love a home where Thanksgiving gatherings feel effortless, warm, and memorable, we'd love to help you design the perfect year-round retreat.
Whether you want:
- a four-season enclosed deck
- a custom backyard deck with a fire feature
- a covered outdoor room
- a full outdoor living transformation
β¦we're here to bring your vision to life.
Schedule a consultation and start planning for a year of unforgettable gatherings.
About Masterpiece Outdoorliving
Garth Hystad has become the premier outdoor living designer of his time. With over 40 years of experience, his innovative and unique designs display his creativity from coast to coast. Many of his greatest designs have been featured on the popular hit tv show, Mega Decks, which premiered on the DIY Network.
His love and vision for making the outdoors become an accessible and beloved part of everyday living for Coloradans has led to two incredibly successful businesses. His proudest moment has been mentoring and getting to work alongside his son, Brandon Hystad, at Masterpiece Outdoorliving.