Whilst some may be loath to admit it, Christmas is fast approaching! Often the busiest time of year for most, it’s a time for decoration, joy and festivities; one such festivity is the set-up of a Christmas grotto – a magical hideaway where families can take their children to meet Father Christmas himself and let him know what gifts they wish to receive this year.
Of course, as adults, we know that these don’t just magically appear (shh, we won’t tell if you won’t!), but rather a lot of work goes into setting them up. If you’re setting up your own grotto this year, either as part of a business, school or even just in your own back garden, then this is the guide for you.
Read on as we offer our insight into what you need to create the ultimate outdoor Christmas grotto.
The Grotto
If there’s one thing that is essential to creating the perfect outdoor Christmas grotto, it’s the grotto itself! Here are three different options you could consider using to create yours.
Pergola
Timber pergolas make for ideal outdoor structures that can easily be decorated to create a magical Christmas hideaway. Their natural timber frame offers a rustic feel that perfectly fits in with the season, while their overhead beams can easily be decorated with garlands, foliage and Christmas lights to create that festive appearance.
You may even consider adding some sheer curtains to the pergola to add to the suspense for children visiting the grotto, whilst having the added benefit of offering some protection to the elements. This also offers some privacy to each family that visits the grotto, allowing each child their special moment to speak with Father Christmas and have their picture taken with him (and Mrs Claus if she’s there!) before the next family is ready to go in.
Shed
Whilst pergolas are great for decorating, they don’t offer the best weather protection if conditions are particularly wet and windy outside – a common occurrence in the British winter. If you’re looking for a grotto with a bit more protection, then a shed may make for your grotto of choice, instead.
You may even choose to opt for one that can be fitted with an accompanying veranda (such as the Supreme Hobby Shed offered here at Hales Sawmills) to create the perfect little, cosy nook. A chair could also be placed out the front here for an elf to sit and manage visitors, whilst offering them overhead protection from the weather, also.
Sheds can easily be decorated with lights, a wreath and fake snow to really give them that grotto-like appearance.
Summerhouse
An alternative to sheds, but just as effective, are summerhouses. Don’t be fooled by the name – whilst intended as a space to enjoy the outdoors in warmer weather, a summerhouse is the ideal solution for creating an outdoor Christmas grotto in the winter.
These have the advantage of being outdoor spaces that are already created to offer cosy and enjoyable interiors. Like sheds, their exteriors can easily be decorated, while their interiors are also a more suitable setting to be decorated and offer a more inviting atmosphere.
The Walkway
Lanterns
One thing that makes Christmas grottos such a memorable experience is the overall atmosphere that is created. The atmosphere and anticipation is just as important as the grotto itself and meeting Father Christmas, which is why you want to focus on creating a festive walkway that leads you to the grotto.
Outdoor lanterns are perfect for creating a clear path that offers visibility (especially during evening visits) when leading guests to the grotto.
Festive Fencing
Another way to create a clear path is by erecting fencing with decorative rope, which clearly guides visitors to where they need to go. This is also an effective way of ensuring visitors queue in an orderly manner, ensuring everyone gets their turn to visit the grotto fairly.
Lights can be wound around this rope to further add to the festive atmosphere, whilst decorations can be placed outside of the pathway, with the rope acting as a barrier that stops these from being approached and touched or damaged by guests.
Archway
To create a really magical walkway, you could place a series of garden arches leading up to the grotto. For the ultimate effect, we suggest weaving Christmas lights and even winter foliage through the trellis of these.
As well as making for a great walkway, this would offer the perfect picture opportunity for visitors looking to commemorate their experience.
The Landscape
Christmas Tree
If your space allows for it, then you’ve got to have a Christmas tree next to your grotto! Afterall, there’s nothing that says ‘Christmas’ like a well-lit tree.
Whether you have one or multiple, decorating a classic conifer tree with outdoor lights, tinsel and other weather-resistant decorations, complete with a star on top, is sure to get all of your visitors in the festive spirit.
If you plan on offering complementary presents to all children that visit, then you can even place these underneath the tree (weather dependent) for them to take before the end of their visit.
Decorations
It’s all about attention to detail when creating the ultimate Christmas grotto. Think about how you’ll decorate both the outside environment and inside the grotto.
For outdoors, you can wrap lights around tree trunks and branches, invest in some lawn ornaments and even consider an outdoor projector. As for inside, you want to create a space that is equally festive and cosy. For example, you could create a fake fireplace but using real fire logs, hang up stockings and even wrap up some fake presents – or real ones if you plan on offering complimentary gifts to each child that visits!
Make sure to use warm lighting and keep this on the dimmer side rather than too bright to really heighten the cosy atmosphere.
Fake Snow
Whilst we have had some snow in recent years, very rarely do we get a white Christmas here in the UK. Thankfully, there is an alternative – fake snow. Spreading fake snow on the ground is just another simple touch you can add to make visitors feel as though they’re in the North Pole itself.
Additional Considerations
As important as visuals are when it comes to creating a Christmas grotto, it’s equally important that you consider some of the practicalities that need to be ensured. Below are some of the most important of these.
Heating
When holding an outdoor grotto event, everyone working the event will naturally be subject to the cold temperatures associated with winter. Whilst the individual dressing up as Father Christmas will have the benefit of wearing a warm outfit, sitting in a non-heated and non-insulated environment for multiple hours throughout the day and/or evening can still leave them feeling cold very quickly – ditto anyone dressed as elves or otherwise helping with the event.
As such, you may consider placing some patio heaters inside and outside the grotto, ensuring a comfortable environment for workers and guests alike.
Seating
You’ll want to make sure that you provide comfortable seating for the person who will be dressing as Father Christmas. Whilst sitting down may not seem like a hardship, sitting for long periods of time can quickly become uncomfortable and put strain on the body if the chair in question is poor.
Choose a chair with a tall back for adequate support and provide some cushions for additional padding and comfort.
Respite
Depending on how long you plan on having your grotto open for, then workers will need regular breaks should they be expected to work multiple hour shifts.
At the very least, there should be nearby access to toilets and hand-washing facilities, as well as clean drinking water. Considering the cold weather, we also recommend you ensure there’s access to hot drinks and a place for workers to sit and eat whilst on their breaks.
Your One-Stop Shop for Timber Garden Products
Now that you’re ready to create your own Christmas grotto, you can tick all the essential supplies off your checklist by shopping our products here at Hales Sawmills.
From pergolas, sheds and summerhouses to fencing and archways, we supply a vast range of timber garden products that you can use to create your outdoor grotto. Check out our seasonal archive whilst you’re at it, where you can find a number of festive accessories and decorations to add the finishing touches to your Christmas grotto.
For more information on our products and services and to discuss how we can help meet your requirements, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.