Don’t let cold winter weather freeze your social life.

There are just as many at-home entertainment options during winter as there are during summer.

In fact, the team at American Shutters believes that winter adds a degree of intimacy to home entertaining that warms the heart like no other season – and we couldn’t agree more.

This is why we’ve come up with some great ideas on how to entertain family and friends come rain, hail or snow.

Arrange a games night

Instead of beach days and pool parties, winter is the perfect time for a games night next to a cosy fireplace.

Have a potjiekos competition

There’s no reason potjiekos and braais should be summer-only events. If you have a protected outdoor space or an indoor braai area, why not challenge friends to a fun winter potjiekos competition?

And if you don’t have a protected outdoor space that provides sufficient shelter against the winter cold, now’s the time to think about investing in outdoor security shutters from American Shutters – it’s perfect for creating a versatile outdoor space that can be enjoyed all year round.

Organise a wine tasting

Don’t feel like going out? No problem. Why not arrange an at-home wine tasting for yourself and some friends? There are plenty of handy apps you can use for virtual tastings.

Start a reading club

If you love to read, why not start a winter reading club? Invite reading buddies over for coffee, tea and hot chocolate, and get comfy on a couch or in a sunny spot with a good book.

To make sure everyone is comfortable, be sure to have extra throws and cushions on hand. And, of course, some snacks!

To help create the perfect reading nook, consider shutter louvres from American Shutters. When the sun peeps through the clouds, the shutter louvres can be opened or the shutter panels completely retracted for full enjoyment of the sun’s warmth and light indoors while you curl up with your favourite new novel or discuss the latest plot twist.