Picture a crisp Utah evening, soft lights strung across the patio, and your family gathered around a table under the open sky. If you’re searching for outdoor Thanksgiving patio ideas, this is your sign to take the celebration outside this year. With the right setup, you can host an outdoor dinner that feels warm, inviting, and completely unique.
Outdoor living spaces are becoming a major trend across Utah, as homeowners turn their patios into year-round extensions of the home. With custom pergolas, louvered roofs, and drop shades from SugarHouse, you can comfortably host Thanksgiving outside—without worrying about the weather, wind, or falling temperatures.
Shelter in Style
A Toja Pergola is the perfect blend of structure and simplicity. Its strong steel brackets and clean lines create a natural focal point for your Thanksgiving setup. Whether built from cedar or pine, it adds architectural warmth and a sense of intimacy that’s ideal for outdoor dining.
For fall gatherings, weave string lights through the beams, add candles or lanterns to your table, and use a textured outdoor rug to define the space. As the sun sets, the glow from the lights and soft reflections off the wood give your dinner that cozy, golden-hour feel—Utah mountain views optional but encouraged.
Pro tip: Arrange your dining table directly under the pergola’s center beams for perfect symmetry. Use neutral linens and fall-toned napkins for a festive but timeless look.
Control Light and Weather
For a more refined, modern setup, a Louvered Roof offers full control of sunlight and airflow. Its adjustable slats let you open the roof during the day for warmth and close it in the evening to block wind or drizzle.
Imagine sitting down to dinner as soft golden light filters through the louvers, then closing them as dusk sets in and your heaters kick on. With built-in lighting options and sleek aluminum construction, this system turns any patio into a four-season dining destination.
Why it’s ideal for Utah: Temperatures can swing dramatically from day to night in late fall. A Louvered Roof allows you to adapt instantly, protecting your guests and your table setting from changing conditions.
For added warmth and privacy, integrate Verticool Drop Shades along the sides. They blend seamlessly with the structure, creating a comfortable enclosure that looks elegant year-round—not just during Thanksgiving.
Verticool Drop Shades: The Final Layer
When it comes to keeping your Thanksgiving dinner cozy, Verticool Drop Shades make all the difference. These durable shades block cold air and wind while maintaining visibility, so your guests stay warm without feeling enclosed.
Choose motorized shades for easy operation or manual options for simple, reliable control. With multiple fabric options, you can match your home’s style while creating a practical, beautiful barrier from Utah’s chilly evenings.
Add a few patio heaters, soft blankets, and natural décor—like pumpkins, pinecones, or greenery—and your outdoor dining area will feel just as inviting as any indoor space.
Design tip: Lower the shades just before guests arrive to trap heat and create a comfortable, enclosed environment. Combine warm lighting and fall textures to balance the structure’s clean lines with an inviting seasonal vibe.
Bring It All Together
Whether you prefer the rustic charm of a Toja Pergola or the modern versatility of a Louvered Roof, combining these with Verticool Drop Shades creates a truly four-season space. Your patio becomes a private dining retreat—perfect for Thanksgiving, family dinners, or winter gatherings around the fire.
Utah’s outdoor lifestyle is all about blending beauty and function. With custom shade structures, you’ll enjoy your space well beyond the holidays.
Let us help you design the perfect outdoor setting for your holiday gatherings. Our team specializes in custom pergolas, louvered roofs, and drop shade systems designed for Utah’s unique climate.
Call 801-563-9600 to start designing your outdoor dining space.
SugarHouse Ind. has served its clients in the Intermountain West since 1941. In that time, we have become Utah’s largest provider of awning, boat tops, and specialty canvas covers. After over 80 years, our focus is still to provide customers with the highest quality products and the best prices. We remain a family-owned company, and we remain committed to putting a personal touch into everything we do. That’s why we make every product that we offer in our 30,000 ft2 facility in Midvale, Utah.