Winter can be an extremely long season. The cold temperatures and icy weather conditions prevent much traveling and social interaction. When cabin fever is at it’s peak and spirits hit an all time low, that is the perfect time to plan and host a winter party. Go the extra mile in the planning process and declare a theme to your seasonal gathering. It will most certainly add an extra bit of fun and festivity to the event.
Old Fashioned Tree Trimming Party
If you are so inclined to host your winter party before the Christmas Day, invite your guests to help you decorate your family tree. Purchase several boxes of inexpensive ornaments to add to your collection and display all the offerings in the center of the room. You can designate a specific window of time during the gathering to help decorate the tree or make it a more casual affair by leaving the ornaments in plain view and letting the guests decorate at will. Offer appetizers and cocktails or desserts and coffee throughout the evening.
Winter Beach Party
There is always a point during the winter season where everyone is just sick to death of being cold and trapped indoors. Visions of the beach and the hot summer sun are prevalent and people are dying to break out the flip flops and bathing suits. Invite those nearest and dearest to you to enjoy an evening of summer “sun” and fun. Haul in your children’s sand box, turn the heat way up and load the stereo with tunes from the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett. Encourage your guests to show up in beach wear and bring along their favorite lounge chairs. Serve hot dogs, hamburgers and margaritas. While your party attendees may eventually have to head back into the ice and snow, a few fun hours will be enjoyed in the atmosphere of the beach and the summer heat.
Cookie and Dessert Swap
Winter is all about enjoying sweets and decadent desserts. Combine the joyfulness of the Christmas season with the need to indulge in comfort food by hosting a festive dessert swap party this winter. Invite six or seven couples to your party and instruct each couple to bring along at least two dozen cookies or one dessert that will serve as many guests as you will be hosting. Provide coffee, tea, hot chocolate and disposable plates and plastic wrap for each attendee to safely bring desserts home. Several hours of pleasant conversation and indulging in some sweet treats will surely help to curb those winter blues.