Organising a Winter Party To Remember

Winter parties don’t just have to be about Christmas. It could be a romantic winter wedding, birthday party or end of year work celebration. Winter parties have a special charm that sets them apart from events in any other season. Organising the best winter party involves making your event cozy, sometimes festive, but ultimately fun despite the cold weather.

Here are some tips for planning a memorable winter celebration:

• Indoor venues are ideal for cozing up in winter weather, like a rented hall, barn or chalet.
• Find a warm and inviting space such as a cabin, lodge, hotel banquet room, or a well-decorated home.
• Consider venues with fireplaces or rustic features that create a cozy atmosphere.
• For an outdoor event with a wintery atmosphere consider heated marquees and tents, or open air patios with fire pits, or patio heaters.

• Winter Wonderland: Decorate with white and blue tones, snowflakes, and frosty elements.
• Apres-Ski Chalet: Create a ski lodge vibe with plaid patterns, faux fur blankets, and hot drink stations.
• Holiday Cheer: Incorporate holiday decor like wreaths, fairy lights, and festive ornaments (if it’s around the holiday season).
• Ice and Fire: Play with contrasts of warmth and cold, using winter blues and warm reds.

• Serve warm and hearty dishes like soups, stews, fondue, or a roast. Finger foods such as sliders, cheese platters and mini hot dogs are always crowd pleasers.
• Add seasonal treats like gingerbread, cookies or chocolate fondue with fruits. Offer hot drinks like mulled wine, hot chocolate, spiked hot cider, or speciality coffees. Don’t forget melting marshmallows for a fun touch!
• Craft winter themed cocktails like peppermint martinis or cranberry margaritas.
• Consider setting up a DIY s'mores or hot chocolate bar for a fun, interactive experience.

• Choose wintry colours like white, silver, icy blue or deep reds and greens.
• Incorporate soft, warm lighting like string lights, lanterns, and candles to create a cozy ambiance.
• Decorate with cozy textiles such as blankets, throws, and pillows in warm, seasonal colors (e.g., deep reds, greens, golds).
• Add natural elements like pine cones, evergreen branches, or cinnamon sticks or even some faux snow.

• Music: Hire a DJ or band to play a mix of holiday classics and upbeat winter tunes. You could also create a playlist of winter hits for background music.
• Dance Floor: Encourage people to stay warm by dancing the night away.
• Icebreaker Games: Host winter-themed trivia, charades, or holiday-themed bingo.
• Craft Stations: Set up a space for guests to create their own ornaments, decorate cookies, or build gingerbread houses.
• Outdoor Fun: If it’s snowing, offer sledding, ice skating, or snowman-building (provide cozy blankets for guests to warm up afterward).
• Movie Screening: If indoors, show a classic winter or holiday movie for a cozy break in the action.

• Ensure guests have clear information about parking, especially if bad weather or even snow is expected.
• Provide coat racks or designated areas for guests to store winter clothing comfortably.
• If hosting outside, rent heating equipment and provide extra blankets, mittens, or hand warmers.

• Cozy Winter Attire: Encourage guests to wear cute winter sweaters, boots, and scarves.
• Formal Winter: If you’re going for something fancy, ask guests to come in formal winter attire or black tie.
• Ugly Sweater Party: For a fun and relaxed vibe, ask guests to wear their most outlandish holiday sweaters.

• Create a photo backdrop with wintery elements like fake snow, twinkling lights, or a festive sleigh.
• Include props like scarves, hats, mittens, or holiday-themed accessories.
• Encourage guests to share their photos on social media to make the event more interactive.

• Build a playlist featuring winter-themed songs, holiday classics, or cozy acoustic tunes.
• If you prefer live music, hire a band that can play festive or jazz music to match the atmosphere.
• For a more interactive option, set up karaoke with seasonal songs.

• Welcome guests with hot drinks or personalised blankets as they arrive.
• Offer small winter-themed party favors like mini bottles of mulled wine, homemade cookies, or hot chocolate kits.
• Send guests home with a small winter essential kit, including lip balm, hand warmers, and mini scented candles.

• Consider weather-related challenges when planning the date and venue, like potential snowstorms or icy conditions.
• Inform guests to dress warmly if any outdoor activities are involved.
• Have backup power options or generators if you're in an area prone to power outages.

Whether you're planning an intimate winter wedding, a festive corporate event, or a cosy holiday party, the magic of the season provides endless opportunities for creating unforgettable memories. By choosing a warm and inviting venue, embracing the charm of winter themes, and incorporating thoughtful details like seasonal menus and cosy decor, your winter celebration is sure to stand out. At Elizabeth James Events, we specialise in bringing your vision to life with premium decor, ensuring your winter event is not just memorable but truly magical.