Entertaining: Winter Entertaining Tips

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Winter entertaining is tough. There are no patios to lounge on or pools to sit by, plus you’re wiped out from hosting countless holiday parties.  Despite the cold, planning a party during the winter can be just as easy as planning a party any other time of the year.  A winter party requires a warm and welcoming atmosphere, decor that fits the season and food that fuels the soul.   

  I’m here to inspire you with some tips (and resources) on pulling together a winter party that will make your guests feel warm, welcomed and at home.

Cranberry Ice Bucket

 Let the party planning begin…

TIP #1:  Serve Soothing Cocktails

To knock the chill out of the air, serve cocktails that provide a soothing feel for your guest.  Take advantage of winter foods like pomegranates and apples and blend drinks with flavors like caramel, mulled wine or grand marnier. You can also serve classic cold weather beverages like hot chocolate and irish coffee.  And when it comes to serving drinks, choose colored glasses over clear drinkware because it will add a sense of warmth and coziness to the cocktails and the decor.

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Caramel Apple Martini / Ombre Stemless Wine Glasses 

 

TIP #2:  Plan Hearty Party Food

There’s nothing better than comfort food on a cold day to help you forget all about the sleet and snow swirling around outside.  A winter party calls for hearty party foods like a carving station, beef sliders, fall fruits and comfort soups.

 Use wood platters and cheese boards in a variety of sizes and styles to serve finger food and to add richness and texture to your buffet or dinner table.  I also suggest adding a natural touch to your food displays by using leaves and foliage from the yard (washed of course) to accent serving plates and platters.

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Turkey Sliders / Copper Handle Serving Board 

 

TIP #3:  Decorate with Seasonal Colors and Textures

Two of the key components in creating beautiful decor for a winter party are texture and color.    Give flower arrangements a winter feel is by using different shades of a single color and mixing in different textures of greens and berry branches.   To save money, buy your flowers and then snip the greens and berries from the yard. And don’t forget to use flower vases that add texture and enhance the decor of your winter party theme.

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Birch Flower Pots

 

TIP #4:  Create a Cozy Table

You know I always recommend layering your table for any party, but for winter entertaining this becomes even more important.  I recently discovered stainless steel charger plates and think they are the perfect cool accent to a winter table.  The silver finish will add a visual highlight to your table without making the table feel too cold and impersonal.  White plates are ideal for winter entertaining because the food you serve will look richer against the white surface.

And don’t forget to have a party favor for your guest.  A small plant in a burlap bag can be used as part of the decor and is a great way to add texture to the table decor.

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Stainless Steel Charger / White DinnerwareBurlap Bag

 

TIP #5:  COZY UP WITH CANDLELIGHT

The easiest way to create atmosphere for your winter party is through candlelight.  To make it easy when decorating, use a mix of candle holders in a variety of sizes, heights and finishes which will add to the layers within your tablescape or buffet setting.  Mix glass with metals and always keep scented candles in the gathering spaces and away from the food.

Don’t forget to place candles in the foyer and bathrooms to add warmth and ambience throughout your home.

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Posit Tealight Holder / Vendome Pillar Holder

Finally, no party is complete without a sweet ending so set up a winter themed cake or dessert buffet to end your party in style.

Winter Cake Buffet

Winter Cake Buffet

Spring is just around the corner but until it arrives, why not celebrate winter with a party.

Shelly

Entertaining 101: Food on Display

So, how many of you will be hosting holiday parties in the coming weeks?  I don’t have any parties planned but I do have several holiday events we’ll be attending already on the calendar.

If you love to entertain during the holidays, one of the areas you should really focus on is the presentation of the food you serve.

Food on Risers4

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Serving yummy food is essential to a great party and how you present that food is a key component to the decor for your event.

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Entertaining Ideas: 5 Ways to Make Party Food Prettier

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When it comes to entertaining, I am more about the decor than I am about the food.  I’ve learned a lot about how to create a beautiful party buffet from my friend Robyne, who happens to be food genius and makes some of the most amazing sweet treats ever.

Robyne has taught me that presentation is everything when it comes to party food so I pulled together some ideas to show you just how easy it is to make your party food pretty.

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