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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stainless Steel Charger / White Dinnerware / Burlap 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.