The recipe for a memorable outdoor winter party is simple. Whether it’s a winter solstice party, a back-yard drop-in for Hanukkah or Christmas Eve, or a New Year’s bash alfresco, gathering friends for a party outside doesn’t need to take much work for the host and might just be the highlight of your guests’ holidays. Here’s how.
Perhaps the most important ingredient for good times outside is a place to gather for warmth. Place your firepit far enough from trees and buildings, and ensure people can walk safely all around it without tripping or sliding. This will be a key destination, so add some chairs or stumps so people can settle in.
Make the party feel welcoming and warm with lights. Strings of twinkle lights are easy to find either to plug in or powered by batteries if you're too far from an outlet. Drape them over your serving table, or hang them from a tree. You can even make your own custom patio lights.
Group candles on tables and around the party area for a little light fantastic. (Of course make sure they're not going to catch anything ablaze—that would not be fantastic.)
Make simple ice lanterns and line your steps and paths with them. Have a bunch where guest arrive so they can find their way, and to set the tone for the night.
Another draw for winter parties is the hot drinks. Mulled wine for the 18+set, and apple cider and hot chocolate are perennial crowd pleasers. Or try our Hot Buttered Rum recipe. Keep the drinks hot all night on a portable grill you'd take camping, on a barbecue, or on a grill over the fire (delegate someone to help with safe ladling).
When people ask what they can bring, suggest a mug, so there's less clean up for you after. That said, have a good supply at the ready for those who forgot.
What else can they bring? Snacks and desserts. 'Tis the season for cookie trays and stollen.
Not only are mittens (and toques and scarves) a nice decorative touch, it's smart to have some extras ready in case people came unprepared for an evening outside.
Some people just don't like the cold. Make sure there's a spot inside where chilly guests can take a time out to defrost.
A backyard rink is endless fun though this doesn't work as a last minute idea—it requires planning ahead. If the conditions are right and the ice is safe, there's almost nothing as magical as skating on a frozen lake.
With a hill and a few sleds, you've got hours of free entertainment.
Going for a walk as a group can be a great capstone. Remember as the sun starts to drop it will get dark very quick. So bundle up, bring flashlights, stick to short trails you know well.
Everyone loves sparklers. Here's a pro tip: they keep burning under the snow, making it glow. Have a heat-proof container to collect them in once they're out.
The night sky offers an unbeatable end to your evening. One perk of the long nights of winter is that star gazing can start early—before even the youngest guest's bed time. It's the best party backdrop in the universe.
The recipe for a memorable outdoor winter party is simple. Whether it’s a winter solstice party, a back-yard drop-in for Hanukkah or Christmas Eve, or a New Year’s bash alfresco, gathering friends for a party outside doesn’t need to take much work for the host and might just be the highlight of your guests’ holidays. Here’s how.
Need a warm drink recipe? Try a warm caribou.
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