November can be a dreary month. The leaves have fallen from the trees, the days are shorter and winter is pretty much on the doorstep. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself and get friends and family out and about.
If you’re looking for ways to brighten up your winter get-together and create an unforgettable event, look no further. We are going to give you some tips on how to make your party enjoyable for everyone. We all deserve something to look forward to in the darker, colder months after all.
Gather Round The Campfire
What’s more wintery than sitting around a roaring fire with friends? If you’re lucky enough to have a fire pit, make the most of it. Gather some logs, light it up just before people arrive and prepare to get cosy.
The beauty of it is, that not only will it warm your bodies but it offers the perfect place to gather and chat – catching up with old friends and reminiscing is what it’s all about!
Give them a break from dancing or make ‘cosy’ the theme of your whole winter get-together. Whether you are keeping it low-key or just want a small break-out area for some peace and quiet while they warm up, a good old-fashioned campfire or chiminea will do the trick.
Meanwhile, make sure you’ve got some marshmallows on offer! Toasting them over the flames gives you a quick and easy sweet treat option for guests that could even be made into a little smores buffet with some biscuits and chocolate squares.
Keep It Subtle
The details of your event should create a warm, bright but calming atmosphere. To match that of the season, we’d recommend going for that fairy-tale look with your decor and lighting choices.
It also allows you to steer clear of spotlights and floodlights that can be overbearing in a cosy venue or especially in your own home. With darker nights drawing in – you want to keep it illuminated but not feel as though you’re trying to make up for the lack of sun!
Candles
A few candles here and there adds a touch of luxury and a warmth you wouldn’t get from traditional lighting. If you’re worried about them getting knocked over, there are now some amazing battery-operated candles on the market that give a realistic flickering flame and don’t take away from the atmosphere they provide at all.
Candelabras
For a more stylish approach, candelabras are an excellent option. They come in all shapes and sizes these days so you can definitely find one that suits your theme. You could even go for something a little different like a more gothic, wintery stag-head design!
Not only do they provide plenty of light but they also add instant glamour to any room or outdoor space.
Greenery
Some winter foliage like holly and ivy can really bring the outside in. Wicker baskets, Mason jars and even old teapots make great vases for your wintery blooms and can be the cherry on top of any winter get-together.
Fairy Lights
These are an inexpensive way to brighten up any room and can be used in so many ways – drape them over doorways or through trees, line staircases with them, or even just use them to accentuate certain areas of the room. And if you want to get really creative, you could even try making some lanterns out of mason jars!
Even a simple string of lights around the room can make all the difference – it’ll feel more special than just any old day.
Lanterns
Investing in a couple of lanterns for a subtle ambience or draping some festoon lighting across the ceiling and walls create that fairytale feeling.
You could even try your hand at making some DIY ones with mason jars, battery-operated candles or fairy lights and some fake snow. It will complement your theme perfectly while adding a few little centrepieces that can be used on tables and in darker corners.
Just make sure they’re placed somewhere safe so that nobody bumps into them.
Multicolour
Alternatively, let Christmas come early with some icicle lights or multicoloured bulbs for that winter-wonderland theme. Mix that with some beautiful up-lighters, you’ll have just enough so that guests can see each other on the dance floor while ensuring it’s not too bright at the same time.
Hearty Menu Choices
Your menu choices should also reflect the winter season and offer some warming, hearty dishes that’ll fill your guests up.
Soups are an obvious choice to start with but we want to brighten up this winter get-together, so let’s think outside of the box!
In light of Bonfire Night, check out this Scottish Salmon and Beetroot Firecracker our team created! Something like this would certainly liven up the night and allows our team to get creative with your menu.
We can discuss themes and food preferences with you to ensure whatever we cook up is going to reflect your event and supply the piece de resistance!
However, if you’re looking for something hearty and comforting – this Guinea Fowl with popcorn, chorizo and creamed polenta could be a perfect choice. Pair it with a gorgeously unique cocktail beforehand like our Japanese Whisky Old Fashioned and you are onto a winner.
Guests will want to be warmed up and satisfied but we won’t leave them feeling too full for the dance floor!
End with a Sweet Treat
Your winter get-together wouldn’t be complete without a sweet treat to end the night on.
This Bakewell tart, poached pear, basil and almond milk panna cotta is just one of the endless possibilities we could create for you! Of course, this is just an addition to the s’mores or toasted marshmallows we mentioned earlier!
We’ll work with you to come up with the perfect winter dessert (or two) that will tantalise guests’ taste buds and leave them feeling satisfied.
Lay On The Hot Coffee
Last but not least, make sure you have plenty of hot drinks on offer to keep guests warm – coffee, tea, hot chocolate, mulled wine… the list goes on.
And if you want to get really festive, why not try a unique Candy Cane Hot Chocolate? It’s a winter treat that’ll definitely get people in the festive spirit!
Hot drinks are essential for winter events – not only will they keep people warm but they’ll also help to prevent those dreaded hangovers the next day. So, make sure you have a good selection on offer and plenty of it!
Top them off with some of those toasted marshmallows for an extra sweet and creamy taste, or pair them with some bite-sized desserts. Our team can help you decide exactly what is going to satisfy your guests and suit your budget, theme and of course your own personal tastes!
It’s Your Winter Get-Together
These are just a few ideas to get you started but there are endless possibilities when it comes to seasonal events and parties.
At Vanilla Bean Catering, we want to help you create the perfect event – no matter what time of year it is. So, if you’re looking for some inspiration or just need a little helping hand, make sure to get in touch!
We’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure your winter get-together is everything you’ve ever wanted and more. From food and drink to decorations and entertainment, we’ve got it covered.
Get in touch today and let us help you create an unforgettable winter event!
