| It's a long cold winter, but it doesn't have to be | | | | percent with distilled water, freeze for 48 hours and |
| boring, too. Beat the blahs with a warm winter | | | | unmold. |
| party. It's a perfect time to reconnect with friends | | | | 11. Winter party favors can be anything with a |
| and have fun. Or maybe you're already planning an | | | | snowflake motif. How about magnets with a |
| event such as an anniversary or sweet 16 | | | | snowflake background and personalized message like, |
| celebration. If you're looking for inspiration for a big | | | | "Your friendship warms the coldest winter - Jane and |
| occasion in January or February or just a casual get | | | | Barry Parker"? A quick online search and you'll find |
| together, here are sixteen ideas to get you started. | | | | lots of products that can be customized with your |
| 1. If you're having trouble finding a great winter party | | | | words and even a photo. |
| invitation, then look for a company that can | | | | 12. Plan your winter party around a seasonal activity |
| customize one of their Christmas invitations or cards | | | | such as sledding or ice skating. |
| that is filled with snowflakes, snow, or a snowman. | | | | 13. If you don't want to remind your guest of the |
| Ask them to eliminate the holiday aspect of it and | | | | cold, ice and snow, why not have a luau or Caribbean |
| make it just a winter theme. | | | | theme? Borrow some CD's from the library of |
| 2. Decorate with tons of white and accents of silver | | | | Hawaiian or reggae music. Decorate with fake palm |
| and icy blue. Use fabrics like chiffon, gossamer and | | | | trees, seashells and flowers. Blend some coconut |
| other shears to create a winter fantasy feel. | | | | drinks. Break up the winter by going tropical and |
| 3. Scented candles can enhance the atmosphere of a | | | | your guests are sure to think your party is hot. |
| winter party. Try scents like evergreen, hot cocoa | | | | 14. Build your party around a holiday or event. Have |
| or apple pie. | | | | a Valentine's Day party or a Super Bowl bash. Turn |
| 4. Do you own a sled? Clean it up and use it as a | | | | President's Day, Groundhog Day or Chinese New |
| decoration or even on top of the table to hold | | | | Year into a fun get together. Check the internet |
| platters of food. | | | | for obscure special days to celebrate like Elvis' |
| 5. Make a garland of mittens. Attach every pair | | | | birthday on January 8th, Winnie the Pooh day on |
| your family owns to a ribbon and hang it across the | | | | January 18th or National Gum Drop Day on February |
| room. If you don't have enough gloves, you can | | | | 15th. Plan a party to watch the Grammy's or the |
| pick up some extras at the dollar store. | | | | Academy Awards. And don't forget Mardi Gras! |
| 6. Raid your box of Christmas decorations in the attic | | | | 15. Throw an ugly sweater party. Invite your |
| for your winter theme party. Snowflake ornaments, | | | | guests to wear their most hideous winter |
| white twinkling lights, silver garland, plastic icicles and | | | | woolen-wear. It might be a gift they received from |
| snowmen can work both at Christmas and at your | | | | a well-meaning relative during the holidays. Or it |
| party in January or February. | | | | could be a 20 year old impulse buy hanging in the |
| 7. Have a fondue party. When your guests gather | | | | back of their closet with the tags still attached. |
| around the fondue pot to dip their bread cubes into | | | | Whoever makes it to the top of the worst dressed |
| the warm cheese sauce, the conversations will flow. | | | | list, wins a prize. |
| Plus, since they're doing their own cooking with the | | | | 16. Consider including a "snow date" on your |
| sauces you prepared ahead of time, you'll have a | | | | invitations. If you live in an area that gets a lot of |
| chance to join in the fun, instead of being stuck in | | | | bad winter weather, you might want to add an |
| the kitchen. | | | | alternate date for the party, in the event that the |
| 8. Cook up your famous chili recipe. Nothing warms | | | | forecast is for slippery roads. Explain that you will |
| your guests more than your homemade chili, French | | | | call them before the party to change the date. If |
| onion soup or beef stew. A winter party is a great | | | | you decide to go this route, make sure you plan your |
| time to serve those stick to your ribs, comfort | | | | menu around make-ahead foods that you freeze. In |
| foods. | | | | the event that the party is postponed, you won't |
| 9. Feature gourmet hot chocolates in a variety of | | | | have to buy or make new party food. |
| flavors. Don't forget the whipped cream and | | | | So send out those invitations and get ready for a |
| marshmallows! | | | | great winter party. Your guests will be thrilled that |
| 10. Make your own ice sculpture. You can buy | | | | you planned something fun and memorable to break |
| inexpensive reusable molds on the internet in a | | | | up the cold weather blues. |
| variety of shapes. Simply fill the mold about 90 | | | | |