Set your table in winter white with dazzling silver accents. Silver candles, placemats and napkins add drama to even the plainest white plates and serving bowls. A vase of white flowers and a delicate sprinkling of fake snow down the center of the table add the finishing touches.
Wrap fairy lights in white tulle and drape over a window frame like soft, snowy curtains. Tie back the tulle with a snowflake ornament or white satin ribbon.
Place evergreen-scented candles by your front door to set the scene as guests arrive.
One or two special touches will make your party light up the dark winter’s night. Some ideas:
Give guests a small party gift as they leave. It can be as simple as a white gift bag or satin pouch with a holiday card, votive candle and white chocolate truffles tucked inside.
Serve a signature drink, like sparkling wine with a splash of Goldschlager Cinnamon Schnapps. This cinnamon liquor dresses up your bubbly with holiday spiciness and 24-karat-gold flakes.
Arrange for a group of children to come by and sing Christmas carols.
Organise a blanc de blancs gift exchange: Dress up the usual gift exchange by asking each guest to bring a white gift wrapped in white paper and ribbon.
In the spirit of the season, encourage guests to make a donation to charity. Create a donation table in a low-traffic area, and set out bowls each marked with the name of a charity. Put out pens and small envelopes so guests can contribute discreetly.
Up for a kitschy twist on the usual holiday tunes? Two words: karaoke caroling.
Set up a decadent raw bar with oysters and pots of caviar displayed in a large silver bowl filled with ice. Set toast points for the caviar and assorted sauces for the oysters in small bowls alongside.
Risotto is a perfect dish for a winter wonderland with its white, pillowy appearance and its warm, creamy consistency. Try serving your risotto in individual (and edible!) parmesan cups. To make, scoop a spoonful of grated parmesan cheese onto a lined baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes until each scoop melts into a lacy disk. Push each disk into muffin cups until it cools and holds the shape of a small cup.
Dreaming of a white dessert? Think white chocolate fondue and mini cakes topped with white icing and flaked coconut.
Stack mini popcorn balls like snowballs for a fun, seasonal party snack.
As well as plenty of champagne and sparkling wine, serve mulled wine. Designated drivers can be served hot non-alcoholic punch.
Mulled Wine
• 300ml water
• 100g brown sugar
• 4 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bottle red wine
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
Add the water, sugar and spices to a pan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and allow pan to stand for 15 minutes.
Add the wine and heat gently without boiling. Strain mixture into a heated bowl. Add the lemon and orange slices and serve hot.
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| 1. | Winter Wonderland / Elvis Presley
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| 2. | Happy Holiday / Bing Crosby |
| 3. | Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! / Kenny G |
| 4. | Everyday's a Holiday / Mel Torme
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| 5. | Jingle Bells / Frank Sinatra |
| 6. | I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm / Dean Martin
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| 7. | Baby, It's Cold Outside / Barry Manilow
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| 8. | Peace / Norah Jones
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| 9. | Last Christmas / Wham!
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| 10. | Song for a Winter's Night/ Sarah McLachlan
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