Perfect Year-Round Parties
Fall
This busy time of year usually gets overlooked by party planners. Throw an event to take away some of the stress of these busy days with a party that meshes together all the beauty of this season. Toss on a sweater and give your crew a much-needed night out with these ideas:
- Deep colors and bountiful foods are staples of fall, so incorporate them into your party as much as possible. Decorative leaves, pumpkins and gourds will add a festive touch.
- Prepare foods using the bounty of the season: pumpkin, butternut squash, artichokes, and potatoes make great side dishes to a rich, meaty fall dish. Try a pot roast, pork loin or chicken pot pie as a welcoming dish for your guests.
- Your theme can vary from a simple harvest party to a Halloween costume ball. Halloween parties are your chance to get as cheesy as you wish! Go over-the-top with caldrons of punch, use dry ice to create a steamy effect. Prepare dishes like “eyeball salad” (mozzarella balls with vegetables) and spider cookies.
- No fall party would be complete without a sweet treat like apple or pumpkin pie, candy apples or caramel popcorn balls.
Winter
If you throw a winter party in December, you’ll be competing with a myriad of other holiday bashes. Why not wait until January or February? Bundle up with some cocoa and start planning with these tips:
- Make a point of putting away your Christmas décor and make room for some snowflakes accompanied by rich winter colors: floral displays in red, orange and yellow will brighten up a dull winter scene.
- Winter recipes are often heartier than those at other times of year. Try creamy salads and beefy chili or whip up a main dish like duck or sautéed chicken. Serve rich desserts like white chocolate cake, mousse or bread pudding.
- Serve Peppermintinis (3 parts vodka to 1 part crème de menthe) or warm drinks with brandy or rum.
- Have a singles’ Valentine’s theme or try something really original: a television show or book theme to honor the favorite weeknight tradition that keeps you going over the long winter.
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