Winter. WINTER. W.I.N.T.E.R.
Yep, it’s here. It’s cold. It’s wet. And, in my opinion, worst of all – it’s windy. And it’s here to stay with us for another 10 weeks and 2 days, or 71 days and 9 hours, at the time of writing (not that I’m counting….)
Having been born on the second last day of Winter (unlucky!), and growing up in a little coastal town with an average Summer maximum temperature of 23 degrees, I am well versed in the perils of Winter, staying healthy when others are feeling/looking/sounding like death and how to get oneself through those 3 dark months, without becoming too miserable.
Organising events is another area I’m well versed in – and when you combine the two, well there’s an opportunity for some magic.
Here are a few of the best parts of Winter events and special occasions:
Styling and Theming: Winter Wonderland anyone?
Forget the fake snow in an aerosol can and paper snowflake cut-outs.
There’s a real opportunity to deck your event out in pure luxurious, opulent fabrics and props.
Think furs, candlesticks, antlers, shimmery, slinky materials, muted pale tones – light metals, ice blues, pure white.
Layer options together and let the textures speak for themselves.
Supply blankets or throws for guests to wrap themselves in to really amp up the cosy Winter feel.
Food and Beverages:
First of all: Soup.
There’s not a whole lot else to say apart from the words: yum, easy, variety and healthy.
Add a mug per person to your Winter conference, team it with crusty bread and watch as people return for seconds.
For a sweet treat – why not set up a s’mores station where everyone can toast their own marshmallows and make their own dessert. (Parental supervision recommended…)
When it comes to wintery beverages, hot chocolate usually takes pole position. And why shouldn’t it. It’s essentially liquid chocolate. Ummm….. SOLD!
There are other hot non-alcoholic options that are also delicious – all of your coffee varieties, chai/ginger and peppermint tea… etc., but for those of you who would prefer something a touch more on the alcoholic side then you may prefer a spicy mulled wine like the one featured here:
EASY MULLED WINE:
Serves 8 (Maybe….)
INGREDIENTS
1 orange, sliced and seeded
1⁄2 cup sugar
2 cups water
1 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 bottle red wine
DIRECTIONS
Combine the orange, sugar, water, and spices in a large stainless steel or enamelled pot.
Slowly bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Reduce the heat, add the wine, and slowly reheat but do not boil.
Serve warm in mugs.
Drink. Enjoy. Top up.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside, when the food is hot, the beverages are flowing and there are smiles on faces inside.
Whether you’re holding a off-peak winter wedding, a charity fundraiser or gala ball, you can still hold a smashing event, while the sun isn’t shining.
Until next time… stay warm.
ez 🙂
xx
