With the exception of Christmas and New Year, many of us choose to stay indoors in the warmth of our homes than venture out to attend parties and celebrations in the winter, so it only feels right that when we do decide to host an event that we go all out and make it truly memorable. Whether you’re organising a corporate dinner, an awards night, a milestone birthday party or an anniversary celebration, be sure to make your winter event wonderfully magical by following our tips below.
A grand entrance
We’ve left the comfort of our homes in the middle of winter, so let’s make our guests feel welcomed as they enter the party! By creating an instant “wow” factor for your guests will really set the tone for the rest of the evening and make everyone feel excited for what’s to come.
Ideas for your grand entrance, could be a red carpet arrival with servers waiting to greet you with canapes and glasses of bubbles, or it could be an extravagant balloon arch in the colours / theme of the evening. Whatever you choose, this will be your guest’s first impression so it’s important to get it right.
Winter foliage
This time of year is perfect for bringing the outdoors in with off-cuts of holly and mistletoe and even a pinecone or two. Spray them with “snow” and pair them with lanterns or candles (more on that later) and you’ve got a lovely table centrepiece. Use foliage to dress additional tables or even for place settings. As these items are commonly found in winter, you don’t have to be hosting a Christmas party to use them either.
Event props
This one is totally up to you and how much budget you have, but why not lean in on the winter theme and hire winter-themed props for your event. Think furry blankets, skis and a cable car (!) for a chalet, alpine style event or opt for snowflakes, sleighs and stacks of presents for a festive twist. There are a number of event companies that offer prop hire, especially for those larger, more complicated items that you can enquire with – quite often they’ll set up and take down for you too. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious or on a low budget, why not get creative and do it yourself!
Cosy lighting
As we all know it gets dark quick in the winter, so the lighting you choose for your event is very important. To create a sophisticated atmosphere, opt for soft lighting such as candles and lanterns that offer that warm glow which will make your guests relax and the space feel cosy. Fairy lights are also a good option for extra sparkle, whereas we advise steering clear on bright, white lights that will make your event feel hostile.
Plush textures
Following on from the cosy lighting, the textures that you choose also need to compliment each other. For that wonderful, comfortable feeling, choose furry blankets and throws and squashy, plush pillows for your guests to enjoy. For a little added extra, why not tie velvet bows on your candles or glasses?
