Need winter party ideas? Explore themed celebrations perfect for the season,
complete with decor tips, menu suggestions, and hosting tips.

It’s a new year! The holiday season filled our hearts . . .  and time. But now the holiday parties are over.

The cold weather has hit and everything has slowed down.  

All the Christmas finery is packed away and your home may be feeling a bit sterile and cold. We both know the solution, don’t we?

Let’s throw a party! A casual, fun, winter themed party for gathering our friends together.

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to embrace the chilly season – a magical winter adventure party that’ll have everyone talking until spring!

And if trudging through the snow isn’t your thing (or you live somewhere where snow is about as common as a unicorn), don’t worry – I’ve got tons of other amazing winter party ideas up my sleeve. Let’s dive in!

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Okay, this is where winter party dreams come true, friends!

Think about it – what if we actually celebrated winter instead of just hiding from it?

Here’s how to throw the most magical winter gathering, the perfect way to actually enjoy the snow and cold, surrounded with the warmth of good friends:

Bundle up and embrace that crisp winter air! 

Choose your adventure from these fun activities:

• A gorgeous nature walk through snowy trails (perfect for those Instagram moments!)
• Sledding (trust me, adults love this even more than kids!)
• Ice skating (holding onto the rail totally counts)
• Building the world’s most epic snowman (or a small village of snow people)
• Making snow angels (you’re never too old!)

• Greet them with my favorite “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” sign that I made from reclaimed wood
• Set up a spot for winter gear (nobody likes soggy mittens on your furniture!)
• Have warm, fluffy slippers ready (trust me, this little touch makes everyone feel special)
• Gather all the warm throws to wrap up in until the fire gets roaring

• Keep that winter greenery going (minus the Christmas red) with some twinkly fairy lights
• Add my super-easy birch bark wreath with its cozy woolly bow
• Layer ALL the soft things – throws, pillows, you name it
• Create that perfect glow with candles everywhere (battery-operated ones work great too!) and twinkling fairy lights

Want a tip to maximize your candle budget? Check out how to get three times the glow!

Always start with what you already have. Try to incorporate as many of these warm, cozy elements as feasible and still be cohesive:

• Layer textured linens in earthy tones with a warn color scheme of browns, taupe, winter whites and black
• Lots of natural wooden accents
• Use natural elements like pinecones, tree slices and birch logs
• Incorporate mercury glass or frosted votives, 
• Incorporate small potted or faux evergreens into your centerpiece
• Set each place with rustic stoneware, or campfire ware like I did
• Add warmth with metallic accents in golds or copper

For my winter woodland table, I created a cozy, textured landscape that brings the outside in. 

The foundation is a custom tablecloth made from 2½ yards of taupe and brown heathered herringbone fabric, offering a sophisticated menswear-inspired base. 

The real magic happens with the handcrafted paper runners – a simple yet stunning DIY project featuring painted birch trees along craft paper (stay tuned for Friday’s post where I’ll share my foolproof technique that requires zero artistic talent!). These runners line each side of the table, creating an enchanting woodland path for the place settings.

Are you a subscriber? Not yet? Don’t risk missing this birch bark tutorial you can do on just about anything!!! Subscribe right now:

Thanks bunches! Now back to the parties:

Each place setting tells its own story of rustic elegance. 

Dollar Tree’s white plates with black and white plaid rims prove that style doesn’t require a big budget, while enameled metal campfire ware bowls and mugs add authentic outdoor charm. 

I paired these with creamy white linen napkins, in handcrafted napkin rings combining wooden beads and black ribbon webbing. 

The centerpiece brings it all together – two repurposed wooden dough bowls (salvaged from spent candles) now hold votive candles nestled in rock salt “fake snow”.

These flank the centerpiece of tree slices providing varying heights, while a black and winter white scarf adds soft texture among wooden pears and faux evergreen trees. Another faux plant nestled in an old hammered brass container completes this cozy winter tableau.

Make-ahead Meal:

• Slow-cooked beef bourguignon or wild mushroom stew
• Crusty artisan bread
• Roasted winter vegetables
• Warm apple or pear crisp

Create a hot drink bar featuring:

• Multiple hot chocolate options
• Spiced cider or mulled wine
• Various teas
• Irish coffee fixings
• Flavored syrups and toppings

The key to this winter celebration is creating contrast – the exhilarating outdoor experience followed by the deep comfort of coming in from the cold. 

This party theme is a great way to celebrate winter’s unique beauty while providing the perfect setting for meaningful connections and lasting memories.

If you’re loving the winter vibes but want something a bit less adventurous, here are some cozy alternatives that still celebrate these colder months:

​Want another fun way to embrace the winter season? How about a whimsical penguin-themed celebration! 

These dapper little birds in their “natural tuxedos” make the perfect inspiration for a winter party that’s equal parts sophisticated and silly. 

Think everyone dressed in black and white and decor and menu all centered around black and white — and fish!

Set the mood with black and white decor accented with pops of bright yellow or ocean blue. Create a photo spot with a backdrop of Antarctic ice and snow (white sheets or backdrop paper work great!) and add some cardboard penguin cutouts for fun photo ops. Pro tip: grab some plastic top hats and bow ties from the dollar store – everyone loves dressing up like a proper penguin!

For your table setting, think ice and snow with a playful twist. Layer white tablecloths with silver or iridescent runners over clear plastic “florist boxes” with battery operated fairy lights to mimic glowing glaciers with some small penguin figurines waddling through.

Use clear glass or white plates on black chargers for that penguin-inspired color scheme. Fold black napkins into little bow ties (YouTube has super easy tutorials!). 

For an extra touch, grab some penguin ice cube trays from The Dollar Tree (part of Christmas 2024 collection, not available on line) to make lots of ice cubes, chocolate penguins and even penguin butter pads.

The menu? Think “South Pole meets comfort food!” 

I love these cute little penguin appetizers. I would probably substitute fresh mozzarella for the goat cheese, but same idea. 

Serve fish and chips in paper cones (penguins love fish!), clam chowder or shrimp, black and white cookies and how about these penguin strawberries resting on top of brownies coated in white peppermint flavored frosting?

For a fun activity, set up a “waddle race” where pairs of guests have to walk with a balloon between them – just like emperor penguins passing their egg! 

​Transform your home into a cozy Danish retreat by embracing hygge – the art of creating intimate, comfortable gatherings.

Set the mood with soft blankets, pillows, flickering candles, and warm lighting.

Serve comfort foods like homemade soups with freshly baked bread. Of course no hygge party would be complete without a hot chocolate bar with all the fixings. 

Activities can include storytelling, board games, or simply enjoying meaningful conversation in a peaceful atmosphere.

Dress code for a hygge type of party is strictly warm, cozy, fuzzy, and snuggly.

Transform your winter gathering into a delicious competition! Invite guests to show off their culinary skills in these cozy categories:

• Heartiest Soup or Stew (think rich chowders, hearty beef stew, or creative vegetarian options)
• Most Creative Mac and Cheese (traditional, truffle-infused, or maybe topped with crispy bacon?)
• Best Winter Dessert (warm apple crisp, gooey brownies, or decadent bread pudding)
• Coziest Beverage (spiked hot chocolate, mulled wine, or creative coffee concoctions)

For Larger Groups (12+ People): Set up a creative buffet that’s both functional and fun! Cover your counter or island with kraft paper for an interactive display. As each dish arrives, place it on the paper and:

• Draw an outline around each container
• Write the dish’s name in your best “fancy” handwriting
• Note any allergens or dietary information
• Leave space for guests to add comments or votes!

Create a tasting experience by serving each category in rounds:

1. Start with small samples of each soup/stew served to seated guests
2. Follow with mac and cheese tasting portions
3. After sampling, invite guests to help themselves to full portions of their favorites
4. Save dessert for the grand finale – serve sample plates of each sweet treat
5. Keep those cozy beverages flowing throughout the evening!

Provide each guest with scoring cards that include:

• Taste (1-10 points)
• Presentation (1-5 points)
• Creativity (1-5 points)
• Comfort Factor (1-5 points)

Don’t forget some fun prizes for the winners! Consider awards like:

• “Comfort Food Champion” (overall winner)
• “Most Creative Comfort Twist”
• “People’s Choice”
• “Best Presentation”

The beauty of this party theme? It combines the warmth of sharing family recipes with just enough friendly competition to keep things interesting. Plus, everyone wins when there’s this much delicious comfort food to sample!

Don’t forget to have everyone bring their recipe. Once the winners are announced, place the recipe by the empty serving dish for everyone to take pictures — can’t distribute recipes any easier than that!

Some parties just happen to fall during winter, and thank goodness they do – they give us the perfect excuse to gather during the coldest months!

Okay, sports fans – this one’s for you!

Whether your team made it or not, Super Bowl Sunday is the perfect excuse to gather your friends for some serious fun.

Set up different viewing areas (you know there’s always someone who wants to chat through the game!).

Create a pool for commercial predictions and one for final score, or print off Super Bowl Bingo cards. There are lots of fun options on Etsy.

And don’t forget the essential spread of game day munchies, like this football shaped pull-apart pizza.

HOSTING TIP: Set up your food table away from the main viewing area to avoid the dreaded chip-grabbing play interference!

Here’s a party that gets everyone involved, even if they don’t know their three-pointers from their free throws! Host a bracket-filling party just before the first game tips off.

Make it extra fun by having everyone pitch in for a prize pool. And don’t underestimate the draw of bragging rights!!!

Keep those brackets safe (you’re the official keeper of dreams here!) and plan to gather again for the championship game and to crown your bracket champion.

Trust me, even your friends who couldn’t care less about basketball will get caught up in the excitement!

A food spread of delicious snacking is of course required. The beginning of March Madness deserves these cupcakes and meringue toppers!

Transform your living room into a celebration of cinema. Create an evening of glamour and entertainment with Oscar bingo cards, matching games, trivia and more. You can also find lots of Oscar game printable downloads on Etsy.

Or engage your guests between awards with impromptu script readings — trust me, watching your usually quiet friend channel their inner Meryl Streep is pure gold. Or challenge everyone to hum famous movie themes like Star Wars, 007 or Jaws. Priceless!!!

Serve elegant appetizers and champagne to match the occasion’s sophistication.

Or take the low road and go the Beverly Hillbilly Oscars route. Tons of fun either way.

Who says you need to be in New Orleans to let the good times roll? Crank up the jazz, break out the beads, and let’s make some noise! Talk about a themed party that everyone understands!

Set up a DIY mask station – you won’t believe how creative people get after a hurricane or two. PLUS, it’s much more fun to make outrageous masks for someone else.

HOSTING TIP: Secretly draw names and make crazy masks for each other while enjoying drinks and appetizers. Place each mask at a placesetting. Each creator says who they made it for and that’s where they sit for dinner 

And yes, king cake is absolutely mandatory! Along with all kinds of cajun-inspired foods, such as:

• Hurricanes
• Hot crab dip
• Jambalaya and cornbread
• Red Beans and Rice
• Bourbon Bread Pudding
• Pecan Pralines

​

Whether for couples or friends, a Valentine’s celebration adds warmth to February. Consider a chocolate tasting party or a favorite things party for the girls. Create a dessert bar with various sweet treats and pink champagne for a festive touch.

Hot pink plastic not your thing?

I’m right there with you. I prefer a more subtlety in Valentine’s Day decor such as these sweet hearts hanging from lichen covered branches, or these oversized conversation hearts, or these cozy pillows that are so easy to make using plain IKEA pillow covers and a bit of chunky yarn.

Yes, I have more parties below, but let’s take a quick pause for you to save this pin so you can find these ideas again:

Let’s be honest – some parties are just better when it’s cold outside! Here are my favorites:

Nothing warms you up like a good glass of wine! 

This is such a blast, especially when someone swears they’re getting “notes of leather and tobacco” from a $10 bottle! 

Keep it casual – this isn’t about being wine snobs, it’s about having fun and maybe discovering your new favorite wine. 

I even developed a set of wine tasting scorecards but  pop-culture icons serve as your measuring sticks. How full-bodied is wine A: Mini Cooper or Hummer; Kate Moss or Heidi Klum? How long-lasting is the finish: Bert & Ernie or Teletubbies? Is the taste level more reflective of Howard Stern or Michelle Obama? You get the idea.

This is one of my favorite themed parties to host. Check out my full guide here for all the details!

When it’s cold outside, nothing beats gathering around the table for board games or party games. Create different gaming stations, from strategy games to those party games that get everyone laughing so hard they cry, or perhaps even snort. 

Keep snacks and fun beverages easily accessible and consider a casual buffet that allows for continuous play.

Wow! Have packaged murder mystery dinner party kits come a loooong way!

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Our group held a Gangster murder mystery game last year for a significant birthday of one of the gang! Everyone went all out and boy did we have a great time.

This group, they take our parties seriously — all the way down to their toes!!!

HOSTING TIP: The more everyone buys into this, the more fun the whole group will have. If there are a few that are reluctant participants, better to invite them to the next party. 

I know that sounds harsh, but it is reality.

YES! I love getting together with friends! Does it show?

Tell me, did I miss one of your favorite winter themed parties? This list is not cast in stone, I’m happy to add more!