Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Invitations
Paper snowflakes cutouts pasted on colorful cardstock make simple, coordinated invitations. Also consider sending winter theme invitations thru email. Two popular e-invites websites, www.punchbowl.com and www.evite.com are simple to use and offer many invitation designs that can be sent for free.

Decorations
For a winter party no word comes to mind better than snow! A flurry of snowflakes dangling from the ceiling or confetti sprinkled on a table gives the sensation of an indoor snowstorm. Feel free to experiment with colors such as blue, white, silver and black. Or coordinate a fun winter whimsical theme throughout your décor. These decorations are readily available and don’t take much time to coordinate. Find the perfect winter theme idea for you at your local party supply store or be inspired by the elements around you. Holiday decorations already put up can serve as a nice backdrop for a more informal winter gathering. A few unique winter theme ideas include: penguins, polar bears, snow fairies, skiing, ice-skating and hockey. Anything that reminds you a winter can make a creative decoration scheme.

Food
Hot cheese and gooey chocolate fondues will warm guests on a frosty day, and are a great choice for a winter party menu. For desert make snow-crystal cupcakes using rock candy chunks or a cake with all-white decorations. Chocolate fondue is a sweet party treat. Serve pound cake, or angel food cake, marshmallows, and a variety of fresh fruit with your fondue. Serve cheese fondue as a healthier alternative. Pair it with steamed broccoli florets, bread and other fresh vegetables. Set foods out on a winter decorated table. Drape strings of lights around the table wrapped in tulle and use holiday tabletop decorations to adorn your table.

Drinks
Drinks that warm our bodies inside are perfect for winter theme party. Two of these drinks are hot-spiced cider and hot cocoa. For extra spicy favor in your cider, rub the mug rim with the cut edge of an apple or lemon wedge, and then dip in cinnamon sugar. To make the hot cocoa extra minty, coat the rim with crushed peppermint candies or cinnamon sugar. Set drinks out in festive holiday mugs so guests can have easy access to them. Arrange a drink buffet for hot cocoa and spiced apple cider. Arrange peppermint candy cane sticks in a container so quests can use them as stirring sticks. Also consider adding mini marshmallows, chocolate dipped spoons, and whipped cream as toppings for the cocoa. Cocoa can be premade or prepackaged for guests to make themselves. Also provide a pitcher of water for guests who may choose to drink it. Your guests will appreciate the extra effort to provide them will drinks that will keep them nice and warm!

Activity Ideas
Games such as Charades, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, Cranium, Scategories, and Taboo are fun group board games perfect for a winter day. These games can really get a party going and are fun as icebreakers to introduce guest who may not know each other. A wintry rendition of the popular party game Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Pin the Noise on the Snowman. To make this game, make a large snowman from construction paper, and use orange pom-pom noses set with double side tape. This game is great if children will be attending your party. If time allows, consider drawing other winter characters such as an evergreen tree, an elf, or Rudolph.

These winter party ideas are easy enough that you can throw a winter party this weekend! What better way to beat the bleakness of winter than to throw a party? Invite your friends and family to an impromptu gathering that´s guaranteed to lift everyone’s spirits.