BROWSE TOPICS

Party on Ice

Summer gets all the good press. It's a season associated with outdoor frolicking and fun. Winter, in contrast, is synonymous with indoor doldrums and longing. But that doesn't have to be the case.

"Winter is a perfect time to throw a party," says Luann Grosscup, author of "Instant Parties : Everything You Need for Great Spur-of-the-Moment Parties" (Meadowbrook Press). "All you have to do is take advantage of the weather rather than try to work around it."

"There are plenty of party themes that can be used during the cold months," says co-author Jo O'Connor Tazelaar. "Just get your friends together and have fun."

"Instant Parties" offers dozens of party themes that can be whipped up in little time. Often, only one hour is needed to make the theme come to life. Each idea comes with invitation suggestions, music and decorating guidance, menu tips and even entertainment options.

From their book, Grosscup and Tazelaar offer the party theme of "Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates." The theme is the perfect vehicle for getting you outside and active during the snowy months.

Invitations

Call your friends and invite them over for corn chowder and hot mulled wine. Then casually mention that before dinner, everyone will be heading outside for some winter fun.

Props and Decor

Bring your sledding equipment. But don't stop at just toboggans, saucers and sleds. Encourage your guests to be creative. Pool toys, air mattresses and inner tubes will all slide down a hill just fine. Offer a prize to the person who uses the most creative sled.

If skating or cross-country skiing is more your style, tell your guests to bring their own equipment so everyone can hit the frost together.

And remember the extra items that come in handy during winter activity. Electric blankets, quilts and pillows will be appreciated.

Menu

A simple soup, like the promised corn chowder, will be a hit for everyone who wants to shake off the cold after a day of tobogganing, skating or skiing. Offer some bread to go with the soup, and have your guests serve themselves from the hot stove.

For drinks, mix red wine, cranberry juice, fruit slices and spices. Heat the mulled wine and serve it warm in mugs.

Music

Play music that is soothing and comforting to your guests. It can be classical or big band, but pick a style that allows you and your fellow partygoers to relax and enjoy the toasty wine.

Entertainment

Sledding is the easiest thing for everyone to agree upon. Gliding down on a hill causes even cynical adults to squeal like children again.

If you'd rather skate, have fun by teaching one another your favorite moves. Just avoid showing off or trying to teach a novice how to triple Salchow.

Once you're back inside, continue the theme by having an indoor snowball fight. No, that doesn't mean piling snow into the living room. Instead, Have each guest write an activity or stunt on sheets of paper. Then roll the sheets into balls and start a "snowball" fight. When a timer sounds to end the round, the guests open one of the "snowballs" and perform the activity written on it (for example, "Sing the 'Yellow Rose of Texas' loudly!"). Keep playing until dinner is served.

For dozens of other party-theme ideas, pick up a copy of Grosscup and Tazelaar's "Instant Parties" today.

RESOURCES:

Buy from Amazon - Instant Parties : Everything You Need for Great Spur-of-the-Moment Parties