Cozy up with a fondue party
Invite loved ones to a warm and welcoming tableau filled with ooey-gooey treats and effortless extras
Send them home smiling with mini melting pans
Surprise guests with these petite pan party favors so they can continue the fondue fun at home! To do: Wrap gingham ribbon around a mini raclette pan (perfect for melting cheese!); set atop a napkin on a plate. Top plate with a trinket or small gift.
SECRET SOURCE: Raclette Nonstick Mini Cheese Pan, $29 for 4, Amazon.com
Warm everyone’s hearts with a signature sip
Mugs of homemade mulled wine are made even sweeter with DIY drink cozies. To do: Add 2 bottles of red wine, 1 cup of apple cider, 1 sliced orange, 2 Tbs. of honey, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 whole star anise and 5 cloves to a slow cooker; set on low for 30 minutes. Fill mugs with wine; secure a cloth napkin around each with jute.
Chase away the chill with a snuggly, stylish scene
The key to creating an inviting-meets-fun fondue party: combining cheery colors and an array of cozy touches—like soft fabrics and candlelight—inspired by hygge. “Hygge is the Danish concept of coziness,” says Pia Edberg, author of The Cozy Life. “Though it is about surrounding yourself with comfy things, it’s also about connecting with loved ones—and a warm supper full of candlelight is hygge in action.” Here, a table is topped with checkered linens, snow-white dinnerware and glass goblets. Red-and-white snack bowls, gingham-wrapped candles and a basket of fresh-baked bread for dipping further the relaxed feel. To finish, place a few apples between settings and a fondue pot at the heart of the table. It’s the perfect spot for warming up!
Kindle a good mood with checkered candle cups
Displaying candles (a hygge staple) in ribbonkissed cups creates a soothing, sparkling table centerpiece in seconds! To do: For each, set dried moss in the bottom of a juice glass and drop a battery-run votive inside. Tie gingham ribbon into a bow around the cup; press on a plastic flower with double-stick tape. Add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to moss for a subtly sweet scent.
Kick-start the fun with a classic party game
Guests of all ages will have a ball playing the European party game Pass the Parcel. To do: Place a gift in a box. Wrap in multiple layers of gift wrap, adding small treats between each layer. Wrap the box in a plaid dish towel and tie with ribbon. SUCCESS SECRET: To find the rules, search“Pass The Parcel” at easy-party-ideas-and-games.com