Throwing a Beat the Winter Blues party.HELP!

D.....you and I are soul sisters. I love hosting parties and getting people together. Though...I don't drink so I'd be bringing a bottle of Sparkling Cider. :)

I am envisioning a luau type theme. Go with creating some warmth and tropical paradise for the chilly,wind blown crowd.

Serve the famous "plate lunch" island style meal. Make Kalua Pork and rice and Mac Salad. Throw in some fruit in kabobs and do fruity drinks with umbrellas.

Go to orientaltradingcompany.com for cute decor. Bam! You have just brought summer into you home.

So when is the party..I am so there. I will show up wearing my "Never Ending Summer" sweatshirt, jeans and flip flops...and have my Martinelli's in hand.

Happy Partying my soul sista!

Well if *I* was going to throw a "beat the winter blues* party I would make it a luau, complete with mai tais with tiny umbrellas, BBQ pork & pineapple kabobs, tiki lights, hula music, maybe even a kiddie pool filled with sand for teasing your toes into thinking it's summer :-)

Some of our friends do a Hawaiian luau themed party every winter. Everyone comes in Hawaiian dress, they have tropical drinks, and tropical inspired appetizers and Hawaiian pork. She ordered a bunch of decorations from Oriental Trading and has kiddie pools full of ice to hold the drinks. Very fun party.

I often host a "midnight margaritas" / "I don't care that its winter" kind of party when I get sick of the interminable grey. Usually towards the end of January, as its far enough after the holidays for people to want to come out.

It's generally a Caribbean / Latin theme.

Carne Asada
Cuban Sammies
Empanadas
Tostones & guacamole
Stuffed jalepenos
Ceviche
Salsa bar
Etc.

For drinks:
Margaritas & Piña Coladas & Caiperenas (alcohol & virgin)

D.-

You've heard it from others, but in terms of your colors and food choices, I second, making the party a tropical paridise. Think oversized hibiscus, fuschia, tangerine, lime, salmon, bright yellow. surf boards, beach boys, for cocktails I would offer up "s3x on the beach" or fruit cocktail with malibu rum.

Serve popsicles, corn on the cob, crab cakes, watermelon feta and basil salad with a balsamic dressing, grilled kielbasa on a roll.

sunscreen, cheap sunglasses, shovels and pails, pool noodles, brighly colored beach towels and cover ups can double as decor.

Best,
F. B.

Beating the winter blues is kind of what a winter solstice party is.
There are lot's of traditions or you can go with something else like a luau.
For a drink, wassail or hot cider is always good.

Can you make it a pot luck so everyone can bring a dish. The whole point is to NOT cause yourself more stress!

Now I'm craving a hot apple cider, thanks.

Sounds like The Great Gastby!