Written By: Bec | Last Updated: 27.10.2023
It may be cold outside, but that doesn't mean your celebration won't be a RED HOT success! From outfits, decorations and food through to fun activity ideas; learn how to host a winter themed party to beat them all, by reading on...! This article probably contains affiliate links. This means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link below. Please see our Disclaimer for more info :) Related: 90+ Impressive Hen Do Theme Ideas Related: How to Host a Stunning Winter Party 
Winter Party Ideas (Quick Overview)
Featuring décor inspired by the cooler weather, this theme is all about warming up (fire pits, roasted marshmallows and hot beverages), being cozy (beanies, blankets) and good company. Decorations often include twinkle lights, snowflakes and icicles, whilst the food/drink may reflect the ambiance of winter months (mulled wine and warmed eggnog). Activities such as a scavenger hunt, snowball fight, or ice-bar experience are perfectly suited to the theme, as are games such as the 'toilet paper snowman'. Guests will leave with beautiful winter-inspired favors (such as snowflake biscuits) and magical memories!
Check out our favourite winter party ideas on Etsy!
★ Click here to view our hand-picked collection ★
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Our Tip:
Pick some base colours (e.g. greys, whites, creams), then incorporate pops of your bride's favourite colour for some added fun (blue, for example).
Pick some base colours (e.g. greys, whites, creams), then incorporate pops of your bride's favourite colour for some added fun (blue, for example).
Winter Themed Costumes & Outfit Ideas
Baby it's COLD outside! So why not encourage your guests to rug up in their best winter woollies? Beanies, scarves, mittens, ugg boots, slippers, coats, and even dressing gowns accepted attire - literally my dream dress code.
Alternatively, if you would like your celebration to ooze glamour and charm, opt for themes such as 'glitter', 'little white dress', 'winter themed dresses' or 'winter sparkle'. You could also set a colour block theme using your event palette (for example ,everyone come dressed in gold, green or brown - bride dressed in white).
And finally, if you'd like to give your guests a little more freedom in their wardrobe, why not ask everyone to come in an outfit that resembles 'snow', 'ice', or even the season itself. The range of costumes (from stunning, glittery dresses through to DIY snowflakes, snow globes and Santa outfits) will be SO entertaining and great for photos.
Alternatively, if you would like your celebration to ooze glamour and charm, opt for themes such as 'glitter', 'little white dress', 'winter themed dresses' or 'winter sparkle'. You could also set a colour block theme using your event palette (for example ,everyone come dressed in gold, green or brown - bride dressed in white).
And finally, if you'd like to give your guests a little more freedom in their wardrobe, why not ask everyone to come in an outfit that resembles 'snow', 'ice', or even the season itself. The range of costumes (from stunning, glittery dresses through to DIY snowflakes, snow globes and Santa outfits) will be SO entertaining and great for photos.
Winter Themed Party Food
There are a few ways to approach your winter themed food.
ADD SOME WARMTH
First of all: warmth. When I think of the cold winter months, I think of delicious meals that make me feel cosy and warm - family favorite meals that remind me of my childhood. For example, mini shepherds pies, self-serve butter chicken and rice, pulled pork rolls, pasta meals, lasagne, baked potatoes, or even pizza.
BRING THE COLD
Now reverse that thought and consider all things cold! Think along the lines of sundae bars, ice-cream bars and self serve gelati.
For those interested in setting up a station dedicated to these frozen delights, be sure to include a variety of delicious toppings (nuts, honeycomb, chocolate, lollies, sprinkles, fruits). Guests will have an absolute ball personalising their very own treats.
STICK TO YOUR THEME
If you want the theme to carry through to your food table, consider serving up an array of appetizers and sweets that pair well with your party colour palette.
Using the example from the beginning of this article, serving a range of foods that are cream, white, brown, green and gold is an easy way to tie your edibles to the rest of the celebration. This could include cupcakes decorated with white icing, avocado dip with crackers, cheese and crackers, chocolates, caramel popcorn mixed with plain popcorn, iced donuts, Ferrero Rocher's, mini sandwiches, biscuits, cake pops, mousse, scones, mini quiches and so on.
IT'S ALL IN THE DISPLAY
ADD SOME WARMTH
First of all: warmth. When I think of the cold winter months, I think of delicious meals that make me feel cosy and warm - family favorite meals that remind me of my childhood. For example, mini shepherds pies, self-serve butter chicken and rice, pulled pork rolls, pasta meals, lasagne, baked potatoes, or even pizza.
BRING THE COLD
Now reverse that thought and consider all things cold! Think along the lines of sundae bars, ice-cream bars and self serve gelati.
For those interested in setting up a station dedicated to these frozen delights, be sure to include a variety of delicious toppings (nuts, honeycomb, chocolate, lollies, sprinkles, fruits). Guests will have an absolute ball personalising their very own treats.
STICK TO YOUR THEME
If you want the theme to carry through to your food table, consider serving up an array of appetizers and sweets that pair well with your party colour palette.
Using the example from the beginning of this article, serving a range of foods that are cream, white, brown, green and gold is an easy way to tie your edibles to the rest of the celebration. This could include cupcakes decorated with white icing, avocado dip with crackers, cheese and crackers, chocolates, caramel popcorn mixed with plain popcorn, iced donuts, Ferrero Rocher's, mini sandwiches, biscuits, cake pops, mousse, scones, mini quiches and so on.
IT'S ALL IN THE DISPLAY
And finally, stunning labels, signs and/or inventive layouts are a fun way to theme your spread.
From cupcakes set up to form the shape of a snowflake, popcorn served in jars decorated as snowmen or little biscuits iced with wintery images, through to simple yet beautiful themed signage ('enjoy some food' or 'treat yourself); there are many ways to get creative.
From cupcakes set up to form the shape of a snowflake, popcorn served in jars decorated as snowmen or little biscuits iced with wintery images, through to simple yet beautiful themed signage ('enjoy some food' or 'treat yourself); there are many ways to get creative.
HANDY TIP:
If you like bits and pieces from the different options above, there's no reason you can't mix and match! Serve some themed foods alongside dishes in your party colours, and then top it off with a sign at the back of your table. Do what works best for your particular event.
If you like bits and pieces from the different options above, there's no reason you can't mix and match! Serve some themed foods alongside dishes in your party colours, and then top it off with a sign at the back of your table. Do what works best for your particular event.
Winter Themed Cocktails & Drinks
When the temperature drops, winter themed drinks such as hot chocolate (with a dash of Irish Whisky), butterscotch hot chocolate, warmed eggnog, mulled wine, hot caramel cocktail, or the delicious sticky date martini (sticky date pudding in cocktail form - my mouth waters at the mere thought of it) are your best bets. Snuggled up near the fire, best gals around, warm beverage in hand; it's a dream on those cold winter days!
If you want to zone in on the 'chill' factor, slushies with added punch (i.e. vodka or gin) or chilled drinks in your palette colours (e.g. snow cap cocktail, chocolate martinis, or the amazing toblerone cocktail) are bound to go down a treat.
Handy Tip:
Set up drink stations (such as a hot chocolate bar) so that guests can create weird and wonderful beverages to suit their taste.
If you want to zone in on the 'chill' factor, slushies with added punch (i.e. vodka or gin) or chilled drinks in your palette colours (e.g. snow cap cocktail, chocolate martinis, or the amazing toblerone cocktail) are bound to go down a treat.
Handy Tip:
Set up drink stations (such as a hot chocolate bar) so that guests can create weird and wonderful beverages to suit their taste.
Decorate in Style
Your winter wonderland party decorations should make guests feel warm, cosy and happy.
We love using natural items and textures to create this beautiful ambience. Indoor plants add stunning greenery, string lights add a subtle yet beautiful glow to the room (grab these out of your Christmas box to save yourself some money), fire creates warmth and wintery feels (open fire, fire pit, candles or candlesticks - they all work!), sticks painted white add a frosty feel and pine cones (painted white or left natural) draw the mind to winters gone by.
Burlap or twine work wonders when attached to jars (which can hold the flickering light of a small candle) or vases. Burlap also makes for beautiful table runners. Wooden pallets can be incorporated into your day to create stylish indoor picnic tables (or outdoor, if the weather permits), complete with comfortable rugs, throws and cushions.
Gold accents will add a bit of elegance to your celebration. Gold rimmed wine glasses, a couple of gold candle holders, gold cutlery, or even some edible gold glitter sprinkled over sweet dishes is bound to impress. Don't overdo it with this colour, though - subtle hints will make the biggest impact!
If you're the creative type, beautiful garlands can be created by threading twine or string through cotton balls (wrap with mini twinkle lights for extra sparkle).
And finally, make sure your beautiful guests keep warm by providing chunky woollen blankets to wrap around themselves outside, maybe some mittens and beanies too.
Splurge a Little:
After WOW factor? Make jaws drop by hiring a fake snow machine (a great way to bring the outdoors in) or by displaying some incredible ice sculptures (artistic, elegant and memorable).
We love using natural items and textures to create this beautiful ambience. Indoor plants add stunning greenery, string lights add a subtle yet beautiful glow to the room (grab these out of your Christmas box to save yourself some money), fire creates warmth and wintery feels (open fire, fire pit, candles or candlesticks - they all work!), sticks painted white add a frosty feel and pine cones (painted white or left natural) draw the mind to winters gone by.
Burlap or twine work wonders when attached to jars (which can hold the flickering light of a small candle) or vases. Burlap also makes for beautiful table runners. Wooden pallets can be incorporated into your day to create stylish indoor picnic tables (or outdoor, if the weather permits), complete with comfortable rugs, throws and cushions.
Gold accents will add a bit of elegance to your celebration. Gold rimmed wine glasses, a couple of gold candle holders, gold cutlery, or even some edible gold glitter sprinkled over sweet dishes is bound to impress. Don't overdo it with this colour, though - subtle hints will make the biggest impact!
If you're the creative type, beautiful garlands can be created by threading twine or string through cotton balls (wrap with mini twinkle lights for extra sparkle).
And finally, make sure your beautiful guests keep warm by providing chunky woollen blankets to wrap around themselves outside, maybe some mittens and beanies too.
Splurge a Little:
After WOW factor? Make jaws drop by hiring a fake snow machine (a great way to bring the outdoors in) or by displaying some incredible ice sculptures (artistic, elegant and memorable).
Play Some Winter Themed Games
When it comes to pre-wedding celebrations, there are an abundance of games for you to choose from (for bridal shower game inspiration, click here; for hen party game ideas, click here). But if it's winter themed games for adults you're after, the following tweaks to classic options may be of interest!
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CAPTURE THIS
Write down a list of scenarios that capture the magic of winter (for example, 'Snowball fights', 'Ice Skating', 'Snowboarding', 'Frozen', etc.). At the party, break guests up into small teams and assign one of the scenarios to each of them. It is then their job to create a photo or selfie that relates to that scene within 2 minutes.
Click here to view full game instructions.
DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN?
Split guests into groups (with at least 3 members each) and ask them to create a snow(wo)man bride within 10 minutes using ONLY toilet paper (you can find bamboo and recycled toilet paper here). This is achieved by dressing one team member; throwing, wrapping, twisting, etc. toilet paper over their body.
Once the time is up, have each snowman strut their stuff and the host pick best frozen fellow.
Alternative:
Split guests into teams and hand each of them their own box of random items (for example, cushions, blankets, ribbons, etc.). Ask teams to transform one of their members into a snowman using ONLY the items from their box! When 10 minutes is up, the snowmen put on a show (if they can move!) and the bride/host awards their favourite with a prize.
SCAVENGER HUNT
This is one of my favourite winter themed party games for those heading out and about. Make a list of wintery items that guests have to find and photograph themselves with.
For example, drinking a cocktail in an ice bar, holding a box of the bride's favourite icy-poles, eating an ice-cream, next to a snowman they've built out of random items, sipping on hot cocoa, holding paper snowflakes, etc.
Have a prize for the team/individual who finds (and photographs) everything on their list first.
Related: 40+ Hen Party Games
Related: Ultimate List of Bridal Shower Games
Enjoy Some Winter Themed Activities
COCKTAIL CLASS WITH A WINTERY TWIST
So much fun to make and incredibly delicious, what's not to love about a cocktail masterclass? Learn how to create the best of the best winter inspired cocktails at the hands of a pro. Or, request master teachings for your bride-to-be's favourite mix!
After you've all worked your magic with a shaker, you can enjoy sipping on your creations by a crackling fire.
HIT THE SLOPES
Whether you go for the day or the weekend, heading to the snow is the ultimate cold weather activity! Snowball fights, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, falling (so much falling), laughing and keeping warm by a giant open fire. What more could an adventure loving hen want?
ICE BAR EXPERIENCE
Rather than heading up the mountain, find the chill closer to home. An ice bar experience brings the freezing climate to the city; meaning you can rug up and enjoy some ice-cold fun before stepping outside into what will feel like a warm breeze.
Be sure to enjoy some delish cocktails and snap many a photo in this unique environment before leaving.
MAKEOVER
Treat your best friend and her girls to an all-round pamper sesh. But rather than playing it safe, encourage everyone to have a bit of fun and try a bold, new, wintery look.
For example, if you're getting a makeup artist in, perhaps ask that she take inspiration from the cooler months; resulting in stunning winter themed makeup. Cheeks adorned with sparkling snowflakes, lips silver and glittery, moody tones coating eyelids - this is one fun way to brighten up a cold day.
Similarly, a nail technician may choose to create glittery masterpieces, paint gorgeous little snowflakes, or take inspiration from a winter colour palette.
PHOTO BOOTH
Depending on your budget, there are a couple of ways to introduce a snap happy area to your celebration:
Save some cash and DIY it with a beautiful backdrop. Take a look around your venue and find an area that would be suitable. This could be anywhere from a plain wall (wooden or white would be perfect for this theme) through to a stunning outdoor view. If you want to give your background a bit of 'WOW factor', this can be done using streamers (in your theme colours) hanging down from the ceiling, florals, balloon garlands, or even by bringing the outdoors in (think wooden stumps, greenery, etc.).
DIY Photo Booth Props:
Simple blackboards and chalk make great props (as they allow guests to write their own messages/speech bubbles which will DEFINITELY get more and more hilarious as the night goes on!). It’s also a good idea to write phrases on some of the boards before the party starts (‘[Name’s] hen’s party’, 'Party Time', 'Kiss the Miss Goodbye', 'Baby it's COLD Outside!', 'Snow Much Fun', etc.).
Other Prop Ideas:
If you do want to include actual props, these can be found in most party shops or via Etsy. You could also hit up some op shops and keep a lookout for wintery outfits/costumes that won’t cost a fortune. Warm hats, funny glasses, big jackets, snow boots, giant mittens and more would be great for filling your prop basket with.
The Cameras:
For this DIY option, let guests use their own cameras or phones to capture images. One celebration I went to had a selfie stick set up at the perfect height - all we had to do was pop our phone in on timer and voila, instant photobooth!
Hiring an Actual Booth:
If the thought of DIYing this activity causes more stress than excitement, actual photobooth companies can be brought in to help. Ranging from booths through to mirrors, there's an option for everyone's style. And most importantly, such businesses can customise the photo strip to suit your celebration (i.e. your hen's name, accompanied by snowflakes, can grace the strip if you wish).
WINTER EDIBLES - COOKING OR SIMPLY ENJOYING
The winter season lends itself to many delicious meals. Warm, filling - perfect when paired with a glass of wine. Why not take advantage of the wonderful foodstuff on offer by either learning how to make it yourself (hello cheeky cooking class), or by visiting a local winter themed restaurant (open fire a must).
If you'd prefer to stay in for the celebration, there is also the option of hiring a personal chef for the party. They will not only whip up a fabulous restaurant quality meal to be enjoyed around the table at home, but will also let you in on a few little secret when it comes to cooking delectable food.
And finally, if you're feeling a little competitive, you could challenge everyone to a gingerbread decorating contest. Whether they be shaped like little men, snowflakes or even a gingerbread house - ask guests to get those creative juices flowing and turn their bland biscuit base into some sort of masterpiece!
Related: 90+ Fail-Proof Hen Party Activities
OTHER ACTIVITY IDEAS
Loving the idea of a winter themed party and want more activity inspiration? The following options are ideal for any frozen fiesta!
- Paint & Sip: where winter-themed artwork and your favourite beverages combine
- S'mores: share stories about the beautiful bride-to-be as you enjoy the warmth of a fire and the sweetness of s'mores. Hot chocolates (spiked, if desired!) would also be a welcomed addition
- Wine or whiskey tasting: provide guests with a selection of fine wines or whiskeys to learn about, taste and enjoy.
Articles Related to this Winter Themed Party
Enjoy Warming up Those Cooler Days with an Epic Winter Themed Party!
As you can see from the inspiration above, this is such a great party theme that can be brought to life in a number of unique ways. So why not put the fun back into the cooler months by highlighting winter and all of the magical bits and pieces that go along with it?
Whether it be a hen do, birthday party, white Christmas, or even a cheeky gathering with friends; the food, drinks, warmth, company and activities will ensure that your day is a big hit!
Recently hosted a winter themed hen party (or winter themed event)? We love hearing all about your celebrations! Please feel free to share your tips, tricks, photos, games, etc. via the comments below (or our socials) :)
Happy planning!
Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
(AUS Facebook Group | Worldwide Facebook Group | Pinterest)
Whether it be a hen do, birthday party, white Christmas, or even a cheeky gathering with friends; the food, drinks, warmth, company and activities will ensure that your day is a big hit!
Recently hosted a winter themed hen party (or winter themed event)? We love hearing all about your celebrations! Please feel free to share your tips, tricks, photos, games, etc. via the comments below (or our socials) :)
Happy planning!
Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
(AUS Facebook Group | Worldwide Facebook Group | Pinterest)
P.S. THE BELOW IMAGE IS PERFECT FOR PINTEREST... GO ON & SHARE THESE MAGICAL WINTER WONDERLAND PARTY IDEAS - YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! :-)
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