Hitting the slopes with Carole Middleton
Give mini snowsports fans a party they will never forget with an authentic alpine theme, says Carole Middleton
February is the perfect month to hit the slopes and enjoy valuable family time skiing, sledding, snowboarding and, of course, cosying up in front of the fire with warm blankets and hot drinks once the sun goes down.
If your little one loves skiing holidays or even just spending time playing outdoors in the snow, this makes a great seasonal party theme. Welcome guests into your very own ‘log cabin’ decked out with cosy faux fur cushions and rugs, customised signs, fairylights, propped-up skis, a sprinkling of fake snow and electric pillar candles to bathe the room in a warm glow. You could even add the name of your lodge to a piece of weathered wood to hang above the front door. Woodland decorations, such as pine cones, branches and garlands of greenery add an authentic touch, too.
When it comes to feeding your guests, the most warming options are always a winner. Supervised cheese and chocolate fondue stations (although potentially quite messy!) will be a hit with children and adults alike. Serve with bite-sized dipping morsels such as strawberries, grapes, marshmallows, pretzels, cubes of bread and tortilla chips. Bowls of filling macaroni cheese will offer something more substantial, while a hot chocolate station, complete with an array of decadent toppings, makes the perfect dessert for sweet-toothed guests.
Children love winning medals – and what better way to keep them entertained than with their very own indoor Olympics? Transform tabletops into stations for curling or air hockey, and while a snowball fight isn’t technically a sport, it is a lot of fun for a winter-themed party!
Want more? Enjoy a warm drink by the fire with our recipe for hot chocolate snowmen
