Hosting a luxury party in winter can be a magical affair. Twinkling lights against a dark night sky, cosy log fires to keep out the cold and the promise of Christmas and New Year festivities. There are many ways to host a luxury party throughout the winter season, and in this blog we’ll explore some luxury winter party ideas.

1. Embrace the season

There’s no getting away from it, winter in the UK is dark and cold. Rather than try to fight it, embrace the season for what it is. You can create fantastic mood lighting in the depths of winter with flickering candles (positioned safely, of course), festoon lighting and fairy lights. Go all Scandinavian ‘Hygge’ by placing cosy fleece throws on seats, lighting log fires indoors and placing firepits outside to create that  ambience when guests arrive. Light up the pathway with garden flares, uplight trees and foliage and project a light show onto the outside of your building. Create eye-catching pieces by commission stunning ice sculptures and serving up welcome drinks from an ice bar.

2. Choose the right party venue

The choice of venue becomes even more important for a winter party as guests will be confined to the indoors. Look for somewhere that can accommodate your party size and that has that ‘wow’ factor when you walk through the door.

Good luxury party venues for winter include historic castles, such as Lulworth Castle. For a luxury winter party in London, consider renowned hotels and members’ clubs such as SOHO House or The Dorchester. And for a luxury winter party in the Cotswolds, what could be better than entertaining your guests in a beautiful Cotswold stone manor house, complete with an ambient-lit, tree-lined approach?

Venues will generally have more availability in the winter months, and at Henry Bonas we have close relationships with a number of world-class venues so can match you to the perfect location for your winter party.

3. Decide on a winter party theme

The theme for your winter party will depend on the occasion. Just because you host a winter party in the run-up to Christmas, don’t feel obliged to go for a festive theme if it’s a birthday or some other occasion that you’re celebrating. However, When it comes to New Year, there are so many different luxury party themes you can choose from.

If you’re struggling to decide on a theme, use wintery colours to guide you such as black and gold, or sparkly silver. If you’re hosting a winter party in January or February, go for topical ideas, such as a winter wonderland, an apres-ski party or an Oscars party, or something indoors-based like a casino night or cheese and wine tasting.

4. Plan a suitable feast

While it may not be BBQ season, you can have a lot of fun with a winter-inspired menu. A winter party is the perfect backdrop for serving up five-course feasts of rich game food and root vegetables, or comfort foods with a luxury twist – think truffle-infused mashed potato and pomegranate-studded Persian rice.

Winter also lends itself to the street food trend with food vans serving up colourful curries and woodfired pizzas. And don’t forget about dessert – decadent chocolate gateaux, profiterole stacks, old school sticky toffee puddings – the ultimate hug on a plate! Keep the warm vibe going all night by serving up mulled wine or hot chocolate and winter-themed cocktails.

At Henry Bonas, we work with Michelin starred chefs who are sought after for their fine dining experiences, as well as artisan food producers who provide meals that nourish the soul.

5. Go big on the entertainment

The right entertainment can really transform your guests into another world – witness the magical atmosphere our actors created at the Lost City of Atlantis party in the Cotswolds. That said, the entertainment you choose for your luxury winter party will largely depend on the occasion, the venue and the number of guests attending.

Live bands are always a popular choice for their ability to bring energy to a room and live DJs are guaranteed to get the party started. More imaginative ideas include fire-eaters, circus performers, magicians and actors who can all help to create the winter party atmosphere you’re looking for.

We have a number of contacts in the industry who can bring world-class entertainment to your winter party. Take a look at our portfolio for inspiration.