Walk in a Winter Wonderland with these Christmas Decorations

Whether or not there's a white Christmas outside, an indoor Winter Wonderland party is sure to inspire seasonal spirit in holiday guests. This traditional party idea involves classic Christmas decorations, brilliant white lighting, and a festive Christmas menu. This theme can easily accommodate large groups of guests, and lends itself to more formal Christmas entertaining.

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Get in the Spirit

Start by placing a handful of truly unique Christmas decorations around your main gathering space, such as a woodland sleigh or white polar bear family to add conversational pieces around your hearth. Next, add a mixture of white, silver, and blue candles in formal crystal candleholders. Scatter ivy with holly berries and pinecones on accent tables, and place swags and topiaries in various areas for unexpected pockets of fresh greenery.

Along with your greens, mix in holiday wreaths and garlands that feature white or metallic accents to continue the winter wonderland theme. Or place these lighter-colored, brilliant ornaments in a decorative bowl for a stunning centerpiece.

Set your Christmas tree aglow with plenty of white, sparkling lights, and drape shiny, silvery tinsel on top. For an added delight, surround the tree trunk with an ivory tree wrap or a tree skirt in a vintage holly print.

Remember to add your own personal touches, too. Include a black and white picture of your family on the mantel, or craft a holiday centerpiece from your favorite heirloom ornaments. Ask neighborhood children to help you cut snowflake designs out of white and blue paper, cover with glitter, then hang them from invisible wires throughout the house. Add Christmas decorations used in past holidays.

Share your Christmas Decorations with Others

Select a date and location for the party. Choose a space that easily fits the size of the party you want to throw — very close quarters can feel cramped and quickly become too hot, whereas too large of a space can feel sterile and empty.

Also, set up a separate entrance for guests away from the central party space. If a door keeps opening and closing in the main gathering area, the cold gusts of wind can make guests feel uncomfortable, and visitors can easily track in rain, leaves, and snow.

Once you've finalized the guest list, gather your Christmas party supplies and design your party invitations. Choose heavy card stock and pair white and blue hues with classic Christmas images, such as a Victorian Santa Claus design or snowflake pattern. Make sure to send your invitations three to four weeks in advance. For an invitation that will be remembered, attach a holiday ornament or personal gift to each card.

Last-minute Countdown

3. Plan your menu at least one week ahead. If you're doing the cooking yourself, make sure you have all essential ingredients on hand. Also, stock your bar with any necessary beverages and mixes, as well as basic glasses, appliances, and utensils.

Show guests yours is no ordinary party by creating a signature party drink and serving it in a Waterford crystal glass. Need an idea to get you started? Try the Winter Wonderland Martini: Mix 2 parts gin with 1 part Jagermeister. Add a squirt of lemon and serve on the rocks. Or invent your own personal concoction.

2. The day before the gathering, prepare your dining room table. Organize your place settings and centerpieces. Use silver chargers and sparkling napkin rings that give the appearance of crystal. Offset light-colored place settings with a dark-hued tablecloth. Add formal crystal candle holders to provide extra lighting while guests are eating, and to add a warm holiday feel.

To keep your dishes warm and steaming, set up warming trays or chafing dishes on your buffet table. If serving appetizers, place ivory napkins near food stations.

1. Welcome guests. Now that all of the planning and preparation is out of the way, make sure to thoroughly enjoy your party.

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