The post-holiday season can feel a little dreary, when the hustle and bustle of family gatherings and celebrations with friends have come to a close. However, the time between the New Year and Valentine’s day is the perfect time to throw a winter-themed party with your close family and friends. Need some theme inspiration? With the snow falling so beautifully on the ground (or at least the cold weather), it’s the perfect time to gather up your close family and friends for a winter wonderland themed party they are sure not to forget. Be sure to complete the winter wonderland party set-up with winter party decor that will leave everyone feeling warm.

Your winter wonderland theme doesn’t have to be elaborate. In fact, you can make the most out of your seasonal décor by keeping some of the winter-themed items out. While you may put Santa and his sleigh away at the New Year, garlands and sparkly ornaments can stay up throughout January. As for the agenda, make sure to plan for cozy indoor activities and warm food and beverages. You can plan winter dinner ideas (think soup and warm bread!) that’ll guarantee your guests leave with not only full hearts, but stomachs as well. For a less formal gathering, guests can cozy up by the fire with some board games and winter treats. Plan the get-together post-dinner, and you can get by with a limited food menu of salty snacks and sweets.

Make sure your home is warm and comfortable for winter guests with proper seating, including extra seating for guests, and cozy home decor.

Seasons Seatings

What better way to enjoy the feels of the season than to host a fun and festive game night at your home. Tell your guests to come with their game faces on as they prepare to join in on the fun and competition. Plan to start the night with a winter-themed dinner party, decorations and all, and end with a little friendly, fun competition with a game of cards or a board game. To ensure your group of family and close friends are comfortable in your home, you will need to accommodate them with seating at the dinner table. A versatile dining room set up—including a table with leaves, a bench, and extra chairs or stools that you can pull over to the table as needed—is great for your everyday dining needs as well as your expanded dinner party requirements.

Another fun idea? Try a winter wonderland picnic by the fire. There may be snow on the ground, but that doesn’t mean you can't enjoy a picnic inside the comfort of your cozy home. Grab some soft throws, lay them down by the fire and enjoy some hot cocoa, appetizers and holiday treats as you dream of warmer days. Not only will this add extra seating as well as a twist on a classic dinner party, but the kids are sure to be ecstatic over the idea.

Cozy Home Decor

Besides seating to accommodate your guests, you should make sure your home décor is set to impress your family and friends alike. There are endless home decor items you can put up as early as the first of December and keep up all the way until after the New Year. Add pops of color and texture to your furniture pieces with some blissful holiday throw pillows. Winter decor pillows are sure to add a soft, snowy feel to your home, especially with their dazzling designs and pristine elements. Winter wall art is another easy way to bring the feeling of winter inside your home as you brighten up your walls after the holidays. Their often neutral color scheme and winter scenes and images will add to your winter wonderland feel. By choosing home décor items that focus on the winter season, like scenes of snow, lanterns and pristine winter landscapes, you can get more shelf life from these items.

You can also spruce up your dining table with a table runner and a group of various winter candles to add to the festive dinner aesthetic. All of these decor items combined are sure to excite your space and leave your guests in awe.

With these fun ideas for surrounding yourself with good company and cozy home decor, you can enjoy the best of the post-holiday season and continue to celebrate the beauty of the winter wonderland that's outside.