Guest Author - Amelia Johnson
Winter blues got you down? Having a hard time getting out of your pjs on those cold, snowy days? Chances are your friends and family are too. Bust out of your rut by throwing a party to bash those winter blues!
The Invitation:
Casually invite friends and/or family members to this laid-back party. Telephone or e-vites will be fine. Be sure to tell guests to bring a favorite game with them.
The Music:
-If playing music, put on something peppy and cheerful in whatever genre you and your guests would prefer.
The Games:
Sitting down for a board or card game is a great to way to entertain a large crowd.
Suggestions:
Cranium
Trivial Pursuit Team
Sorry! Family Game Night Edition
Dance Dance Revoltion Dvd Game
80s Scene it?
The Food:
Food is not required as this party will most likely take place during the hours after dinner or during a weekend afternoon. If however, you are throwing your party during a time in which a meal is expected, go for warm comfort foods:
Suggestions:
-Chili and Cornbread/Crackers
-Meatloaf and Mashed potatoes
-Potato Soup
-Country Fried steak strips
-Chicken casserole/pot pie
Drinks:
Hot Chocolate Float:
1 cup water
1 envelope powdered cocoa mix
Chocolate Chip Mint ice cream
-In a 2-cup measuring cup microwave water, uncovered, on 100% power for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until steaming hot.
-Stir in cocoa mix.
-Pour into a mug.
-Top hot chocolate with a small scoop of ice cream.
Ultra-Rich Hot Chocolate:
4 cups milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 pinch salt
miniature marshmallow
whipped cream (optional)
-Bring milk, cocoa powder and sugar to simmer in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking frequently.
-Add chocolate; whisk until melted and smooth.
-Add salt; bring to simmer, whisking constantly until frothy.
-Ladle into.
-Sprinkle with marshmallows or dollop of whipped cream.
