From tables for two to evenings out under the stars by the fire pit
to cozying up by a roaring fire indoors with family and friends.
to cozying up by a roaring fire indoors with family and friends.
I love inspired entertaining ideas-
and I am excited about sharing a whole month of them with you.
And the other thing? It can’t just be simple- it has to be easy.
And today, I am joining my Balsam Hill family and sharing 3 simple &
easy ideas for entertaining this winter.
Winter entertaining can leave you feeling a bit cold.
Between the chilly temperatures and lack of vibrant greens and blooms outdoors
hosting a get together isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind.
But- winter can be cozy.
Bring in a couple chunky throws, add more candles and a warm fire is always a good thing-
and you have the makings for a simple and inspired evening get together.
Table out under the stars
If you live in a warmer winter climate-
a table setting outdoors is a perfect way to celebrate an everyday or special occasion.
a table setting outdoors is a perfect way to celebrate an everyday or special occasion.
The flowers, the candles, the twinkle lights- all are wonderful elements to bring in.
But the best part of this table isn’t the setting- it is the nibbles and presentation.
A wine barrel lazy Susan serves a decadent assortment of fruit and cheeses.
Fruit and cheese platters are some of my favorite things to serve at a get together.
Fruit and cheese platters are some of my favorite things to serve at a get together.
Go to cheese board elements?
Marcona almonds
fresh and dried fruit such as apricots and grapes
3 varieties (or more) of cheese- my favorites are brie,
Dubliner ( I could eat the entire brick myself)
and a goat cheese.
Don’t forget to add a bit of sweet as well for an unexpected touch.
A dark chocolate almond bark is excellent.
A dark chocolate almond bark is excellent.
Get together with Friends
An evening home fireside with friends to catch up, toast your friendship and simply enjoy a bit of homebody goodness? Yes, please. I find that in winter- I am crave those evenings curled up with a warm blanket on the sofa- and what better way to enjoy a fire side winter night
than a game night with friends.
than a game night with friends.
Remember that wine barrel lazy Susan that was perfect on the table outdoors?
It is just as perfect indoors as out.
Place it on the coffee table where it is easy for friends to spin and enjoy
and keep entertaining easy on you as well.
One of my pet peeves about pretty wine glasses with long elegant stems?
They tend to break easily.
As much as I love them on more formal tables for dinner parties-
for casual evenings with friends fireside- stemless glasses are perfect –
and less likely to break..
These charming etched wine glasses for serving beverages-
choose from pinecones, festive pineapples or even stags-
or mix it up and use all three.
Cozy fireside family night
For a family night get together-
think about setting up something fun that you can use all year long.
A fire pit is a perfect spot for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores
or just enjoying the ambiance and laughter.
A fire pit is a perfect spot for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores
or just enjoying the ambiance and laughter.
There is something about sitting by a fire outdoors in winter that reminds me of
when we used to go camping and backpacking when I was growing up.
The smell of the fresh air and smoke maybe… or
maybe I am remembering how cold it always was in the mountains at night-
and how that fire was a very warm thing to cozy up to haha.
😉
when we used to go camping and backpacking when I was growing up.
The smell of the fresh air and smoke maybe… or
maybe I am remembering how cold it always was in the mountains at night-
and how that fire was a very warm thing to cozy up to haha.
😉
I love that this fire pit is made with copper which is one of my favs right now for inside
and outdoors and I love the simplicity of the construction and style.
and outdoors and I love the simplicity of the construction and style.
This is a perfect size for tucking into a small spot in your yard and creating an area for friends and family to gather.
And speaking of copper.. can we talk about these copper glasses?
Kind of perfection if you ask me.
They are double-walled and double-decadent
for your favorite beverages.
Another of course an easy addition with lots of oomph- LED candles- which I have shared before.
Tuck them into those leaves or winter grasses and underneath branches where
a real candle might be too dangerous to light outdoors
and enjoy all that ambiance without the worry.
All in all- just a few ideas for winter entertaining – and you can shop the look here:
All month long-
I am joining my friends at Balsam Hill and these amazing bloggers
as they share inspired entertaining ideas.
I am joining my friends at Balsam Hill and these amazing bloggers
as they share inspired entertaining ideas.
Here is the line up:
The Mellionaire House
The Preppy Hostess
Hey Wanderer
Pink on the Cheek
Stay tuned for a look at a simple, inexpensive Valentines place setting idea on Wednesday-
which is also the preview of a new series showing how to get a designer look for less.
Happy Monday everyone.
disclosure: I work with Balsam Hill as their brand ambassador -but all opinions are my own.
Jalon Burton says
Oh nothing says comfort like al fresco! I just love spending time with loved ones outside in the fresh air and cuddling up to a beautiful fire is definitely the way to go!
What a beautiful image you have given us to ponder on this Monday.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Have a beautiful day.
Jalon
DeAnna says
Oh I'll have to check Balsam Hill out. I'd love that wine barrel top:) Have a great day!
Unknown says
Wonderful! Thank You for the Ideas!
Varsha| Flats in OMR says
Awesome links. Really, I love all of the items listed, Courtney. Especially the Copper tumbler, wine leather carrier and the wine glasses and prints on it is awesome. Very simplistic and elegant though. Yes, what's it without friends and family get-together in winter in the lawn. Gonna blast the evening this weekend with the wine glasses though:) Thanks for sharing the awesome products, Courtney. You're amazing as always.