Autumn is, and Winter will soon be, upon us. But that doesn’t mean that the season for parties has come to an end. Instead a whole new world of cozy fires, comfort food and warm beverages is beginning to opening up to us. So here’s 10 ways to keep your guests warm as you party on.

1. Heaters, Fireplaces & Fire Pits

I thought I would start with the most obvious of winter warmers. If we’re cold we turn on a heater or light the fire, right.  Whether you are indoors or outdoors there are so many options. Most of us will have some sort of heating system in our home, so I won’t go into this side of things. But here are some of my favourites from more of a party side.

Patio Heaters are a good choice for outdoor areas. While you can buy these at places such as Bunnings, Mitre 10 Mega, and The Warehouse you’ll find that most hire centres will have them too. These particular ones can be hired from www.insphire.co.nz

I am loving these electric fireplaces, available for sale at www.mitre10.co.nz . Some of them look so realistic and all you have to do is plug them in and turn them on.

Fire-pits are becoming increasingly popular. Both wood burning and gas burning options are available. This one can be seen on www.bestplants.com . For those operating on gas there is the option of covering the pipes with Fireglass instead of the traditional fake logs or coal. You can see here how effective the fireglass looks here in this picture. Fireglass is available in New Zealand click through to www.nzfireglass.co.nz for more information.

2. Warm Lighting

Creating an atmosphere of warmth can also help your guests feel warm and one of the key components of this is lighting. Consider using lighting options that have a warm-toned glow (colours like yellow, gold, orange, and red). Things like warm-white fairy lights and candles do a great job of this.

As seen on hwtm.com

3. Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate is such a great way to warm up from the inside out, and it is great for all ages.  I love the idea of setting up a Hot Chocolate drink station which guests can help themselves to. Add a few extras like flavoured marshmallows, spices and sprinkles to make it even more interesting.

As seen on discoverweddings.ru

4. Other Warm Beverages

Instead of the usual cocktails you might have on offer, mix it up a bit by trying some that are served hot. There are many great recipes out there just waiting for you to try them out.

As seen on mycrazygoodlife.com , click on the link for the recipes.

5. Active Entertainment

Keep your guests busy and active by having a variety of activities for them to do throughout your party. If they are moving they are more likely to stay warm and if they are enthralled in what is taking place they’ll have less time to think about the temperature.

 6. S’mores Bar

I love S’mores. Toasted marshmallows, chocolate and biscuits – what not to love, right? So setting up a station that has all the ingredients for guests to make their own is a great idea. Not only is it warm food, it is a great activity. So guests will be entertained and fed.

As seen on glamourandgraceblog.com

7. Other Warm Food

‘Tis the season for warm comfort food. Break out the slow cookers and casserole pots and start cooking those family favourites for your guests. Consider making a hearty vegetable soup or heating up some Watties canned tomato soup and serving it with fresh, warm bread. Or maybe if you’re feeling a little more adventurous have a go at cooking a roast dinner. Oh my goodness, now I’m hungry.

 8. Mini Wheat Bags

Heat up these little wheat bags in the microwave for your guests to pop in their pockets to warm up their hands.  They can also make great party favours for the guests to take home.

As seen on weddingpartyapp.com

9. Borrow a Blanket

Some people are going so far as to give their guests a blanket or shawl as a party favour, but if your budget doesn’t extend that far your can simply offer to loan them one. Some of our lovely local venues consist of covered in porches and if guests are unaware and don’t come prepared then this is a particularly a good idea.

As seen on theknot.com

10. Give Them Warm Treats for the Trip Home

Thinking of your guests comfort on their journey home is a way of sending your love and warmth home with them. It’s this kind of warmth that goes beyond temperature. Maybe it’s a warm chocolate brownie or beverage of some sort. Or maybe you can zap those mini wheat bags again or gift them a scarf. I’m sure with your creativity and maybe the help of Pinterest you’ll come up with the perfect idea for your guests.

As seen on weddingpartyapp.com

I hope this has inspired you for your cooler weather celebrations. Remember that we’d love to see your celebrations, so take some great pics and drop us a line.

© 2014 As You Wish Events Ltd.  Want to use this article in your E-newsletter, blog, or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Auckland, New Zealand – Event Planner & Designer Nadine Crozier publishes the ‘As You Wish Events’ blog filled with secrets, tips and how-tos for planning your fabulous event. Get your exclusive inspiration, tips and tricks at http://www.asyouwish.co.nz.  As You Wish Events is an event planning and design company based in Auckland, serving the Auckland region and certain areas of Northland.