This Winter, Throw an Après-Ski Party

Change out that Ugly Christmas Sweater theme and embrace the coziness of the holiday season by throwing an après-ski party. Think hot cocktails, fondue and s’mores, and retro ski gear. Use these tips for decorating, choosing cocktails, and even cuing up the right music as you bring ski slope vibes to your guests in the comfort of your home.

Decorations

“I say get cozy! Flannel blankets, floor cushions, a fake fireplace—things you can really get close and comfortable with,” suggests Briana Bononcini, co-owner of Scandanavian bar The Portland Hunt + Alpine Club and co-author of The Northern Hospitality. To help her guests embrace hygge, and dissuade them from wearing shoes inside, Bononcini even provides a basket of heavy knitted socks. In addition to faux fur blankets, Alex Tangen of New York City Nordic bar Kabin decorates with retro ski gear. “If you’ve got retro sunglasses or ski goggles, it’s always fun to add them for a bit of dress-up—guests will love it,” says Tangen. Even simple touches such as fake snow, pine garlands, and ski posters can transform any room into a ski lodge, says Brandon Gibbs, general manager for Atlanta’s Ranger Station.

Get Lit

Play up the soft, flickering light of a fireplace with string lights, lanterns, tealights or candles in rustic jars, and a fake fireplace if you have one, suggests Tangen. “Lighting is very important. Light as many candles as possible,” Bononcini says. “Everyone looks hot by candlelight.” And to ensure the dim lighting is flattering, make sure to place the lights high up or down low, “never at face level,” she adds.

Après-Ski Sips

As with every party, a self-serve bar stocked with a few spirits and mixers is key to keeping the host sane. But “don’t make your guests, or you, do the work when it is time to celebrate,” says Bononcini. In addition to a crockpot of mulled wine or gløgg, set out bottles of freezer martinis, a ready-to-drink signature cocktail, and/or a winter punch. A garnish bar is an easy way to make guests feel like they’re part of the drink-making process, Bononcini suggests. Offer fresh citrus, rosemary sprigs, and cinnamon sticks to dress up the drinks. Ice, naturally, is an essential part of any drink station. Give that ice bucket festive feels with waterproof votives and tealights, says The Ice Book author Camper English, who shares more glow-up ice tips here.

Spirit-Free Options

Nothing feels warm and cozy like a mug of hot cider or hot chocolate. “A DIY hot cider station is a fun touch where guests can spice things up themselves with syrups and spices like cloves or nutmeg,” says Tangen. For a hot chocolate station, along with hot chocolate fixings, put out bowls of mini marshmallows, chocolate bars, and spices like chile powder and nutmeg. “It’s all about making the NA options as fun as the rest!” Tangen adds. For a refreshing and simple NA option, Gibbs recommends serving sparkling water with rosemary and cranberries or pomegranate seeds (you can even freeze them in ice cubes for an extra-festive touch).

Snow Tunes

Like any good party playlist, start things off relaxed and then ramp it up. “Begin with background music—something chill that sets the mood, like Royksopp—a Norwegian band with amazing après-tunes,” recommends Tangen. “If you want to go full Folie Douce vibes, you could start with the dance tunes early on, too!” Meanwhile, Gibbs suggests blending classics like ABBA with modern chill tracks like Kygo and classic holiday songs. But according to Bononcini, “If you don’t have at least one song from The Kinks, you’re doing it wrong.”

Après Party

To keep the good vibes flowing after the party, Bononcini likes to give her guests a parting gift. “Make a shrub, granola, or another treat for them to have in the morning after the party,” she says. Or to carry on the ski lodge theme, Gibbs recommends passing out hand warmers and blankets as favors.