Throw A Little Theme Into Your Holiday Parties This Year
Get creative, go local and be authentic with your next hosted event
Photo by slonme
Throw a little theme into your holiday parties this year and allow guests to dress for the occasion. Whether it’s slippers for a soup-and-sofa party, winter whites for fairies and frosting, or an après-ski wool sweater soirée, ’tis the season for festive fun.
SOUP’S ON
It’s cold, and blustering snow is blinding the drivers on the way to your home. Or, it’s a warm Denver evening after a 60-degree bluebird day on the links. Either way, the soup’s going to taste good come dusk. Keep it classic and simple: Let the soup be the theme, and invite guests to wear comfortable clothes, bring slippers, and share their favorite scotch. Set up a table solely for soup and/or chili additions, and be adventurous— the more toppings, the better. Add blankets and throw pillows to up the snuggle factor. If there was ever a night to build that outdoor wood fire in the pit, this is the one. Guests can enjoy that soup (and scotch) in front of the fire.
Photo courtesy of Savory Spice | This tomato bisque soup is made with comfort herbs and spices from Savory Spice.
How to Make It Happen
Launched in 2007 by Mike and Janet Johnston, Savory Spice has transformed from a single Denver location at 15th and Platte streets to a national franchise. The moment you step into the store, your senses are overloaded by the variety of spices and incredible smells sourced from all over the globe. Products include pre-made soup mixes, including Toasty Tomato Bisque, Chicken Chili Enchilada, Sundried Tomato Minestrone, Taco Soup and Moroccan Lentil Soup. Or bring in your own recipe and allow staff to help measure and select your spices.
Photo by EB Pics | Rebel Bread is a crust above with its sourdough loaves and cult-worthy baked goods
You’ll need some homemade bread to accompany that soup. Leave the breadmaking to Rebel Bakery on South Broadway in Denver. The small batch bakery’s Rebel Sourdough and The Nonna G, a garlic-and-herb sourdough, will warrant praise and complement any soup perfectly.
The 12,000-square-foot Peppercorn—a kitchen, home goods, bath and boutique food mecca—has been a mainstay on Boulder’s Pearl Street for decades. It offers numerous pre-made soup mixes that will require little preparation time, and you’re sure to find the perfect cast-iron pot, set of soup bowls, oven mitt or apron for your soup-themed evening.
Photo courtesy of Peppercorn
SUGARPLUM FAIRY COOKIE DECORATING
Young and old alike enjoy putting their own touches on a sugary treat. Turn the culinary activity into a holiday party for a pastel-inspired, festive gathering with nods to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Incorporate the light, dusty rose color called Sugar Plum Fairy into décor such as a balloon garland or balloons shaped into a candy cane. Continue the pastels into the tablecloths and dishware. Think light and airy; garlands and ornaments are easy to find and hang. Giant snowflakes can be hung from an entryway or in windows, and scented candles enhance the mood. Remember to continue the theme into the beverage offerings—hot cocoa, tea, coffee and spirits—with pastel sugars and marshmallows.
Photo courtesy of Maggie And Molly’s Bakery | Winter-themed cookie kits from Maggie and Molly’s Bakery make every party more festive.
How to Make It Happen
The experts at Maggie and Molly’s Bakery on East Sixth Avenue in Denver offer cookie dough kits in a handful of seasonal themes. The winter-theme kit is perfect for a sugar plum party, with a dozen medium-size shaped cookies, four bags of icing, six bags of sprinkles and sanding sugar. Gluten-free cookie kits also are available.
Swoozies in Cherry Hills has been a go-to host and gift emporium since 2007. With seven locations nationwide, inventory is constantly changing and always on trend. You’ll find a niche or table in the store dedicated to every item a host could imagine. Peruse the invitations for inspiration and pick out pops of sugarplum-colored supplies throughout the store.
Photo courtesy of Savory Spice | Elevate your hot chocolate bar with Dutch cocoa powder. Top off each cup with peppermint vanilla bean sugar, both from Savory Spice.
APRÈS-SKI PARTY
The Mile High City’s skyline will set the scene for an après-ski evening at your home. The more snow, the merrier. Set up stations throughout your entertaining space to feature the best of a post-slope soirée. Feature classic beverages to warm the body—Irish coffee, hot toddy, spiced cider, mulled wine—or get fancy with vintage wine, scotch or champagne. Fruit, vegetables, grains and, of course, cheese (think fondue, nachos, raclette, pizza) are easy and always enjoyed. A slider station, ramen bar or classic shrimp cocktail would make an unexpected but welcome addition.
Cheese is the obvious superpower of après-ski, aside from spirits. St. Kilian’s Cheese Shop on Lowell Boulevard has dozens of international cheeses, plus a knowledgeable staff to explain the nuanced differences of each so you can choose the best pairings for your get-together.
Photo courtesy of Maggie And Molly’s Bakery
Marczyk’s Fine Foods locations on 17th Avenue and Colfax in Denver offer gourmet cheese and meat counters, prepared foods and even charcuterie boards, helping to take the stress off of hosting. There’s also a boutique liquor store adjacent to the 17th Avenue location to pick up spirits and wine recommendations to complement your après-ski party menu.
The Local Butcher has a stand-alone market in Park Hill and a space at Central Market. Each week, different flavors and combinations of sausages line the deli cases. Grill them, slice them and have fun with mustards. Gorgeous meat cuts for sliders and barbeque sandwiches complete the menu offerings.
Julie Bielenberg lives in the Roaring Fork Valley. She has contributed articles to Newsweek, Cowboys & Indians, Fodor’s Travel, Spoke + Blossom, Island Soul, Colorado Expression and more. She is eagerly planning her next holiday-themed party.
