2009-02-12

Tired of snow? Throw a 'wimmer' party!

Some call it a "Winter Beach Party", some call it a "Wimmer" party ("Winter" + "Summer" = Wimmer) and others simply call it "July in January." But if you've ever been to a great summer-themed party in the middle of winter, you know that it's just plain fun.

For a sure-fire way to beat the winter blues, throw a hot party that brings all the sun and fun of summer right into your own home. Do it right and you and your guests will forget (at least for a few hours) that the weather outside is still frightful.

1. Dress Code

Encourage your guests to go nuts with their favorite beach wear: Hawaiian shirts, board shorts, bikinis, flip flops — the whole nine yards. Just don't forget to assure them that they won't freeze since you'll be cranking up the heat and building a roaring fire.

You can also provide grass skirts for guests to wear over their clothes and you even can present them with leis when they arrive.

2. Menu

Serve up summer fare like burgers, steaks or hot dogs with other picnic classics like potato salad, coleslaw and chips.

Another fantastic and summery option is to serve sushi along with beef and chicken yakitori and a variety of fresh salads.

Regardless of what kind of menu you choose, be sure to serve lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and, of course, plenty of hot weather drinks like beer, daiquiris, piƱa coladas and mojitos.

3. Decor

Get creative and decorate with beach towels, shells, inflatable pool toys and lawn chairs.

Depending on the size and location of your space and the amount of money you're willing to spend, you can create romantic indoor "bungalows" and even rent hot tubs and palm trees (though inexpensive kiddie pools also can add a really fun touch to a wimmer party).

4. Mood Music

Don't forget to set the tone of your beach party with some great music. Classic reggae like Bob Marley is always apropos and Hawaiian tunes and surf rock are also sure to get your guests into the spirit of "wimmer."

Have you ever been to a winter "beach" party?

Have you ever thrown one? What do you think are some ways to bring summer fun into the great indoors?

 

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