Inspiration: Everything that keeps you warm during the frigid winter months! From family and friends, to butternut squash soup and potato croquettes, this party will celebrate everything toasty! Also, the lovely and party-loving people at www.celebrations.com!

Decorations: While traditional colors of the season may seem like the right choice, try something new! Rich purples throughout the party-scape will create a mood, but don’t make it a world of one color! Use bold purple drapery, place settings and/or throw pillows around the house and it will create a unifying color theme without being over powering. Then flowers and colored vases combined with tealight candles will create an air of warmth.

Activities: As appropriate during this season, you can engage your guests in a gift giving activity. Whether it’s a secret Santa activity or a sort of grab-bag free-for-all, giving gifts is always a great thing at this time of year. Short on money? Have guests bring old clothing, games and other items to donate to local charities! This way, the gift-giving warmth is still present, as you don’t spend money on gifts and give unwanted items to those less fortunate.

Food: Comfort foods of the winter season are nearly a must! Plus, a major benefit is that with the busy schedules that everyone has these days, there is an abundance of simplified recipes online!

Drink: There is a wide selection of holiday mocktails available online, but you can also spruce up any drink with the addition of holiday themed ice cubes! Grab a shot glass mold (available at Bed, Bath & Beyond), place mint leaves and half of a cranberry, then fill with water. Freeze, and you now have holiday wreath ice cube!

Music: You can go with holiday classics sung by greats such as Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday, or stick with instrumental holiday music. It adds to the warmth of the atmosphere without detracting from conversation!