When it’s cold outside, find cosiness and comfort in a snow day soirée with friends. Follow
this guide for tips on establishing the perfect set-up, from creating the ambience to choosing
the food and entertainment.

1. Think hygge

Creating a cosy oasis where you can shelter from the cold is the foundation of a happy snow
day soirée. Even if you decide to brave the elements for making snowmen and snow angels
or having a snowball fight, afterwards you’ll need somewhere warm and comforting to retreat
to.

Hygge, a Danish concept connecting contentment with wellbeing, celebrates simple
pleasures and the peace and joy they can bring. Use soft lighting and candlelight to create
an inviting ambience and arrange soft throws and pillows so your guests are encouraged to
relax. Keep any background music unobtrusive and take time to chat and laugh together, a
precious pause in busy lives.

2. Prepare comfort food

As well as offering regular rounds of hot drinks to keep everyone warm, prepare comforting
hot food that makes the freezing weather outside feel a mile away. Soups and stews are
easy to make in big batches in advance, so you don’t have to do anything other than heat up
your chosen dish on the day. Invite people to ladle out as much as they like, and serve with
warm crusty bread and butter.

For dessert, why not make a traditional hot pudding like sticky toffee or apple crumble,
served with custard? A fun option is to set up a DIY hot chocolate station, complete with
cream and marshmallows and decorative biscuits and chocolate shavings. It’s sure to go
down well! Remember to consider allergies and requirements when planning food.

3. Plan entertainment

Avoid losing precious time to working out what to do by planning potential activities in
advance and giving people a choice when the conversation lags. Games are a social way to
spend a winter day indoors, ranging from quick-fire rounds of bingo to hours-long
competitive or cooperative board game quests. Multiplayer video games are always a laugh
too, if you’ve got a console and controllers.

If you’re all in need of some down time, don’t be afraid to put on a film. Watching and
laughing together still gives you that all-important connection while letting you recharge your
social batteries. Go with comedy classics or festive favourites if it’s the right time of year,
asking friends for recommendations everyone will love.

4. Be practical

Snow days mean wet gear, which could mean wet carpets and furniture if you’re ill-prepared!
Be practical and create a dedicated storage area for shoes and coats beside your entryway.
A large plastic box is as good as anything to store the boots and wellies if you’re lacking
garage space. Put down something to protect your floor if necessary – you might be
surprised by the amount of mess!

Ensure the path leading to your door is clear of snow and put down salt or grit to help
remove any underlying ice that could cause accidents. Putting up lights outside is a cheery
touch that will also help to enhance visibility.