Five things to consider
when planning a winter event in Malta
Winter brings to mind cold, crisp days, shorter daylight hours, roaring fireplaces and Christmas festivities. Christmas parties and get-togethers are highly anticipated by all and are often the highlight of the year. The pressure is on to throw a party that will create a buzz and get everyone talking. Events held during winter can be lush and sumptuous so let your imagination run riot and create a winter wonderland for your guests. Of course, a winter event has its challenges and there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
1. Keep it cosy
Careful choice of venue can help create a memorable party. A cosy atmosphere is easily created by choosing a venue with open fireplaces. Outdoor terraces with stunning sea or country views can be kept warm by using patio heaters. Likewise a pool party can be transformed into a winter event by using the aforementioned heaters. When considering outdoor locations, it is essential to have a back-up plan as the weather can be unpredictable and unpleasant. It is important to ensure that the indoor area must also be large enough to comfortably fit all guests.
2. It’s all white on the night
Winter wonderland themes lend themselves so easily to a lavish and beautiful décor. Festive colours, like the traditional red and green, are warm and rich, and are offset perfectly by the precious metals gold and silver and the stark white of snow. Dangling crystals emulate the “frozen” theme and look so pretty when they glisten in the light. Indoor trees can be brought in and decorated with fairy lights, baubles, ribbon and flowers. Outdoor trees can also be given the same treatment. Even the Christmas plant, the poinsettia, lends itself wonderfully to decorating and can be used to great effect. Candles help create a magical, romantic atmosphere.
For the tech-minded, video installations projecting wintry scenes will immerse guests into your winter wonderland. Consider creating a focal point such as an ice sculpture or a decadent wine bottle Christmas tree which looks amazing and makes for a great take away gift for guests. A similar take on the wine bottle tree is a tree decorated with gin-filled baubles which also double up as flasks. For that extra special touch, baubles and wine bottles can be personalised.
3. Cloaks and coats
When planning a winter event in Malta it is important to consider the comfort of your guests. Most guests will be wearing winter outerwear therefore a secure cloakroom is a must for all those coats and jackets. Depending on the event, one might also consider having some blankets/throws available for those who might be sitting outdoors. Nobody enjoys a cold, damp venue and this is certainly a point to be considered when choosing a venue.
4. Tantalise your taste buds
Festive food and drink is wonderfully decadent. In summer, one tends towards lighter spirits and food, however in winter one can really push the boat out. Punch and mulled wine, hot chestnuts and spicy nuts, soups and creamy savoury dishes, warm puddings and mince pies and so much more. A chocolate fountain can be a wonderful addition to the event paired with roasted marshmallows and fruit kebabs which will leave your guests melting for more. Food, table settings and centrepieces can be themed or decorated accordingly.
5. Spectacular spectacular
A themed festive party is so much fun and will provide guests with plenty of photo opportunities for their social media. A cinematic theme is a popular choice, with film and TV shows like Frozen and Game of Thrones standing out as favourites. Such films lend themselves well to party décor and guests can even be asked to attend dressed in character. A circus theme is another festive favourite and the atmosphere can be further enhanced by bringing in acrobats, fire-eaters and magicians. A photo booth or selfie mirror will allow guests to capture all the fun.
In recent years there has been a rise in the popularity of period dramas and murder mystery parties have become a firm favourite. They are a welcome change from the usual party mode and chit chat. Guests are asked to attend as a character in a drama and they then participate in their very own murder mystery. The scene can be set by using props, projections and installations. Murder mystery parties are fun and innovative and will have everyone talking for weeks afterward. An event planner can really go to town to set the scene and plan food and décor according to the era in which the drama is set.
After having read the above tips and suggestions, you should be full of anticipation about organising an amazing festive event that will blow everyone away. However, it is not as easy as it sounds to successfully throw a big party without acquiring a few grey hairs along the way. An event planner will flesh out all your ideas and take care of every little detail, leaving you to graciously accept the plaudits. Be sure to call Sarah Young to help plan your winter party in Malta.
