When the middle of winter begins to feel too dark and you're craving sunshine, it may be time to host a hot tub party to get your summer groove back. You know the feeling of timelessness you get while floating in a pool or the ocean, staring at the clouds and feeling your stress disappear? You can get that feeling back, or at least something like it with a winter party. Here's how!
If you have a hot tub or a friend who has one, get it ready, because this party includes hot water, music that makes you feel like you're in the tropics, and of course, food and drinks to help make the whole evening feel like you're in paradise. Decorate with some fresh flowers and you've got that tropical-inspired look your guests will love.
You could just as well host a painting party and have your friends come over to help paint a tropical mural in your office, but the hot tub idea is so much more fun. Either way, having the right food and the right music will help erase the winter blues.
What to Bring to a Hot Tub Party
Make sure you have enough beach towels and a shower available for anyone who wants to rinse off before getting back into their clothing after a dip in the hot tub. Remind your guests to bring their bathing suits and flip flops so everyone can participate.
Place candles and fresh flowers around the hot tub and in the bathroom for an exotic island look.
Music Ideas for a Winter Party — Combat Winter Blues
Laid-back music from Jack Johnson, Bob Marley, or Jimmy Buffet should help to get your guests in the mood, like a slow moving tropical breeze blowing. These three artists will definitely set the mood.
Other artists to consider are Bobby McFerrin with his "Be Happy, Don't Worry," and anything by Colby Callait, the adorable, Hawaiian surfer girl with a sweet sound.
Serve Frozen Margaritas, Pina Coladas, Rum Runners at your Party
Frozen Margaritas always remind me of summer and so do Pina Coladas, Rum Runners and beer served with limes. By serving fruity frozen cocktails, you can help your guests remember their finest summer hours lolling on the beach right in the middle of a winter snow storm.
For a great set of summer cocktails like frozen Strawberry Margaritas, frozen Banana Daiquiris or Island Style Rum Runners, check out this article packed with sizzling summer drink recipes.
Have some hot appetizers ready to serve when the guests step out of the tub, like lamb meatballs with yogurt sauce.
Lamb Meatballs With Yogurt Sauce — Perfect for a Winter Party
Meatball Ingredients:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 Tbs milk
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped seedless cucumber
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs
- 2 Tbs chopped onion
- 1 tsp Greek seasoning (Cavender's)
- 1/2 tsp dried tarragon
- 3/4 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Combine egg, milk, crumbs, onion, 3/4 tsp of Greek seasoning, and tarragon.
- Add meat to mixture, stir together well. Shape into one inch meatballs.
- Place on baking sheet and bake in 350° oven for 15-18 minutes. Drain on paper towel.
- Combine yogurt, cucumber, parsley and remaining 1/4 tsp of Greek seasoning.
- Serve meatballs on a platter with a small bowl of wooden picks. Dip into yogurt mixture. Makes about 42 meatballs.
Enjoy your winter-themed party whether it's snowing outside or just plain cold. Nothing like tropical decorations, music and drinks to make your guests feel like they just took a little vacation.
Vicki F. Chavis - Growing up in Asia, Europe and North America left Vicki with a love of cuisine, history, language, fashion and travel. Today she writes on ...
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