A Hosting Idea for Each Month of the Year
Hosting is one of our favorite things to do at Crimson. We believe that welcoming friends and family to share a delicious meal, a tasty drink, or a fun evening is the best medicine. No matter what time of the year, hosting a dinner party is always a good idea. An even better idea is to draft up a themed evening! Here are our favorite hosting ideas for each month of the year:
January – Cozy Winter Night In
Here in our home-base of Ohio, January is very chilly which means a lot of nights-in. A cozy night by a warm fire with a hearty meal is perfect for this time of year. We recommend soups and warm pies for your main course with a tasty homemade hot chocolate or mulled wine to keep guests warm. To accentuate the cozy vibes, light some candles and wrap up in your favorite blankets!
February – Valentine’s Bash
Whether you are celebrating the romance of Valentine’s or the fun of Galentine’s, plan your evening with fun heart and love-themed creations. Make the classic – chocolate covered strawberries – or even try making homemade heart-shaped pizzas. Creating a signature pink or red cocktail will bring out even more Valentine’s vibes such as a strawberry daiquiri or a berry punch!
March – March Madness Movie Marathon
Movies, movies, and more movies! What’s not to love? Gather your friends and family and vote on your top favorite movies to binge watch over an evening together. Consider making a popcorn bar full of toppings and snacks for your guests to enjoy or create dishes themed to your movies of choice. Wrap up the evening with a round (or a few) of movie trivia for a good laugh!
April – Spring Fling
The flowers are beginning to bud and bloom, meaning now is the perfect time for a light and springy party. Decorate with floral table settings, pastels, and lots of greenery. If it’s a nice evening, try having a garden party outdoors picnic-style! For food, try a charcuterie board, a fruit platter, salads and finger sandwiches. A garden party is sure to brighten your blooming evening!
May – Mediterranean Feast
Now is the time to think Greek! And Italian. And Middle-Eastern too! Enjoy an evening full of delicious Mediterranean foods such as hummus and tzatziki, grilled chicken or lamb dishes, and baklava for a sweet treat. A globally inspired meal is a fun way to try new foods and flavors alongside your loved ones!
June – Summer Barbeque
With the warm weather and sun finally out from the shade of the cold winter, a summer barbeque is a great idea to kick off your summer festivities. Invite your friends over and enjoy a meal outdoors under the sunshine of the poolside, or in your backyard. Enjoy the typical barbeque foods such as hotdogs, veggie skewers, and burgers with side dishes like corn, coleslaw, and potato salad. Bonus points for a refreshing cocktail or beverage! Once you’re done with your delicious meal, enjoy playing cornhole, frisbee, or taking a relaxing swim!
July – Picnic on the Fourth
Enjoying classic American dishes is the best way to celebrate the most American holiday of them all. With a table full of dishes such as barbeque ribs, apple pie, or pulled pork sandwiches, enjoy a picnic style meal! Celebrate the fun of the holiday with red, white, and blue decorations, sparklers, and fun games for the kids.
August – Ice Cream Social
Cool off from the late summer heat with a sweet ice cream social with friends! Set up your very own in-home ice cream bar with endless sundae topping options that everyone can enjoy. With the pairing of snacks such as a veggie platter and pizza bites, this will be an evening that everyone from kids to those who are kids-at-heart will enjoy! Celebrate the end of summer with games on the lawn too!
September – Tailgate Party
Kick off the beginning of fall with a kicking-good tailgate! Get together with a group of friends to cheer on your favorite teams, rivals or not, with the most popular foods of the season. Bring nachos, sliders, chips, and lots of delicious drinks to get the party started! No matter what team you and your friends are cheering for, rivals or not, a tailgate is sure to be enjoyed by each and every member of your guests!
October – Murder Mystery Party
This past December, we ended our year with a murder mystery party and it was a blast! Decide on a themed and interactive mystery, often available in packages online, and dress the part! Our favorite theme ideas? Roaring 20’s, 80’s prom, and masquerade! Whichever theme you choose, go the extra mile and create food that follows your theme (champagne for the 20’s, punch for the 80’s). This evening party is to die for, no matter how the mystery is solved!
November – Harvest Potluck
Enjoy all that the end of fall has to offer with a harvest party! Bring in dishes such as turkey and ham, caseroles, and pumpkin pie for a warm and cozy potluck. Share your thanks around the table with your loved ones and closest friends. An evening of warm, delicious food and endless conversation is a wonderful way to say goodbye to fall and hello to winter!
December – Cookie Exchange
No matter what holidays you are celebrating, one thing is for sure: cookies are a must! Gather your friends to do a cookie exchange of their favorite recipes. With an additional treat of hot chocolate or your favorite holiday cocktails, host a competition for the best cookie of the night with holiday themed prizes for everyone. The holiday cheer will be endless – and so will the cookies!
