Creating Memorable Winter Feasts: A Host's Journey from Small Gatherings to Grand Celebrations

Kim J-

When we moved here 4 years ago, we had lots of family, but no friends. Very quickly, that changed as we had amazing neighbours that became good friends and some of our family members introduced us to some of their friends that we’ve gotten to know well over the years. 

We moved here in spring 2021, and by winter 2021 we had enough people in our lives that we decided to throw a party. It started out as kind of a Christmas party but as the years have gone by, we’ve come to realize everyone is usually already partied out or sick around Christmas. And so, we started hosting it in January, as a Winter party, and it’s been so much fun.

Here in Manitoba, the winter months can get long and boring. People’s spirits get down and having a party in the winter is something to look forward to and a time to forget that it’s cold and white outside. Having a party with delicious food, drinks, and dessert has been so fun to host. The first year we set up tables in our home and moved the furniture to the sides of the room. But the longer we’ve lived here the more people have come into our lives and the bigger all of our children have grown. So last year and this year, I cleaned out our garage, borrowed rugs, tables and chairs, and made the garage feel a little magical. 

A vibrant buffet display featuring a variety of fresh salads, pickles, and assorted dishes, inviting guests to indulge in a colorful and appetizing feast.

The first year, we just did a potluck. Everyone said what they were bringing so there weren’t any duplicates. The next year I decided to make it themed. We did Greek themed food. I’m sure it wasn’t all perfectly authentic but it was fun experimenting and tasting different things. This January, we did a broad Mediterranean theme. There were a few things that were not specifically Mediterranean and other things that had hints of the theme. But overall, it all turned out really well and once again, the food was delicious. 

I like to have tablecloths, napkins, nice dishes, candles, and decor to make the space feel elegant. I always hang my Costco lights so we can turn off the main lights and have it feel more romantic, even in a garage. As I mentioned in a previous post, atmosphere is very important. How a person feels when they walk into a space can have them remember the event or occasion as a place they enjoyed and want to come back to. As I was decorating the room for the evening, my husband came out when things were just about done and he was surprised at how nicely it had all come together!

A beautifully arranged table in a garage, featuring a lace tablecloth, elegant glassware, and decorative greenery under soft string lights, ready to welcome guests.

You don’t have to have the perfect space to host. As long as it’s clean, clutter-free, and cozy, you can make it feel welcoming with a few candles or stringed lights. All of us sisters often talk about how daunting hosting can be. But when you turn things around, your perspective can change. If you were invited to someone’s house, how would you feel? Would you care if the tablecloth had a little stain? Would you care if it was just a casserole and a salad? Of course not! You’d be honoured to be invited to someone’s home and that they had taken the time and effort to make what they had because they wanted you there. 

Growing up with 4 brothers and a sister meant there were 8 of us to feed. I didn’t realize till I was older what a commitment it was to invite our family over because of the size. There were some places we were invited to often and it was usually the homes that already had a lot of kids in them. I never once noticed how many dishes were on the table or if the bathroom was spotless. I only noticed that we got to fellowship with others and make more exciting memories. 

A mouthwatering display of desserts featuring a creamy pie in the foreground, surrounded by an assortment of sweet treats on tiered trays.

It might feel daunting to host at first and it’s okay if you don’t want to start with a big Winter party. Start with a family member. Then move onto friends. In time, things will become easier and you can think about hosting larger gatherings. There’s something so comforting seeing so many of the people you love all together. It makes me think of what heaven might be like. People you love all around you, feasting and laughing. I’m sure there will be much more laughter, dancing, and music in heaven, but it’s fun to practice while we wait. I hope these ideas inspire you as we approach the cold seasons in creating your own memorable, cozy winter feasts with new and old friends.