How to Host a Cozy Gathering?

When I used to work at a local liquor store in my hometown, I would always get so excited to plan cozy gatherings, with perfect wine pairing for every course. Specially going into Christmas and New Years, customers would come in for very specific wine and liquor recommendations based on the food they were going to serve and that would always inspire me as well. To prepare us for the festive days, my manager would organize a get together for the team with some wine pairings to try. That is when I discovered that there is a magic happening when certain flavours are combined.

But my manager was not only really good at making the best food and wine pairings, he is also a star in hosting a gathering or party! Him and his husbands’ Halloween parties were out of this world, starting with a big scare in the garden and not knowing what would be hiding in every corner. It was so much fun! But it’s not easy to throw a perfect party or host a cozy gathering, there is heaps to think about and everything has to make sense. That’s why I thought it would be fun to talk about how to host a cozy gathering and what are some things to think about. Here is your step-to-step guide to hosting your own:

1. Plan your Theme and Ambiance

Begin by deciding on a theme for your gathering. A cohesive theme can tie together your decorations, menu, and overall atmosphere. Consider themes like a classic winter wonderland, rustic cabin vibes, or a vintage holiday soirée. Once you have a theme, think about how you want your space to feel—warm, inviting, and full of festive spirit.

2. Get Inspiration

Go on Pinterest and search your theme to get inspiration for decoration to use, meals you can make and what colours give the right vibe you trying to create. What also really helps is listening to a playlist that captures the vibe. This is the reason why I listen to the Holiday Cottage Playlist that I created on Spotify while making the Xmas Collection for The Cozy Orange, it just sets the vibe and make things a little more magical! On Spotify there are heaps of playlists that gather music for a specific vibe, so definitely check that out. If you would love to listen to the Holiday Cottage Playlist I created, you can find it in the previous blogpost or scan the picture on the right.

3. Set the Date and Send Invitations

Choose a date that is convenient for most of your guests and send out invitations early enough for everyone to plan accordingly. You can opt for traditional paper invitations or create a digital one. Make sure to include all necessary details such as the time, location, dress code, and if people need to RSVP. And don’t forget to create your invitation according to your theme!

4. Decorate with a Personal Touch

Decorate your space to reflect the theme you’ve chosen. Use soft lighting, such as candles or twinkling fairy lights, to create a warm ambiance, or use for example disco lighting to create a more funky vibe. Try to stick to three or four colours that you feel represent your vibe and don’t overdo the decoration with too many different ornaments. A fun way to communicate your vibe in your decoration is by printing some quotes or pictures and display them in photo frames. And don’t forget the entry, this is where your guests will get their first impression.

5. Prepare a Festive Menu

First decide whether you want to prepare everything yourself or if you will order some food in. Plan a menu that complements the atmosphere. Consider serving comfort foods that are easy to prepare and loved by all, such as a festive charcuterie board or a cozy cheese platter. Don't forget about desserts—holiday classics like gingerbread cookies or a spiced apple pie can add a sweet end to your meal.

Furthermore, think about food and drink pairings or whether you want to offer a broader selection of beverages. Fun beverages are for example a festive punch or a cozy hot cocoa topped up with whipped cream and sprinkles. 

6. Curate a Festive Playlist

Music is essential for setting the mood. Curate a playlist of holiday classics or contemporary hits to suit your theme. Consider mixing in some instrumental pieces for moments when conversation takes center stage. Also think of what generation your guests are from, there might be some music that will give your guests a nostalgic feeling. On Spotify there is also an option to go to the ‘radio’ of a song which curates an automatic playlist based on that particular song. This might give you some ideas what songs to add.

7. Organize Fun Activities

Whether you want to organize activities is a choice based on how well your guests know each other or if they need a little bit of help to get the conversation flowing. A ‘pub quiz’ can always be a fun way to help people open up and feel comfortable or think of a drink station where guests can create their own cocktail. Craft activities can also be a conversation starter, but be aware of your guests’ preferences.

8. Create Cozy Seating Arrangements

Arrange seating to facilitate conversation and connection. Provide plenty of comfortable seating options with cushions and blankets to keep guests warm and relaxed. Consider arranging seating in small clusters to allow for intimate conversations. But remember that you can only do that much for people to feel at ease and that you cannot force your guests to connect with each other. 

9. Capture the Moments

Designate an area for photo opportunities, complete with props like Santa hats or reindeer antlers. Encourage guests to capture memories throughout the evening.

You could even set up a photo booth with a festive backdrop. When I moved to New Zealand, I set up a backdrop and made props with NZ themed icons on skewers. To have instant fun, I used a Polaroid camera to print the pictures straight away, providing my guests with a memory straight away!

10. End with a Thoughtful Farewell

As the gathering winds down, send your guests home with a small token of appreciation. This could be a homemade treat, a small ornament, or a heartfelt note thanking them for their presence. You can also provide a guest book where your guests can leave a personal note. And if you didn’t use a Polaroid camera to instantly print the pictures, you can also give your guests access to a shared folder with all the pictures taken (take into account the privacy of your guests and whether they are okay with other guests seeing their picture). A thoughtful farewell leaves a lasting impression and spreads the festive cheer beyond the gathering. 

I hope this inspires you to host a cozy gathering and have a heartwarming experience. Let me know if there is anything I forgot to mention!

With love,

Nicky