Winter blues got you down? Having a hard time getting out of your pjs on those cold, snowy days? Chances are your friends and family are too. Bust out of your rut by throwing a party to bash those winter blues!

The Invitation:

Casually invite friends and/or family members to this laid-back party. Telephone or e-vites will be fine. Be sure to tell guests to bring a favorite game with them.

The Music:

-If playing music, put on something peppy and cheerful in whatever genre you and your guests would prefer.

The Games:

Sitting down for a board or card game is a great to way to entertain a large crowd.

Suggestions:

Cranium
Trivial Pursuit Team
Sorry! Family Game Night Edition
Dance Dance Revoltion Dvd Game
80s Scene it?





The Food:

Food is not required as this party will most likely take place during the hours after dinner or during a weekend afternoon. If however, you are throwing your party during a time in which a meal is expected, go for warm comfort foods:

Suggestions:

-Chili and Cornbread/Crackers
-Meatloaf and Mashed potatoes
-Potato Soup
-Country Fried steak strips
-Chicken casserole/pot pie


Drinks:

Hot Chocolate Float:

1 cup water
1 envelope powdered cocoa mix
Chocolate Chip Mint ice cream


-In a 2-cup measuring cup microwave water, uncovered, on 100% power for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until steaming hot.

-Stir in cocoa mix.

-Pour into a mug.

-Top hot chocolate with a small scoop of ice cream.


Ultra-Rich Hot Chocolate:

4 cups milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 pinch salt
miniature marshmallow
whipped cream (optional)

-Bring milk, cocoa powder and sugar to simmer in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking frequently.
-Add chocolate; whisk until melted and smooth.
-Add salt; bring to simmer, whisking constantly until frothy.
-Ladle into.
-Sprinkle with marshmallows or dollop of whipped cream.