How to Throw the Perfect Intimate Winter Engagement Party

My Goddaughter got engaged over the holidays and we all couldn’t be more excited for her and her fiancé.

I wanted to celebrate her and this special season of life so I hosted an intimate winter wedding celebration and invited the girls in our family over for a Sunday brunch.

Nothing gets me more excited than hosting a party!

My creative juices go into overdrive deciding on a theme and then it snowballs from there into party ideas and party decorations.

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Winter Engagement Party Theme

The theme for this engagement celebration was Josie is tying the knot.

Bows are having such a moment right now it was a no brainer to us them as my knot!

The atmosphere I wanted to create was après ski meets bridal shower.

Once I have my jumping off point the first thing I do is visit Pinterest and start pinning away.

I start to see themes within my inspiration board and the party quickly comes together after that.

Winter Engagement Party Ideas and Decorations

For this engagement celebration I went with a neutral color palette of white, creams, ivories, beiges and chocolate with touches of light blue and silver.

I wanted everything to feel cozy because this event was taking place in January.

Knowing that I will likely cohost a wedding shower for her in the summer months I really wanted to lean into the winter season for this special gathering.

Warm, snug and welcome was what I wanted guests to feel when they arrived.

I achieved this by using tabletop fire pits as part of the centerpiece, velvet ribbons tied to the champagne coupes (similar) and the glow of a pre-lit faux flocked tree.

I scattered a few throw blankets on chairs knowing that they would likely go unused but I wanted guests to feel as though I had thought of every little detail. 

Seating

It was important to me that we all sit together because Josie would be sharing details about all she had planned for the wedding thus far.

I needed a table with room to fit twelve but our normal dining table wasn’t long enough so l used two folding six foot banquet tables and long beige tablecloths that hit the floor to hide the legs.

It’s an inexpensive trick for a high end look!

Then I mixed and matched chairs and benches I already had in my home and I loved how it turned out.

These tables have come in handy so often.

Not only have I used them for additional seating when I’m in need but they also work so nicely as a buffet table too.

When I purchased the beige tablecloths I knew they would be a good backdrop for so many occasions I didn’t hesitate at all adding to cart.

Tablescape

Throughout the tablescape for the brunch I had little nods to the theme of tying the knot.

I added greaseproof wax bags filled with gourmet popcorn to each place setting to symbolize he popped the question now she’s tying the knot.

I then used my Cricut Joy and light blue permanent vinyl to add a bow to each of the bags.

The bags were a perfect addition to my color palette and the popcorn served as a small appetizer while guests visited with each other prior to eating brunch. 

If possible I like to use items I already own as complements to the party.

In this case I visited my Christmas bins and pulled out items I knew would work.

I grabbed my ceramic trees in white and silver (similar here and here) to scatter throughout the table.

I also had two snowflake hurricanes (similar) that became the perfect vessel to hold flowers when I nestled some drinking glasses inside.

Some white candlestick holders (similar) with chocolate colored candlesticks completed my tablescape. 

Now normally I’m a sucker for candles and add as many as possible but I really wanted the indoor/outdoor tabletop fire pits to steal the show.

And that they did!

After brunch was served, I came out with a tray of graham crackers, gourmet marshmallows and Ghiradelli chocolate squares so guests roast marshmallows to make s’mores using the fire pits.

A centerpiece that doubled as an activity that tripled as dessert that’s a win, win, win!

The bow graphic was repeated on the popcorn bags, party favors, and also the mirror.

I set up the table in our long hallway where I have a mirror hanging.

I knew the mirror would reflect the table beautifully so I used the opportunity to add “Josie is tying the knot” with white removable vinyl and my trusty Cricut Joy that has become the workhorse of so many of my parties.

Flowers

No party would be complete without a trip to Trader Joes for flowers.

With my color palette in mind the arrangements came together easily.

In this case I wanted to do a variety so I picked hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, garden roses, tulips, white berries, cabbage, and blue thistle flowers.

Party Favors

A simple party favor for any seated gathering is a box of matches.

For this engagement celebration the matches not only complimented the indoor fire pits I had on the tables but it symbolized the bride finding her perfect match.

These white tip, white box matches are perfect by themselves or to add a little flare to.

I used my Cricut Joy to add a small bow to the match boxes.

Music

It’s important to consider what type of music you want in the background of your gatherings.

My daughter received a Crosley bluetooth record player for Christmas that just so happened to be in the light dusty blue color that coordinated so well with the party.

I knew instantly I wanted to use it but was stumped on what record to play.

I practically did a somersault when I was rummaging through my parents’ old records and came across a vinyl LP of Dean Martin Hits Again with songs like “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You”, “You’ll Always Be the One I Love” and “Wedding Bells”.

Jackpot!

Winter Engagement Party Brunch Menu

I knew space was limited on the dining table itself so I had food set up on a separate table where guests could make their own plate.

The menu included mini quiches, cinnamon rolls, a garden salad, breakfast sausage and fruit parfaits.

Consider dietary restrictions for guests and make sure you have enough offerings for those who might need to pass on certain items. 

Because it was an engagement celebration it was a no brainer what beverage to serve.

When I went shopping for champagne I simply looked for a label that matched my party.

I then painted these matching napkins to my table onto the champagne bottle for a cohesive look.

Read how to easily paint a champagne bottle here.

Final words on this wonderful winter engagement party…

The party came together beautifully and most importantly Josie felt loved and celebrated.