Winterfest 2011

We are really being pummeled with an old-fashioned, cold winter. Cleveland could be Alaska at this time of year – at least in terms of sunshine. We get very little. But if we are going to have cold, grey skies, then at least let’s have some snow to play in!

We decided to plan our winter party, despite the frigid temperatures because in a week or two it could be gone. I told our guests to dress for the weather (highs of 17 during the day.)

The yard was prepared by my husband, who always executes my entertaining ideas without complaint. Actually, the yard is his domain, so he prepared it the way he wanted it prepared.

My husband made these signs years ago for the kids to create roads on the sidewalk.

The ice rink was shoveled.

The hill isn’t big. The advantage is that you don’t expend much energy walking up. With the frigid temps you can glide a long way. Throw in a couple of snow ramps and it makes for hours of fun. (Except for the old guys who think they can still go off the ramps….)

I love our toboggan from L.L. Bean! I really should sew a cushion for it….

The party started at 6:00. My night shots are lousy, so you won’t see the luminaries my husband placed along the walkway. And you can only catch the shadows of the skaters on the rink.

We enjoyed wonderful, warm food. I made 40 hotdogs – boiled, placed on a bun and wrapped in foil and then placed in a cooler with heat packs.. They get nice and steamy and they are easy to handle with gloves. Add some chili for chili dogs or just enjoy a bowl! We had potato soup, cheesy potatoes, ham and cheese strombolis, hot cocoa, various snacks and McDonald’s chicken nuggets! Yes, you heard me! You haven’t lived until you’ve tried roasting nuggets over the fire….crisp and crunchy…discovered by the kids at the neighbor’s campfire this past summer. Desserts included brownies, Smores, cookie cake and two fantastic concoctions made by my friend. The first was a molten chocolate dessert topped with ganache. She also made a fabulous bread pudding. Both of these were served up warm to our guests.

It was a fun night with family and friends. The cold air was invigorating! And next week is February! I think we can survive this winter….

7 Comments

Meg on January 24, 2011 at 10:30 pm

I just love that you have an outdoor winter party! I remember the pictures from last winter party you posted and was wondering if you’d be doing it again this year.

The skating rink in back is something I dreamed of having as a kid.

Kate! on January 24, 2011 at 10:37 pm

That sounds like so much fun! If I lived closer I would have totally crashed the party!

Love the hotdog idea!

Pam Hunter on January 25, 2011 at 11:12 am

Looks like so much such fun! Chili dogs, potato soup and bread pudding … yummy!!

Note to Pam: Add “crashing party” to January, 2012 calendar.

~Pam on January 25, 2011 at 12:04 pm

Hmmm … so “much such” fun? =/ Another note to Pam: proof your posts!!!

nancy huggins on January 26, 2011 at 3:05 am

I enjoyed reading your blog and am now a follower and have a link to your blog posted on my side bar to share with other bloggers
Hop on over to my blog and leave a comment for a chance to win my give away 🙂

goldenbird on January 26, 2011 at 3:38 am

I wish I could go! Sounds wonderful, Jane. Chicken McNuggets roasted over a fire? I’m in! I’m always amazed to see your yard … we just don’t have space like that here.

g-girl on January 30, 2011 at 12:19 am

what a great idea to have a winter party. love the skating rink and the toboggan. fire roasted chicken nuggets?? might have to try that one day!

Winterfest 2011

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