Going Big for My 30th Birthday: An Unforgettable Apres Ski Celebration
In the fall of 2021, my 30th birthday was on the horizon, and I wanted to plan a celebration that would be something especially memorable. While I loved my annual tradition of hosting intimate dinners in my home; for the big 3-0 I wanted to throw something extraordinary, something that would be etched into the memories of everyone who joined in. I also wanted to host something where I could have a seemingly limitless guestlist, and at which I could invite everyone who was part of my life to join in on the celebration.
That's when the idea of an Apres Ski birthday bash popped into my head - a concept promising more than just a night of fun; I envisioned an immersive experience that would transport my guests into a winter wonderland. As my birthday falls in December, and I have been a lifelong avid skier (and even had a Ski- Themed Bat Mitzvah), I could hardly think of a more fitting theme. And yes, I had one condition: everyone had to show up in their best Apres Ski outfits!
With unwavering determination and the boundless enthusiasm of my party throwing-loving parents, we embarked on a mission to turn my studio apartment into a venue fit for the Swiss Alps. It was an intimidating task, but with their expertise and my own passion for creating unforgettable moments, we set out to craft an event like no other.
Creating a Nightclub Wonderland:
The heart of the celebration lay within the walls of my apartment. which we meticulously transformed into a vibrant nightclub. A dear friend, armed with his DJ equipment and a passion for curating beats, turned my humble studio into a pulsating dance floor. To make the space for the DJ booth, I pushed my mattress up against my wall (and decorated it in a winter themed wallpaper wrapping) to free up space for the DJ equipment. I also moved my couch so that it was behind where the music set up would be, so that the entire apartment (aside from the DJ area) was strictly for dancing. The goal for this party was for everyone to dance, a lot.
I also set up a winter wonder land backdrop against my walls which people could use as a photo booth, and bought some props that people could use for extra festive photos. I also set out my polaroid camera so that guests could leave with a printed memento of the evening. The atmosphere crackled with energy as the tunes filled the air, setting the stage for a night of uninhibited celebration.
Hearty Winter Foods to Satisfy Every Palate:
My generous parents took charge of the catering, whipping up a menu that was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. The menu featured the best hearty winter dishes (and many of my favorite foods) such as baked ziti, meatballs, beef bourguignon, and coq au vin - all expertly cooked and prepped by my amazing mom and dad. We set out all of the food outside buffet style over sternos to stay warm so guests could fill their plates over and over again throughout the night.
Plus, we had mulled wine, spiked hot chocolate, and hot apple cider to keep everyone warm and toasty, thanks to my trusty crockpot and coffee carafes.
Embracing the Great Outdoors, Even in December:
Despite the chilly December weather in New York, I was determined to use my outdoor space. I covered the garden with a massive tarp (using a combo of rope and carabiners attached to trees and my fence) , strung up some sturdy heaters, and voila - an outdoor haven of warmth and coziness. Worried about my guests' comfort in the cold weather, my mom and I spent days on days crafting homemade fleece blankets featuring winter motifs, each stitch filled with love. These blankets not only kept everyone cozy but also doubled as heartfelt giveaways, a small token of my appreciation.
Utilizing both my indoor and outdoor areas was paramount for me. I aimed to craft two distinct atmospheres and accommodate a larger number of guests. As someone who appreciates intimate dining and dancing, this arrangement allowed for a delightful mingling of guests. Outdoors, people cozied up with warm beverages, blankets, and food, while indoors, the dance floor came alive. With both spaces being relatively small, they filled up evenly, creating a comfortably intimate ambiance throughout the evening.
Making the Event Extra Special
In addition to the handmade blankets, we had custom chocolates and chocolate dipped marshmallows from a local chocolatier made for the occasion. Setting these out in a decorative basket, I was able to give out these treats to all guests as they left the party so they could enjoy a sweet treat as the evening came to a close.
As the evening unfolded, laughter filled the air, blending seamlessly with the music. Every corner of my transformed space held a touch of magic, a testament to the power of imagination and the pure joy of celebrating life's milestones with friends and family.
My Apres Ski birthday bash was even better than I could have imagined. It was a night where time seemed to stand still, the world outside fading away, leaving behind the warmth of friendship and the promise of many more unforgettable moments in the years to come.
