I was delighted when I was asked to design, plan and co-ordinate an après ski themed party to celebrate a 21st birthday.
The party took place in a marquee in the grounds of the clients’ home. The interiors incorporated flat white linings and blue lighting, both uplighters and fairy lights, which created the icy glow we wanted in order to inspire the feel of a cold winter’s evening in a ski resort.
Guests arrived at the property to a snowy scene at the entrance, achieved using snow machines. The route into the marquee was draped with black lining creating a tunnel into the main space.
At this apres ski themed party, rustic chalet archway was personalised with the words “Run 21”; the name chosen by the hosts for their Apres Ski party venue. The setting at the entrance was completed with clusters of chrome lanterns at staggered heights with flickering candles.
Upon entering the marquee, a printed ski run backdrop along the rear wall created the illusion that guests were looking down the mountain from their vantage point in the ski chalet.
We also created a feature display using a ski rack filled with skis and poles and surrounded by boots, toboggans and snowshoes. A second feature utilized a ski for a Jaegerbomb domino set up.
A log effect Alpine bar complete with snowy roof created the main drink service point for guests. An additional smaller log bar was used to serve mulled wine and then, later on, Jaeger bombs and other shots, which were served every hour, on the sound of the Klaxon.
A freestanding piste map was adapted and featured as the drinks menu.
Furniture came in the form of benches and tables with barrels standing around the venue as an alternative to poseur tables. Twinkling lanterns, pine cones and scattered snow dressing completed the look.
An alpine log DJ booth was positioned on a raised platform. Guests danced to amplified music until midnight when they switched to silent disco headsets to avoid offending the neighbours.
A themed photobooth used a ski lift chair as it’s basis, set against the backdrop of a ski run.
Oven fired pizzas and churros were available all night long from food trucks positioned directly outside the marque
Guests were asked to dress in skiwear, so all were suitably attired for what proved to be one of the coldest nights of the year. One apres ski themed party, successfully planned!
I love to plan themed parties and special events; if you would like to discuss any ideas that you have for a themed event or you would like to find out more about this Apres Ski theme specifically, then please get in touch by contacting me here.
Planning, design, execution and co-ordination by Elegante by Michelle J
Photography by James and Kerrie Photography
Marquee by Toby’s Tents
Ski themed props by Theme Traders
Food by Urban Food Fest
Silent Disco Headsets from Silent Disco Direct