Warm & Cozy Must-Haves for Holiday Parties

For those of you who remember my very first blog Beautology (which is no longer), I am excited to introduce you to my new project Fashionably Outdoors. We change and grow and it's amazing establishing who I am since I've graduated Baylor University and started work in the post-college world.

Fashionably Outdoors brings together two of my favorite things. Obviously, as the name states those things are fashion and the outdoors. My best friend Katie has a lot to do with the outdoors part. She introduced me to Colorado this past summer and I swear I've been different ever since.

I won't teach you how to survive in the wilderness, because I can't… but I will talk about some incredible fashion, beauty and lifestyle tips to make you look and feel fresh and radiant whether you're at a party or a camping trip.



That being said, the temperatures have been dropping much to my childish delight and I'm more than thrilled at the arrival of Starbucks' signature holiday-red cups! Here are some other wonderful little must-have details for winter to make each night special, warm and cozy whether you're planning a night in or throwing a holiday party with your friends!

No cozy space if complete without blankets, and I have tons of them. If ever a blanket epidemic occurs, I'm your girl. My favorite? Pendleton throws and blankets are some of my favorites and come in this awesome leather carrier. The quality material makes these blankets perfect for taking outside for picnics and stargazing.

I also will argue that if you add twinkling lights to any space you wish, you add instant coziness… These are easy to find especially now that the holidays are just around the corner.  Get  plenty of blankets, pillows and add in some twinkling lights for a quick and easy lounge around space for guests to talk or watch a movie. These lights give just enough glow to illuminate the room for guests but still are low enough to give off a comfy feel.











You have your blanket (I also suggest pillows), and your soft lighting set so now it's time to add in something warm to drink. I found this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate and am hooked. This is perfect for holiday parties! Roast marshmallows over a fire and sip on this festive drink to stay warm inside and out.

Ingredients

• 2 C milk(almond milk works perfectly)
• ¼ C homemade pumpkin puree(use less of store bought puree as it’s thicker)
• ¾ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
• 3-4 tbsp maple syrup
• pinch of salt
• dash of vanilla

Instructions

1. On the stove in a small pot, whisk together the milk, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, cocoa, maple syrup(or honey) and pinch of salt.
2. Heat over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Whisk and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla and cool until ready to serve, or serve immediately with a splash of extra milk, a dollop of whipped cream, marshmallows or your favorite other hot chocolate toppings.

Fall fashion is my favorite because of all the options available for layering in prints and textures. I love the cold weather only when I am completely warm, so I always have to make sure I'm stocked with sweaters and scarves for the season. Free People is undoubtably my go to store for incredibly Boheme, cozy and timeless pieces for winter. Shop this entire look here. Love this vintage looking fur coat? asos has tons that are prefect for holiday soirees. Faux, so no animals were harmed during the making of these comfy coats. 

Wishing you plenty of cozy nights to come! 

xo

Ann