Hosting Tips

Snowed-In with West Elm

By Camille Styles
Snowed-In with West Elm

When West Elm asks you to design your dream holiday get-together inspired by one of their new collections… well, you don’t really think twice. A few weeks ago, we gathered items from their sparkly “Snow Drift” collection to design a dinner party that proves that shades of white can still be warm & cozy. Blame it on the fact that I’m a Southern girl who’s lucky if she catches a glimpse of snow flurries during winter months, but in my wildest fantasies, there’s nothing more romantic than the idea of being snowed-in for the holidays. Especially if my home happens to be filled with comforting food cooking in the oven, ample amounts of wine and all the people I love. Such was the inspiration behind this “Snowed-in Dinner Party” in shades of snowfall: sparkly silver, warm metallics and frosty white. Click through for all the magic captured beautifully by Wynn Myers, and if you’re in Austin, be sure to stop by the DIY workshop I’ll be hosting at West Elm this Thursday evening. RSVP here!

I pulled a low lounge-y table in front of the fire and surrounded it with cozy floor pillows for seating.

metallic faux knit pattern pillow cover; metallic texture pillow cover in silver

“In my wildest fantasies, there’s nothing more romantic than the idea of being snowed-in for the holidays. Such was the inspiration behind the ‘Snowed-in Dinner Party’ I hosted for a few friends in shades of snowfall: sparkly silver, warm metallics and frosty white.” – Camille

The scene was illuminated with handmade wax paper lanterns stamped with snowflakes… stop by West Elm in Austin this Thursday evening to learn how to make your own!

These gold cheese knives were the perfect metallic pop against a raw wood cheese board.

Pop! Clink! Fizz! Nothin’ like bubbly to get the party started.

gold rimmed stemless glassware 

A vibrant salad looked gorgeous served in an organically-shaped ceramic serving bowl.

pine cone salt and pepper shakers; ombre faux fur throw in gray

“It’s all about the unexpected contrasts: polished silver next to handmade objects, rose gold flatware against raw wood, treasured holiday rituals that leave room for new traditions to be created.” – Camille

A self-serve cocktail bar always looks festive and is a holiday entertaining must.

organic shaped dinnerware set

It’s all about the unexpected contrasts: polished silver next to handmade objects, rose gold flatware against raw wood, treasured holiday rituals that leave room for new traditions to be created.

Coco’s always the life of the party, and in this case, went perfectly with the decor!

A cozy meal with great friends… always a success!