Thanks for stopping by to check out the Apre Ski Themed Party blog hop.  A big shout-out goes to Ariel from PMQ for two for organizing this fun event.

If we haven’t met yet, I’m glad you’ve stopped in.  I’m a military spouse, and mother of four, who has a thing for taking ugly finds and transforming them to eclectic and dramatic treasures.  And if we HAVE met, then you probably already know that I like to party…not that kind of party really.  Rather, I treasure inviting friends into our home to share memories and the magic of a well planned fiesta.  As a military spouse I found myself hosting countless shindigs for the last 3.5 years and have learned a thing or two along the way.

I feel blessed to have been able to host a party last night for some of my friends and neighbors.  It was small in scale (about 13 women and no kids), and I wanted to plan something simple, yet fun.  What better theme to go with in the middle of January that a Apres (after) Ski Inspired Party.  I also opted to use a high contrast, black and ivory color palette.  Check out how I used decor I already had (or recently found at thrift stores) to add a little fun to a simple mashed potato bar.

Since I find myself busy with the blog these days I only had ONE day to dedicate to cleaning and prepping my home for this party.  I needed to keep it SIMPLE.  Having hosted a mashed potato bar before, I knew that this would be an easy menu which involved very little cooking, but rather can opening, and microwaving…now we are talkin’.  For my go to crockpot mashed potato recipe click HERE.  Need more ideas for a killer buffet table?  I’ve got you covered HERE.

We are blessed to have a gargantuan island in this 10 month rental.  Rather than setting up a buffet table, I utilized the good bones of the home.

Left over from other parties, I have dollar store vases (with gold spray painted tops).  I wrapped the bottom 2/3 in paper from Ikea.  The napkin rings, left over from last year’s Christmas party, were simply paper towel rolls wrapped in pretty paper.

That sexy-80’s black china?  You guessed it, a thrift store purchase the day before.  How could I pass up service for 8 for $20 (hexegon bowls included).  You had me at sexy-80’s.

The buffet line is the more casual version of the Apres Ski Party.  I also whipped together an easy tablescape for anyone who may be interested.  Want a comprehensive, step by step guide to setting a beautiful table?  Click HERE.

Looking for miniature wooden skis? I found these online at Factory Direct Crafts.  I gave them a quick coat of white paint and toyed with the idea of using this as place setting markers.

To add warmth and texture, I placed a throw (from my Tween Girls’ Bedroom Makeover) on the ceter of the table.

I spray painted candles in matte black  to anchor the space and dress it up a bit.

Every tablescape should have a little drama.  Here I wrapped candle holders in Ikea paper and let the intrigue of fire work it’s magic.

I found these killer brass candle sticks a week or two ago at a local antique store for $9.  I was happy to add them to my growing collection.

Side note here:  The verdict is out on these Karl Springer Art Deco inspired 80’s chairs. They are upholstered in pure silk…and I picked em up for $20 a pop. What do you folks think? Keep or sell? It’s the shell backs that have me sayin’ “Yes Please”.

Thank you so very much for joining me for this Apres Ski Themed party.  Relax and explore.  If you like what you see please consider following me on:

PINTEREST || FACEBOOK || INSTAGRAM