A February Fireside Cocktail Party
By: Southern Hospitality Company
When February rolls around in Georgia, the evenings still carry a chill—but not enough to keep us inside. We decided to take full advantage of the crisp air and gather around the stone fire pit in the backyard for a fireside cocktail party that combined the best elements of winter: warmth, relaxation, and just a touch of rustic elegance.
With a nod to Ralph Lauren’s winter classic style, we created a setting that felt both refined and laid-back, an experience where guests could enjoy delicious drinks, good company, and just enough outdoor activity to keep things interesting.
Cozy Comfort Meets Rustic Elegance
As the cool February air settled over Georgia, we welcomed our guests to an outdoor gathering that felt as though it had been plucked from the pages of a Ralph Lauren winter catalog. The stone fire pit became the evening’s centerpiece, its flames dancing and crackling as they pushed back against the crisp night air. Around the fire, natural wood Adirondack chairs were tucked in close, each one adorned with a mix of camel, grey, blue, and brown plaid pillows—soft, tactile accents that invited guests to sink in and stay awhile. We threw cozy plaid throws and creamy cable knit throws across the backs of the chairs, ready to wrap around anyone in need of a little extra warmth as the evening unfolded.
The handled wicker basket, and round wicker basket strategically placed near the seating area, were filled with extra pillows and throws for those wanting to make the most of the night’s comfort. The earthy tones of the baskets and wicker firewood carrier created a harmonious contrast to the greenery that also found a home there—freshly cut cypress, magnolia, juniper berries, and evergreen branches, hand-foraged by JP on one of her many foraging adventures. No corner of the yard was left untouched, with the mix of dark green needles and lighter, soft-textured sprigs bringing a rustic, organic feel to the setting. It was as if nature itself had decided to join the party. It felt wintery, yet not too ‘Christmassy’ or holiday specific.
The flickering glow of battery-operated candles in black lanterns added another layer of warmth and ambiance, casting soft pools of light on the ground and creating shadows that seemed to dance in time with the crackling fire. We had chosen these flameless candles to avoid the frustration of relighting traditional ones (Georgia winds have a way of putting a damper on things), but their glow was every bit as enchanting. Lanterns of varying sizes lined the perimeter of the yard, their warm light guiding guests through the space. Shepherd hooks extended the glow even further, as lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, creating an intimate atmosphere that felt timeless. We also included just a touch of blue and white with garden stools and planters to coordinate with the blue of the plaid pillows.
The whole setting felt both grounded and expansive—like stepping into a cozy, rustic retreat where the evening’s simplicity and beauty unfolded effortlessly. The scene, dotted with textured details from the greenery to the candles to the plaid pillows, gave the night a sense of occasion without ever feeling fussy. It was the perfect balance of casual and elegant, inviting guests to relax and enjoy the fireside while lingering as long as they liked.
Spiked & Smoked Drinks
At the center of it all was the black bar cart, ready to serve up our favorite cocktails with style. First up were the espresso martinis, which were served in these sleek martini glasses that practically beg to be linked. We used our Breville Espresso Machine—because what’s an espresso martini without a top-tier espresso? For a smooth, luxurious finish, check out the recipe link to recreate the magic at home.
Next, we had smoked maple pecan old fashioneds, because nothing says “winter sophistication” quite like a smoky twist on a classic. For this, we brought out the drink smoker box—a fun and interactive element that was a total hit. Each drink was served in our laser-engraved double old-fashioned glasses, which added that personal touch that guests couldn’t help but admire. And of course, the recipe for the old-fashioned will be linked for those who want to bring a little bit of our fireside cocktail party home with them.
No cocktail hour is complete without a few well-placed details, and our foil-stamped cocktail napkins provided the perfect finishing touch. These napkins are as stylish as they are practical, and we may be biased, but they really did elevate the entire affair.
A Fun, Interactive Touch: S’mores & Popcorn
We wanted to make sure our guests stayed entertained throughout the night, so we created a couple of interactive stations. First, the s’mores station, where we separated jumbo marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate into glass jars—because nothing says cozy winter like crafting your own s’mores under the stars. We also made sure to have extra-long marshmallow roasting sticks for the full experience. The fun continued with a fireside popcorn maker, which we used to make fresh popcorn right in front of our guests. The popcorn was portioned out into brown paper bags, and everyone left with a bit of that homemade warmth.
Sweet Favors
As a sweet ending to the evening, we offered our guests the chance to take home a little something special: our to-go cookie boxes. These simple, white boxes, wrapped in grosgrain ribbon and adorned with one of our vintage script gift enclosure tags, made the perfect favor. Guests could carry a bit of our fireside fun with them—or at least a delicious snack for later.
Celebrating the Night
This cocktail party was never about being stuffy or overly formal—it was about creating an atmosphere that felt effortless, fun, and just a bit elegant. We wanted guests to stay as long as they liked, sipping drinks, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying each other’s company. By the time the night drew to a close, the fire pit was glowing, the lanterns flickering in the breeze, and everyone felt that warmth of a truly memorable gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a fireside cocktail party or simply looking to add some winter elegance to your backyard, these elements—cozy throws, ambient lanterns, custom cocktail glassware, and just the right touches of rustic charm—can help you create a space that feels both luxurious and down-to-earth.
-Ashlyn Walters & Julie Pederson / Southern Hospitality Company
Decorative Accessories:
- Adirondack Chairs
- Taupe Plaid Pillows
- Blue Plaid Pillows
- Greige Throw Blankets
- Creamy Cable Knit Throw
- Wicker Handled Basket
- Wicker Log Carrier
- Round Wicker Basket
- 6″ Rattan Cachepot
- Black Lanterns
- Flameless Pillar Candles
- Shepherd Hooks
- Blue & White Garden Stools
- Blue & White Lotus Planter
Barware:
Food & Beverage Accessories
- 96oz Glass Jars for Chocolate Bars
- 138oz Glass Jars for Marshmallows & Graham Crackers
- Extra-Long Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
- Fireside Popcorn Maker
- Kraft Half Popcorn Bags
- To-Go Cookie Boxes
- Vintage Script Enclosure Card
- Vintage Script Invitation
- Grosgrain Ribbon
Attire:
- JP’s Cable Knit Sweater
- JP’s Camel Booties
- Ashlyn’s Blue Wrapped Jacket
- Ashlyn’s Gold Monogrammed Necklace
Recipes:
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Southern Hospitality Company
2 responses to “A February Fireside Cocktail Party”
Love it! We will have to wait for a few months before being able to enjoy the fire pit, its just too cold in Connecticut! Love all of the little details and finishing touches that I have come to enjoy from Southern Hospitality Company. Nice job ladies!
I adore your Fireside Cocktail Party with all the details. From the drink smoker box (new to me) and beautifully wrapped gift and personalized tag made by Southern Hospitality Company for guests to home,
Thanks, Ladies for your creativity, I’m inspired to have a chandelier cocktail party in our backyard now!