Woman in Real Life

An après-ski party is just what it sounds like - a party after skiing. Because, while we ski independently, it's also nice to hang with friends and family on a ski day. That "we" should be in quotations because I do not ski. Ever. I went skiing once in high school and it wasn't for me. I kept throwing myself down on my butt on purpose to avoid picking up speed.

Fortunately my husband and my kids like to ski. (I have a few characteristics I'm happy my kids didn't inherit, like cowardice.) I'm always open to going along on a skiing excursion, so long as there is some sort of ski lodge with abundant hot beverages and maybe a liqueur or two. I'm certainly willing to join in for a little chocolate fondue party at any time as well.

Après-Ski Blog Hop

My thanks to Ariel from PMQ For Two for arranging a blog hop around all things après-ski and winter fun. At the bottom of this post, you'll find links to other bloggers' lovely ideas for après-ski happenings. There will be new posts each day until Thursday this week, so come back daily for new additions.



After a long day of outdoor activity (in the freezing cold no less), "we" deserve warm, cozy surroundings and a heap of melted chocolate and other tasty goodies. I decided an après-ski party is also the perfect occasion for pulling out vintage dishes, barware and record albums. For my party decor, I went with an eclectic mix of colours and styles based simply on what we have handy in the house. I set up for our fondue party on the coffee table in front of the fireplace, with lots of cushions and throws at the ready. I set out a few candles on the table to add to the warm glow too.


I was a little surprised to find that in my vast collection of dishes and other home goods, I have three fondue pots. Three. For this occasion, I went with this lovely vintage orange fondue pot my mom gave me. It operates with the help of a simple tea light candle. For the chocolate fondue itself, I created a very simple recipe with semi-sweet chocolate chips and maple syrup. (The recipe follows.)


Also gifted from my parents, I have a large collection of vintage record albums. I picked out a pretty Patti Page album called Waltz Queen, as well as The Best Of Julie London. You could also play these albums via your preferred music app.


In terms of foods to dip into the vegan chocolate fondue, I was inspired by the fondue that my daughter had for her birthday last October at Cosmic Treats in Toronto's Kensington Market area. They had the ingenious notion of dipping Pirate Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies and Oreos (both "accidentally vegan" options) into chocolate fondue. For our party, we also dipped pretzels, vegan marshmallows, strawberries, kiwi and banana slices. I have to say it was a really nice eating experience. I think the Pirate cookies were my favourite.


For beverages, I served spicy rum and gin in vintage liquor decanters. I think a boozy frozen lemonade would be nice for an after-ski party too. For non-alcoholic drinks, offer up cocoa, coffee, tea and water. Chocolate fondue can make you thirsty!

So, whether you ski or don't ski, you can certainly après-ski. Even if nobody goes skiing, I think it's worth getting together just for this vegan chocolate fondue! Winter is long - make the most of it!

Questions for you

Do you like to ski? Do you like chocolate fondue? What's your favourite food to dip into chocolate? What are your favourite classic movies and songs?




Now it's time to go see what the others are up to! There are posts going live through Thursday, so make sure you circle back throughout the week.

Monday

Woman in Real Life
Jenna Kate At Home
Cribbs Style

Tuesday

Boxy Colonial
Pink Peppermint Design
Orchard Hill Farm & Home
Houseful of Handmade
Red Cottage Chronicles

Wednesday

Our Crafty Mom
From House to Home
Dixie Delights Online
Jaime Costiglio
Up to Date Interiors

Thursday

PMQ for two
T. Moore Home
House By The Bay Design
This Simplicite

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