Host a memorable Après ski theme party with our guide. Transform your space into a cozy ski lodge with vintage decor and festive vibes.
The winter season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a themed party?
Transport your guests to a cozy ski lodge with a vintage-inspired Après ski gathering.
Imagine a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with the aroma of hot cocoa and outdoor crackling fires.
Decorate with vintage ski gear, cozy blankets, and twinkling lights to create a magical winter wonderland.
This guide will give you all the inspiration you need to host an unforgettable Après ski party straight from ski season at our home in the mountains of Vermont.
Après
Did you know that Après is actually a French word? It literally means ‘after,’ and it perfectly captures the spirit of unwinding and celebrating after a day of exhilarating activity. So, whether you’ve conquered the slopes or simply enjoyed a brisk winter walk, an Après-ski theme is the perfect excuse to gather with friends, indulge in some cozy comforts, and revel in the joys of the season.
Après Ski Theme Party
Slip on your retro ski sweaters and gather ‘round because this Après-ski theme party is all about vintage-inspired flair mixed with fresh snowfall fun!
After a long day outside, let the flicker of Christmas decorations and a personal touch of nostalgia invite guests into a winter porch party where every corner whispers cozy warmth and timeless charm.
With a personal touch in every detail, your Après ski theme party will exude the warmth of crackling fires and the charm of a memorable bygone era.
Personal Touch
Yes, this is my mother and me at King Pine Ski Area in New Hampshire in about 1972… It’s a time from where I pull most of my vintage ski lodge decorations inspiration from.
Ski Lodge Aesthetic
The ski lodge aesthetic brings to life the charm of wooden accents, classic ski decor, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for a winter party.
Picture a space filled with thrift store finds, from vintage skis to rustic furniture, all complemented by twinkling Christmas decorations.
After a long day on the slopes, guests can unwind with a hot chocolate bar, hearty good food, and the timeless warmth of a lodge-inspired retreat.
Step onto our Vermont porch this week and join us for a cozy, vintage-inspired Après-ski theme!
Between this Christmas and New Year’s, we’re celebrating the season with warm drinks, rustic charm, and a ski lodge vibe you’ll love.
Come be part of the magic!
Vintage Ski Lodge Themed Party Decorations
For those who’ve been following along here at Dabbling in Decorating, you know my love for vintage ski lodge decorations runs deep—it’s genuinely one of my favorite ways to embrace the magic of winter!
This rustic, cozy style, so classically New England, perfectly captures the pure essence of Vermont in winter.
From charming wooden skis to weathered snowshoes and warm, nostalgic accents, a vintage ski lodge theme brings a touch of tradition and timeless whimsy to any space.
Vintage Ski Gear
Vintage Skis
This summer, I stumbled upon two pairs of charming red children’s skis at a local yard sale—an absolute thrift store treasure!
They’ve found their perfect place on the columns of our porch, adding a playful and nostalgic touch to our Christmas-to-Après-ski theme party. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with vintage charm and a dash of ski lodge spirit!
How to Attach Skis to Porch Column
To hang these vintage red skis, I wrapped our porch beams with evergreen garland, and then, using floral wire, I attached the skis to the secured garland and added a burgundy bow and a vintage bamboo ski pole.
It is topped off with a planter of evergreens, pinecones, and birch logs that rests at the base of the porch column and skis.
And for an extra pop of Christmas charm, we added old-fashioned white lights and a Christmas tree in an old whiskey barrel.
Ski Boots and Ski Poles
Bring out the vintage ski boots and ski poles!
Vintage ski boots are a fun way to add a pop of Après ski theme to your party.
Use vintage ski boots as an indoor or outdoor table centerpiece.
Or line them up on your porch filled with evergreens.
For this year’s Après ski theme on the porch, I used these old men’s ski boots filled with evergreens as an eclectic display on this old trunk I found and refinished last spring.
Pro Tip
Create one of these fabulous ice candles to scatter around your outdoor Après ski theme decor. Learn more in this Ice Candles How to DIY Winter Lanterns Tutorial post.
Après Ski Theme Table
For our Après-ski theme table, I brought out a vintage wooden wallpaper table that’s both rustic and full of character—the perfect choice for a cozy gathering.
Topped with a bright red Mountain Weaver tablecloth, it sets a cheerful tone that’s ideal for the season.
More Vintage Wallpaper Table Styling Ideas:
Four vintage demijohn bottles, found on our thrift store adventures and antiquing road trips, anchor the table with timeless charm.
To complete the look, I added these Northern Lights Bottelabra Taper Holders with glowing candles, bringing that cozy, inviting element to our Après-ski theme setup.
Pro Tip
You may find more demijohn inspiration for your Christmas and Après ski theme decor in this Firelight, Evergreens, and Snow: The Christmas Bottle Project of Swedish Homes post.
Après Ski Theme Cozy Atmosphere
Adding a vintage quilt or a classic Pendleton blanket draped over the back of each chair around your Après-ski themed table instantly creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
These cozy layers not only keep your guests snug but also add a charming touch of texture and color, making everyone feel right at home in the winter chill.
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this alfresco styled picnic in this Fall in Love with a Vintage Inspired Car Picnic post.
This table will be our cozy gathering spot to sip warm drinks and enjoy the crisp winter air.
Keeping it casual with minimal details is key—it’s all about bundling up, staying warm by the fire, and embracing the season at our leisure.
A silver champagne bucket I found antiquing in Paris this past fall adds a bit of old-world charm to our Après ski theme table. And I can’t wait to share the other vintage-inspired French ski lodge decor I discovered there, straight from the French Alps.
Along with my favorite winter dishes and coffee mugs, Bico Toile de Jouy Winter Wonderland.
Discover More Bico Toile de Jouy Winter Wonderland Inspiration
Good Food
We’ll be serving up a mouth-watering Guinness beef stew. “Cooler weather means all the cozy meals, and this Guinness beef stew is at the top of the list! It’s savory and rich, truly best served over creamy mashed potatoes,” says Jenny of “So Much Food.”
This is our favorite go to recipe on Saint Patrick’s Day too. See more in this Bless Your Table with Irish Royal Tara China post.
Limoncello DIY Ice Bucket
After publishing this post, I made this Limonocello DIY Ice Bucket for a holiday party hostess gift that I thought you might also enjoy.
Learn how to make a DIY Ice Bucket like this one in this DIY Ice Bucket: How to Make Chic Floral Party Buckets post.
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this New England Christmas: Festive Front Porch Ideas from last year’s holiday season.
Après Ski Theme Hot Chocolate Bar
Although we won’t be setting up a full hot chocolate bar on our Après-ski theme porch this time of year—Vermont’s winter weather between Christmas and New Year’s can be quite unpredictable—we’ll still be serving steaming mugs of hot chocolate inside.
Guests can grab a cup, customize it with their favorite toppings, and take it outside to enjoy around our cozy Après-ski theme table, bundled up and ready to embrace the winter magic.
So grab your vintage ski sweater, favorite mug, and a cozy blanket, then light the candles and step outside to embrace the winter wonderland.
Pro Tip
This is an old photo of my father dressed in his ski garb sometime before I was even born in Maine. Learn more in this Coastal Maine Heritage – Embracing My Roots post.
Whether it’s a whole Après-ski theme party or just a casual gathering on the porch, there’s something magical about celebrating the season with vintage charm and rustic flair.
Let the snowy backdrop set the scene, the warm drinks keep your hands toasty, and the flickering candlelight create that perfect winter glow.
Here’s to making the most of the chilly days with laughter, good company, and a touch of timeless ski lodge nostalgia!
6 More Après Ski Theme Decoration Ideas
Fondue
A classic Après ski treat! Set up a cheese fondue station with bread, vegetables, and meats for dipping.
Snow Globes
Display a collection of snow globes with winter scenes on your gathering table or outdoor coffee table.
Antler Accents
Incorporate antlers into your decor. You can find faux antlers at most craft stores and use them to decorate your tables.
Ski Trail Maps
Frame vintage ski trail maps or use them as table runners on your Après ski theme table settings.
Game On Elements
Include board games like checkers, chess, or backgammon to encourage guests to play and socialize.
Wintery Photographs
Display framed photographs of snowy landscapes, winter sports, or cozy cabin scenes.
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
The pic of you and your mom at King Pine skiing brought back wonderful memories. Our family vacationed there while the kids were growing up. They learned how to ski on that mountain. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post. All eye candy <3
Oh my goodness, that’s amazing. I learned to ski there too. And I remember being in the daycare there too while my parents went off to ski. I remember the J-Bar and all of it. How fun! Thanks so much for your sweet note! Happy New Year!
As always Ann you have given your readers such joy !
On this 4th day of Christmas I bid you Peace Love & Joy
Oh Sharon, thank you so much. What a wonderful to say, made my day! I bid you peace, love & joy too!
You’ve done it again! Another inspiring post that makes my heart pitter patter…You have a fabulous sized porch on which to showcase your wonderful vintage finds. Your decor speaks to this Minnesota girl who also likes to embrace the winter theme outside when decorating our small porch. Unfortunately our white Christmas mood has been ruined by rain just a few days after the holiday and we are now looking a grass again. 🫤 Great job Ann!
Thanks so much Pat, I’m afraid we’re experiencing the same weather you are as of this morning… Foggy, misty and warming temps. It’s too bad, it was all so beautiful with the snow. Fingers crossed we get another good snow storm soon. Thanks for your sweet note Pat!
What a great post, Ann! The picture of you and your mother is priceless! The cape you’re wearing…what a treasure! Happy New Year!
Thanks so much Kim, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Isn’t that picture something? I have my mother’s fur hat still, she wore it everywhere back in those days! Happy New Year!