FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: ICE SKATING PARTY

Happy holiday week! Camille Styles here, and as we count down the days 'til Christmas, I'm craving cozy afternoons fueled by family, cookies and lots of hot cocoa...

And since we must make up for all that holiday feasting with a little physical activity, wouldn't it be fun to host a Christmas Day ice skating party? Our inspiration board is in warming shades of cocoa & chocolate, set against an icy landscape. Pack a picnic and head to the outdoor rinks that pop up in every city at this time of year...or if you're lucky enough to be in the country, head to a frozen pond.

An old wheelbarrow serves as a makeshift table for this tailgate; fill thermoses with hot coffee, cocoa and tomato soup. Wooden crates hold the makings for hot dogs ready to be cooked over an open fire, and rolled dishtowels serve as rustic napkins.

A bonfire will thaw out fingers and toes, and provide the perfect spot for making s'mores. Pack graham crackers, chocolate bars and homemade marshmallows in brown paper bags, so guests can easily grab all the fixin's. Decorate simply with snowflake stamps and a white ink pad.

Everyone will love gathering around the campfire at the end of the day to swap stories and satisfy appetites. Comforting mugs of cocoa are the ultimate reward for tired limbs.

Strings of glowing lights transform the pond into a magical landscape, with the reflection off the ice lighting up the night. Whatever your plans are this Christmas, hope it's full of just as much joy and magic... can't wait to see you back here in 2012!

{row 1} girl in window, cappuccino, cupcakes {row 2} popcorn, skating supplies {row 3} chocolate tart, espresso, gorgeous hair, butterfly escort card {row 4} hot cocoa pitcher, calligraphy, cinnamon hot cocoa, s'mores,

{images} wheel barrow, snacks, skates and cocoa, cider, skating