A lovely winter party like this is the only reason I would want to see snow again this year. Meg shares: My son wanted a sledding party for his fourth birthday. It was a small party, so making favors was a pleasure rather than a production.

We made vanilla marshmallows, which we packaged in waxed paper bags all prettied up with snowflakes. The jars are filled with hot cocoa mix (2 cups cocoa, 3 cups sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt). We whipped up a vat of hot chocolate for the party as well. And then made a vat of whipped cream to go with it.

To snack on we had popcorn, animal crackers, and cupcakes of course. Right before the party started my husband ran out to our neighborhood coffee house and got lots of hot coffee for the grown ups.

I had never been to a tail gate party before, but it is super awesome for a little kid’s party. They just come and go when they please, while you help yourself to another spoonful of whipped cream in your coffee.

Thanks Meg! Readers, Meg has a wonderful blog you should explore, Elsie Marley.

(Images: Elsie Marley)