DIY Winter Solstice Party Favors

Winter Solstice parties are becoming increasingly popular simply because they do not exclude anyone. No matter what religious or cultural background you are from, you can welcome the winter season and enjoy the longest night of the year. Just like with any other party, you may want to leave your guests with a remembrance of the night and here are some ideas to get you started.

DIY Teacup Candles

Since the night is long, cold and dark, teacup candles make a great parting gift for your guests. They can even enjoy hot tea out of them after the candle is long gone, with a proper washing of course.

What You'll Need:

Teacups with a festive design or you can DIY with some stencils and paint (You can purchase these inexpensively at thrift stores or dollar stores)
Candle wicks
Essential Oil in a Wintry scent
Soy Wax
Double Boiler

Directions:

Bring the water to a boil under the double boiler and then add the soy wax until melted.
Center the wick at the bottom of each teacup
Add scented oil to your soy wax and stir
Fill the cup to your like with soy wax and let harden
Feel free to add some festive glitter or sprinkles before the wax harden
Clip the wick and voila!
Place in a tiny gift bag with some gourmet tea for guests to enjoy!

DIY Hot Cocoa Cones

Who doesn't love hot cocoa? Leave your guests with a warm treat to remember the night!

What You'll Need:

Black Card stock
Silver Marker
Hole puncher
Ribbon
Cone shaped cellophane bags
Canister of store bought hot chocolate mix
Peppermint candy (like candy canes)
Chocolate chips
A bag of mini marshmallows

Directions:
Cut as many pieces of card stock out in the shape of a moon as you need and write a personalized thank you to each guest in silver marker.
Use a hole puncher at the top of the moon and set aside for later
Place the cocoa in a cellophane bag and tie off at the top with ribbon
Then place the bag of cocoa in a separate cellophane bag and layer the chocolate, peppermint candy and then marshmallows.
Tie off with a ribbon and then tie the guest's personalized message on to the cone.
Repeat as many times as needed.

DIY Solstice Treats

An old favorite, with a new twist!

What You'll Need:

Cookie cutters in the shape of a star and the moon (metal ones work best)
Various decorating icings
Edible glitter
1 Box of large puffed rice (big krispies) cereal
1 Bag of Marshmallows
1/4 stick of butter Butter
Colored cellophane bags
Ribbon

Directions:

Heat butter and marshmallow in a pot until fully melted
Stir in cereal and mix until fully coated
Flatten cereal mixture into a pan and let harden
Cut treats into shapes of the moon and stars
Decorate with icings by outlining the shape of the treat or fully ice the treat, whichever you prefer
Add edible glitter and let dry
Place individual treats in colored cellophane bags and tie off with festive ribbon

Your guests will love these solstice treats and you will love how easy and quick they are to prepare. Enjoy the season!