It’s dark and cold outside, bills are piling up, tax season is just around the corner, and there’s nothing fun to look forward to for awhile. So why not host a dinner party?

I couldn’t agree more with guest blogger, sweet paul, over at design*sponge. I love friends, fancy dinners, a yummy meal, and good conversation.

Here are sweet paul’s 10 tips for a good party:

1.Set the table the day before.
2.Don’t make anything that will keep you in the kitchen while your guests are hanging out.
3.Stews are perfect January food. You can even make it beforehand.
4.Soft music and candlelight sets the mood
5.No cell phones at the table….please!
6.Make cocktails, more cocktails and even more cocktails
7.Remember to buy or make enough ice
8.A perfumed candle in the bathroom does the trick
9.Its ok to play match maker, invite some single friends.
10.Don’t even think about the dishes. Nothing kills a party like a host doing the dishes.

Photos by Studio Dreyer Hensley

(via design*sponge)