When was the last time you took a break for yourself; to simply slow down the pace and spend quality moments with a good friend? An afternoon tea provides the perfect opportunity to turn a routine activity into a heartwarming event. Brew up your favorite tea flavor and serve it with the Leaf and Tree Ceramic Tea Set. Thai artist Putu Oka Mahendra uses soothing colors and a banana leaf design to set a calm and relaxing stage with this creation. Light a candle or two placed into these orchid-shaped ceramic candle holders and now you’ve created a cozy winter environment for you and your guest.
Need to take the entertaining up just a notch? In our busy world with so many of us connected mostly by technology, an easy way to come back to basics is a wine tasting gathering. Call a few friends, tell everyone to bring their favorite wine and snacks and BAM – you’ve got yourself a party! Use this out-of-the-ordinary Lizard Theme hand-carved wooden wine holder as the focal point to highlight the wine being served.
Sipping your vino out of glasses with a colorful yet elegant base, such as the Forest Mirage hand made blown wine glasses can easily make this gathering feel so much more special. Another tip I like to really transform the mood is by using napkin-holders like these Handcrafted Bejeweled Napkin Rings from India. No one can argue they bring an extra touch of class to your table.
Now, if you happen to live in a climate that stays warm throughout winter… well, LUCKY YOU! For everyone else, now it’s time to go all out. If you can’t get to a warm and festive locale, then bring that vibe to you. For moments like these, my party theme of choice is a chips and salsa/margarita fiesta. In the heart of winter, this is sure to convince even the biggest hermit among us to come out and join in the fun.
Choose a super festive pitcher such as the Hand Blown Glass Pitcher ‘Confetti’, designed by artist Javier and Efren of Mexico.
Complete your party set with a matching set of margarita glasses such as the ‘Confetti Kiss’ set. Wow – that looks great on your table! 
Decide on colorful and festive placemats, (blue, green, red, yellow; any color will do) to round out the scene and you’re ready to set the festivities in motion.
And always remember: your NOVICA family is here to help you turn any moment of connecting with friends and family into the PERFECT party. Eat. Drink. Connect. And stay warm!
*Reprinted from NOVICA
