I don’t know about you, but I tend to hibernate over winter only to realise how much I miss having friends round … tell me I’m not the only one!?

Being cold shouldn’t stop us from seeing our friends and having a good time, there are studies to suggest that the winter months can leave us feeling down and depressed, so it’s almost a NECESSITY to keep the social scene alive!

I decided I needed to get my act together and work out ways to ensure I don’t miss out on any fun, even when it’s cold…. I’ve pulled together a few ideas to help lure your friends and family out in winter.

Here are 6 ideas to make winter entertaining easy!

1. Host a games night

Invite some of your friends around for a good old games night. Think Pictionary, Balderdash (I highly recommend this hilarious game), Jenga, you could even go for Monopoly if you’re game (see what I did there?!). Create a welcoming ambience with soft lighting from the Glade® Sheer Vanilla Embrace 3 wick candle, order in pizza for an easy dinner, set the kids up with a movie and popcorn and gather the adults around the table with a bevvie or two for a night sure to provide lots of laughs, all whilst you’re nice and cosy inside!

2. Book Club movie night

Ever been part of a book club? Well, this idea takes it to the next level. Set a book for your group, allow everyone enough time to read it, then, ask all the members of your book club (yep, even those that may not have finished yet) to come round and watch the movie together. It’s a great way to get everyone to come out of hibernation, heck, you and your guests can even wear pyjamas and, depending on the film, the kids can join in on the fun (wait, maybe it’s even EDUCATIONAL, if the kids read the book too haha).

3. Fire pit s’mores night

I’m calling it, there is NOTHING better than a good old campfire s’more, but who wants to go camping in the cold? NOT ME. Instead, invite your friends over for a nice glass of red, sit around the firepit, make s’mores, and if it gets too cold, just go inside (teehee).

4. Fondue night

This incredible invention of Swiss origin is such a great dinner party idea and these days, there are a few fun ways you can make it. Fire up the communal pot and immediately you’ll have a conversation starter, you can set up your fondue with oil or broth to cook meat (fondue bourguignonne) or run with the traditional cheese fondue (or go all out and do both!). For afters, you can run with a delicious chocolate fondue (fondue au chocolat), and dip in fruit and/or pastries. Want a naughtier version for the adults? Try Jamie Oliver’s Boozy chocolate & cherry fondue! This is one dinner party idea your guests won’t forget.

5. Curry or pasta night

Get your guests involved and ask them to each bring a dish, set a theme and delight in trying lots of different recipes. BEST. IDEA. EVER. You don’t have to do EVERYTHING yourself! You can explore LOTS of different cuisines – YUM – and if someone isn’t the “best” cook, there are plenty of other options on the table (plus, that dish will give you all something to giggle about).

6. iPhone jukebox

Don’t want the hassle of setting lots of stuff up? Ask your friends to come out of their hibernation, order in takeaway, have a good old conversation and play a little bit of iPhone jukebox. Don’t know what iPhone jukebox is? Ask your guests to send you a song that reminds them of a specific memory, first kiss, wedding song etc. plug them all into a playlist and hit shuffle on the night. Such a fun conversation starter and every song will have a story guests can share with each other!

Or you could just be happy to settle down for some JOMO (Joy of Missing Out: You’re enjoying what you’re doing in the here and now and not on social media broadcasting or seeing what everybody else is doing. It’s the opposite of FOMO or the fear of missing out). Sometimes, winter just calls for a nice warming scent and chill out time on the couch!

What do you do to entertain friends in Winter? SHARE with us in the comments below.