Whether old or new, traditions are an integral part of the holiday season. An ancient tradition that falls on December 21 each year is the winter solstice: a custom that focuses on the beginning of winter and the start of something new.

The shortest day of the year can also be the most celebratory with a dose of modern inspiration to kick off your midwinter party.

Bring the outdoors indoors.
In the olden days, winter solstice was a time of honoring various aspects of nature, namely the sun. It was a reminder during those times to start anew and leave the past behind. If you’d rather not host the festivity in freezing temperatures, consider placing flowers, wooden accents, holly, branches, evergreen, and other forms of greenery on the tabletops and counters to achieve the full look. Nature is a large part of the solstice, so making sure it’s represented in your decor is key to a successful event.

Light a candle (or ten).
Another essential part of celebrating the solstice is illuminating your festivity from wall to wall. December 21 marks the change of the sun’s axis, so honor the old ways of celebrating this holiday and bring the light to the party. You can add brightness to the room with luminary bags, lanterns, or taper candles for the brightest in the neighborhood.

Cook up a warm feast.
Mulled wine is a winter solstice staple, and luckily, it’s also a crowd favorite this time of year. For an all-day affair, dust off the slow cooker and try out this winter drink with a bottle of red, cardamom, honey, and orange zest. For a non-alcoholic version, try the recipe with apple cider. Other foods ideal for the festivity include seasonal essentials like roasted vegetables, fig dishes, and a hot soup to top off the wintery feel of the meal.

Make use of winter-themed props.
For any themed party, props are a great way to capture the feel of the tradition while also providing great photo opportunities. Winter flower crowns or wreaths for either props or end-of-the-night favors will make any guest feel like they’re at the celebration of the year.