There is something so special about candles. I love the way they instantly elevate any moment, whether it’s a single pillar candle on the coffee table, or dazzling candelabras in the dining room. I’m personally a huge tea light fan and advocate. They’re small with big impact, versatile to go in any room of your house for hosting and gorgeous used in a variety of ways. Here are my top tips for setting the mood with tea lights for your upcoming soiree:

1. Buy in bulk. Tea lights aren’t very expensive, and often can come in packs of 50-100 so you don’t need to replace a bag often. We go through them quickly in our house {we light them every night with dinner — really, every night} so it’s nice to have so many easily accessible. There are so many options and colors. Scope out Amazon to have them delivered right to your door. Be sure to buy tea light holders as well. Mine are glass picked up from our local everything store, Tyler’s at Notting Hill Gate, but you can buy them just about everywhere!

2. Start fresh. It’s important to use new candles for every event to ensure they will flame for several hours {you don’t want them burning out halfway through your party!}. If you are expecting an epic long night, just plan to have extra tea lights on hand to replace them. I usually keep a few strategically stacked in a drawer in each room where candles are lit {read: everywhere}.

3. Invest in proper candle tools. This means a long lighter, instead of striking matches which can fly out of your hand and onto your tablecloth {guilty}, and a snuffer to safely extinguish the flame so you don’t blow hot wax onto your dining room table {doubly guilty}. Our snuffer was a gift from my mother-in-law, who had heard the tales. {I also like this one.} As you can see, I’ve learned from experience. These tools are worth it — spend the money for your safety and sanity.

4. Light candles on a tray. This is my favorite trick! I’ve found it’s easier to light all the candles on a tray {mine is Mariposa, similar here} and spread them about just before guests arrive, instead of going from room to room hunting for candles. Just remember to be super careful walking, and don’t carry too many at once.

5. Set in groups. Tea lights can be used in any variety of ways, but I personally love having at least 3-5 lights in any given space to have a beautiful effect {and it can still be a dazzling table sans flowers — economical too!}. It’s best to stick with the old decorating trick of odd numbers, so keep that in mind during your set up.

6. Use unscented candles. The last thing you want is for an overpowering tea light to take over the delicious hors d’oeuvres or dinner you’re serving. The only place I’d suggest it’s okay {and appreciated} to have a scented candle is the guest bathroom.