DINNER PARTY 101: ROLES OF MUSIC, FOOD & GUESTS

I believe the guests at a dinner party are the stars of the evening. The food presented at a dinner party is a supporting player; the music is also a supporting player - it allows for the evening to flow without effort (or at least it appears to be without effort). Music gently leads your guests into a very lovely frame of mind. It creates a soothing environment and allows you to pamper your guests.

I believe we should choose music that remains quietly in the background; it adds so much but does not call attention to itself, it quietly complements the presentation of the meal.

Classical music is a fine choice for background music. It soothes the inner self and adds to the hearing environment. The quiet in the background lends itself to conversation; you are not trying to talk over the words in the music or paying such close attention to hearing the words of the song that you miss the conversation at the table. We are at the party to converse with the other guests, to exchange thoughts, learn what is new in their lives and what is going on in society and not to learn the words of a song. The conversation should take front center stage. Our goal is to have our guests be the stars of the evening and the food and music be the supporting actors.

A perfect piece of dinner music is one that does not fade into the background but is gentle enough that it is appreciated for what it lends to the evenings atmosphere. We take into consideration the tempo and rhythmic progression of music, slow music leads to a more leisurely pace for eating and conversation but do not be to slow as to mimic a funeral!

We all love stars but every star needs assistance, no one can do it by themselves. You will have a hit on your hands with fine food, wonderful music and interesting guests. Such a combination is a sure fire way to have a fun filled evening that everyone enjoys. Your guests feel so special because they are. If you do not make it special no one else will!