ONE SUCCESSFUL DINNER PARTY – ADD A DASH OF MUSIC

How many of us think that preparing dinner is like a science project? We have to use specific ingredients and exact measurements to get the required taste (although I will admit a pinch here and a dash there is more artsy). We have to know how the different spices and herbs interact with each other to create a wonderful aroma that will whet our appetite with anticipation and help us create an appealing visual (again this does give way to more of an artsy flare!) so our appetite is again tempted.

Is this not science? Being exact, demanding, intent on having a positive outcome to our experiment? Yes it is. We are altering the flavor of a food, the volume and texture as we add this and that, and yet we have an image in our heads of what the finished product will look like and taste like. This is not worked out on paper but through our senses – smell, sight, taste, feel and we can hear the adulation in our head? Oh, what a wonderful dinner party this will be, yes it will!

The next question is, what can I do to make this evening a success for my guests who all have different personalities and have had different events in their day? Music. Yes, music will guide them into the mood of the evening, which will be restful, interesting and quite relaxing. I will choose music that represents the mood I want at the end of the dinner.

Again, I turn to science. Music, science you say? And I say, yes. Music is like my dinner recipe. It has all the same elements, specific needs and demand exact implementation of all the ingredients. Music reflects the environment. The one thing science cannot do is duplicate the emotions and feeling that music gives to one’s soul. Call it what you want, but I call it a dinner party’s most important helping hand. Music is to the soul as good food is to the body. I am partial to instrumental music, without lyrics so conversation is easier to focus on. One should consider the menu you are presenting; if it is culturally-based then music with an associated ethical flare works very well. I will also recommend taking into consideration the ages/generation of your guests. Music by itself can evoke fond memories.

Choose music that is in the mood you want to be in at the end of your meal!

Posted by Esther for MaryCatherine.

NEED SOME SELF-ESTEEM? PRACTICE MARVELOUS MANNERS.

How do manners allow us as individuals to achieve our dreams and develop a wonderfully marvelous life? We know that there will always be people who are cruel and gossip just to make themselves feel good.  But those people are complete losers in the game of life. We want to be on the winning team in this game.  So surround yourself with positive people and a positive environment ... a place where we do not derive artificial and fleeting pleasure at the expense of others.

We should always be kind and dream big.  We should look at ourselves as the amazing beings that we are who have gifts, talents and the ability to practice amazing kindnesses toward others.

We will always be on the road of self discovery.  This road will create an amazing life while at the same time enabling us to make the world a kinder, gentler place for all of us.

We have to remember, it is not just present day life that give us a sense of self-esteem but also the ability to see where we have come from and how our experiences have caused us to grow as real people.  People persevere through challenges but not at the expense of others.  We practice the first rule of manners, treat others like you want to be treated.

We should always be looking forward and focus on all the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead.

There will always be ups and down in our lives but knowing the rules of the road (etiquette) make life easier to navigate; adhering to manners will make our journeys much easier, more fun and more successful.

Be kind to your neighbor and you will be rewarded, what a pure and simple statement.

Posted by Esther for MaryCatherine

LET'S PLAY BALL

Image Source - and to get tickets (Nationals)

Despite the beginning of baseball season, we won't be doing any "shortstopping."  And no, I am not talking about around the baseball diamond.  I am talking about around the dinner table. 


This occurs when someone asks for something to be passed to them (for example, the bread basket) and the person who begins to pass the requested item, or others along the way, use the requested item on its way around the table.  Bad form.


So, if someone asks you for the breadbasket, you should not take a roll for yourself before you have the basket begin its journey around the table. And if you are one of the people passing the bread basket along the route, you should not take a roll as you pass it along.  This is not nice.  Do not do it. It is considered rude. 

So what do you when someone's request for the breadbasket sparks your interest in a dinner roll?  Be marvelously well-mannered and politely ask for the breadbasket back.