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.