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.

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!

ARE YOU AN ETIQUETTE-BUSTER?

Don't know what one is?  Sure you do!  You know, those people who say something when someone tries to make something a bit more special that it absolutely needs to be.  Miss Manners calls these people "etiquette busters." Are you one?  Do you rain on our parade? Do you frequently say one of the following: 

• "Don't go to so much trouble!"
• "Please don't go to any fuss, it's just us!"
• "Why don't you use plastic glasses?"
• "Don't bring out the crystal and china for us!"
• "We can just use paper napkins or plates."
• "Don't be so formal!"
• "You don't have to impress us!"

Next time you want to say one of these phrases in response to someone's hospitality, don't.  Instead, appreciate that someone wanted to make what could otherwise be ordinary a bit more special for you.  Just say, "thank you."  You are worth it.

CHARGE INTO HOME ENTERTAINING

Lacquered Gold Dot Chargers Available At Target



Anna Weatherley "Solid Powder Blue" Charger at Bloomingdale's

The charger plate (also known as a “service plate”) historically made its appearance at formal occasions but more and more people are using them at all types of dining celebrations. The charger plate is an additional way of adding a splash of color or a dash of elegance and fancy to your tablescape. I prefer to use beautiful napery, flowers, and centerpieces to dress-up my table. To me there is usually enough china, serving pieces, silverware, and crystal stemware and I don’t want to add any extras. But to each her own. Here are the general etiquette rules governing charger plates.

The charger is already on the table (placed where the entrée plate belongs in the table setting) when the guests are seated. Food is never directly placed on it.

The charger remains on the table and the soup bowl (sometimes with an underliner) and appetizer plates (essentially anything served before your main course) are placed on top of the charger. It is proper etiquette to remove the charger (and the food-bearing plate) before the entrée course is served.

Charger plates definitely add an extra element to any table – in addition to the formal china they can be made out of different materials such as silver, wood, pewter, wicker, mother of pearl, and brass. Do you use charger plates?

Villeroy & Boch "Verona" Charger at Bloomingdale's

Jay Imports Wicker Charger at Bloomingdale's

PERFECT PARTY ETIQUETTE TIPS ... JUST IN TIME

The holidays are upon us and I wanted to do a holiday party etiquette blog entry.  But where was the time?  Then Williams -Sonoma answered my prayers!  Angelina and I were shopping and we stumbled upon the most adorable serving platter and plates - with what would have been the subject matter of the holiday party etiquette blog entry!
To say we are smitten is an understatement!  Rule 1 explains the appropriate way to welcome your guests; Rule 2 discusses a proper place setting; Rule 3 reveals the art of being gracious; and Rule 4 helps you through "the fond farewell."  The platter has all four rules on it while the small plates have one rule per indivudual plate. 

Short and sweet.  Go to WILLIAMS-SONOMA and buy these today.  You will be the hostess with the mostest in no time.   While these are a fantastic start, what are other party etiquette tips that are missing?  I can see another line of dishes coming, can't you? How marvelous!

A Good Hostess ....

Stays calm when things go wrong.  As MaryCatherine has pointed out to me on more than one occasion, "the hostess sets the mood for her party.  If you aren't having fun, neither are your guests."  I can remember bad parties I have thrown and bad parties I have attended because this little piece of advice was forgotten.  To help us all remember we should buy these adorable and fun hand towels from Wisteria.  Being a chic, fun and calm hostess is to put the needs of your guests first, and that is being marvelously well-mannered.