“You eat first with your eyes.”
I’ve no idea who first said it, but restaurateurs, chefs and other industry folk seem to ‘get it’ in a way many others often miss. Our Dinner Club, for the most part, does a pretty fantastic job of keeping the old adage (wherever it came from) in mind. The décor, the plate garnishes, the lighting, the music… They all matter very much to how satisfying – or how boring- a meal can turn out.
I’ve discussed some do-it-yourself decorating tips before in my blog, but I’ve yet to mention music. Sounds simple, right? However, it’s not so simple as turning on the stereo before guests arrive. Our Dinner Club this weekend is an extreme example of making the music ‘occasion appropriate’, but in this blogger’s opinion, music always matters!
Our Dinner Club disco night is sure to be filled with all of the recognizable tunes of that era. We did the same era-appropriate selecting for our “Back to your 80’s Prom” theme for one of last year’s gatherings! But what about the rest of our meals? What about when we simply gather for cocktail hour and sit down at the table for a sumptuous meal paired with terrific conversation and lots of laughter – no crazy costumes or specific music theme?
Music is a part of the overall aura and ambience. You may not even consciously notice it, but its sets the mood for an evening. It helps everyone relax; it starts conversations in a quiet-to-begin-with room. Take a little time before your next meal with friends or upcoming family gathering to hook up your iPod or CD player and select a song list that suits your occasion. Do you want everyone upbeat and ready for a party? Maybe you want it to be romantic or simply soothing and relaxing. Consider it; and be ready!
If the party amps up a notch and your friends decide they’ve come in their dancing shoes after all, do you have a change of music ready? Can you switch it up and make your guests happy regardless which direction the evening takes? Entertaining is about playing what makes you AND your guests at ease. You simply must be ready to move out of your own comfort zone, if necessary, and play what they all love and suits THEIR mood for the night! Take a moment and do the same with your lighting before guests arrive. Usually less is more; at least for a dinner party. Don’t have every light blazing when you’ve set a gorgeous table and put on some soothing tunes. Turn it down a notch and the party will turn up!
This Saturday we’re groovin’ right on into our 1970’s flashback weekend! I’ll blog next week about how it goes! In the meantime, If you’re looking for something to “remember the days” through fun, casual fare, try this recipe over the weekend and think of our Dinner Club while you’re enjoying it! Fondue is easy and fun self-serve food; perfect for during a playoff game – just for example! Invite some friends over (that’s what this blog is all about, after all) and enjoy!
Pizza Fondue
Found at: http://www.tasteofhome.com/
16 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 25 min.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
- 1 can (8 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded pizza cheese blend
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- Italian bread, cubed and toasted
Directions
- In a large saucepan, combine the first six ingredients. Add cheese
- and pepperoni; cook and stir over medium heat until cheese is
- melted.
- Transfer to a fondue pot and keep warm. Serve with bread cubes.
- Yield: 4 cups.
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup (calculated without bread) equals 96 calories, 8 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 17 mg cholesterol, 523 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 5 g protein.
© Taste of Home 2010
