Entertaining: The Play List

     Music is an integral part of my planning for entertaining. One of the most used appliances in my kitchen is the under-cabinet stereo. It doesn't matter if it's a fancy dinner party, or a buffet-style gathering. There must be music. I take a fair amount of pride in being able to put together the right mix for the occasion. Just remember that the play list is set and can not be altered unless the mood calls for it.

     I often host buffet-style parties. It's basically lots of people wandering with plates and cups. Lots of food and lots of drinks. The mood is definitely casual and fun. I want to keep the music low-key so as not to overpower the conversation. It's really just there to fill any gaps in the noise. So what's on my play list?

• The Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions
• The Best of Kansas
• Alana Davis - Blame It On Me
• Billy Joel - The Complete Hits 1973-1997, Vol 2
• Steely Dan - A Decade of Steely Dan
• KT Tunstall - Drastic Fantastic
• KT Tunstall - Eye To The Telescope
• The Black Keys - El Camino
• Paul McCartney - Flaming Pie
• The Gabe Dixon Band - The Gabe Dixon Band
• Chicago - Greatest Hits 1982-1989
• America - History: America's Greatest Hits
• Kassidy - Hope St. 
• The Decemberists - The King Is Dead
• Luce - Luce
• Gotye - Making Mirrors
• Edwin McCain - Misguided Roses
• The Moody Blues - Greatest Hits
• Dawes - Nothing Is Wrong
• OK Go - The Color of the Sky
• Big Head Todd & the Monsters - Riviera
• Big Head Todd & the Monsters - Strategem
• Yes - 90125

     That, in my opinion, is just the right mix of pacing and energy. Not too slow and quiet, not too loud and fast. 

Good times!