u/Creative-Vanilla-837

So years ago I used to love hosting dinner parties. Big parties, with 10 or more people around the table discussing everything. At that time, I was a semi-professional opera singer /venue and events manager who retired from music at 29, due to illness, which has gotten progressively worse, I’m now 34. Life is quieter now. But my forever friends are still with me, and I’m thankful. This is my first dinner party I’ve hosted in about 5 years, and in my reduced capacity, health wise, financially and space wise (had to move to a smaller place) for a party of six. This is actually my music room / lounge room, but I’ve moved my dining table in here for the night cos my kitchen dining nook is too small. The table is not fully set, with under plates and the rest of the setting but I’m excited.

If you’re interested, the menu is:

Brisket slow cooked in a red wine sauce

Potato’s dauphinois

With a rocket, goat cheese, caramelised walnuts green grape, cucumber and sautéed broccoli salad.

Warm, mulled spliced apple juice on arrival

Zero alcohol Shiraz — for me, can’t drink

Cab Sauvignon/ Syrah for guests

Best friend is bringing desert, trust her entirely as she is an incredible hostess / cook.

What do we think?
This was just to get an idea tonight so I could focus on cooking tommorow. The book as the centrepiece a stand in until tomorrow, when the flowers and florist foam arrives. And the corner table by the bookshelf will be a buffet sort of situation. Does it look good? Nervous! Is it too cluttered?

So years ago I used to love hosting dinner parties. Big parties, with 10 or more people around the table discussing everything. At that time, I was a semi-professional opera singer, who retired just as my career was beginning (29) due to illness. I’m now 34. Life is quieter now. But my forever friends are still with me, and I’m thankful. This is my first dinner party I’ve hosted in about 5 years, and in my reduced capacity, health wise, financially and space wise (had to move to a smaller place) for a party of six. This is actually my music room / lounge room, but I’ve moved my dining table in here for the night cos my kitchen dining nook is too small. The table is not fully set, with under plates and the rest of the setting but I’m excited. And despite my voice being long gone, I will sing some English Art song and French Melodie, accompanying myself at the piano, my partner will play cello, and I will ask two of my friends to recite a poem and a monologue (An English professor and an actress) and will ask the other to contribute what they may wish (an accountant), in the spirit of sharing, and in keeping with the beautiful tradition of Salon culture.

The Menu is: