Bon Appétit!

When hosting a dinner party, the food and drinks are clearly the 1A of your party. But following close behind at 1B is the music you play before, during and after the meal. Combining the two in a perfect pairing can make the night so special.

For me, the essentials of this playlist are tempo, volume and a great mix of artists and genres. Be sure to not just put on only your favorites. Know your audience and what they may like as well. And by all means, as much as you can, make sure the songs flow seamlessly.

So let’s get to it. Enjoy my new mixtape “Dinner with Friends”.

We kick off with a slow groove tune from the latest album by Joy Oladokun, “Keeping The Light On”. A song about how the human will keeps trying and the magic that comes out of it. You’ll have heads bobbing and nodding along with this fantastic track from Oladokun.

Later on we dive into a classic - “Fool In The Rain” by Led Zeppelin. A song that jumps from one tempo to another including a zesty Latin-samba instrumental break that will allow your early arriving guests time to bust a move.

In doing research for this mixtape, I was pointed in the direction of a fantastic Spotify playlist from the famous DC restaurant Le Diplomate (thanks to Jenna Golden). I had to take something from them, so we ended up with “Je t’aime moi non plus” (which translates to “I love you too”) by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin.

Even though it’s not time for dessert just yet, we get to the song “Chocolate” by The 1975. A catchy song that is definitely not about actual chocolate - it’s a song about carrying a stash of cannabis while being chased by the police.

Early Belle and Sebastian has always lived in the back of my mind as one of those bands that belongs on so many mixtapes. Their songs are catchy with the right lo-fi sound that works so well as a recognizable song yet also perfect background music. I went with “The Boy With the Arab Strap” from their third album.

I’m a sucker for classic Motown music. “I Hear A Symphony” is a song that Supreme’s singer Diana Ross considers one of her favorites to perform. With its beautiful arrangement and loving lyrics, it’s perfect to play for those sitting around the table that you love.

Maybe it’s almost time to fire up your guests, opening another bottle of…something. What better to play for them than “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” by Elle King and Miranda Lambert. I’d serve up this song in between courses when it’s a great time to lip sync into your spoon.

Thanks to Tammy Gordon for another suggested playlist that reminded me we need some yacht rock! Who doesn’t love the song “Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass. It’s not only catchy, but it tells the story of Brandy and the harbor town she lives in - A perfect song to spur a discussion about if Brandy makes the right call.

Keeping with the food and drink theme - The penultimate song is “You Taste Like Wine” from the North Carolina band, The Collection. A catchy track with hand claps (just right for audience participation around the table).

I’ll close out the 70-song mixtape with the Chairman of the Board. Frank Sinatra’s music is synonymous with food and drink and good times. So let’s take ‘em out swinging baby! “Fly Me To The Moon” from Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra is a perfect song. A sing-along song to close out the night.

It’s a mixtape that can and will grow - and you can help. Feel free to send me your suggestions of songs you’d want to hear over some appetizers and drinks or the main course. Meanwhile, sit back, enjoy the meal and the music.