Make Meals Memorable with a Great Ambiance

Make any meal memorable by improving the ambiance with music, lights, or decorations. Appealing surroundings make any meal taste better, whether dining alone, throwing a party, or cooking for the family. Casual or formal, the extra touches will make your guests (and you!) feel special.

Here are some easy ways to create a festive setting while entertaining:

• Light lots of candles. Watch out! Don’t place them near curtains or other flammable materials.

• Play music. Nothing adds depth and class to a dinner party like tasteful and appropriate background music. Consider classical, jazz, or music that fits the theme of your party, such as salsa music or Latin guitar for a fiesta, opera for an Italian dinner, or classic country for a southern barbecue.

• Display fresh flowers. You don't need anything elaborate or formal. Flowers add a touch of class or charm to any gathering. Cultivate a cutting garden to keep your vases stocked inexpensively, or buy fresh flowers at the grocery store when you pick up other items for a dinner party.

• Who says decorations are just for kids? Japanese lanterns and paper screens, piñatas and sombreros, or Hawaiian leis and artificial palm trees add instant low-cost whimsy to a party.

• Find some responsible teenage neighbors who are willing to trade party services (taking coats, serving trays of hors d’oeuvres, or busing tables) in exchange for movie passes or music downloads.