Day 10. Candles that Enhance Good Conversation
Thanks for joining me in my “30 Days of Summer Entertaining” series.
Candles have been around forever, and for outdoor entertaining, they add the glow and feel that makes the night very intimate.
That is, if you are in the company of good people and inspiring conversation.
One tip for keeping the conversation healthy? Talk about positive things, encourage one another, learn not to gossip and cut others down. In some homes “hospitality” happens, but to be honest, it’s always talk about other people and what they are doing. It’s small talk and gossip.
A great saying goes like this:
Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and little minds discuss people.
My favorite candles for outdoor entertaining are the very large tea lights. I have a hard time finding them in any other stores but IKEA. They now carry the large colored ones, too.
The tall glass jars are perfect for the outdoors because when the wind picks up, the flame won’t go out.
As the evening fades, candles actually enhance the mood.
Oh, and the conversation might get a little heated, especially when passion is involved, but if it’s built around something meaningful and substantial … the flame will never go out!
(Again … study the above quote.)
Do you try to create a positive mood and conversation around your table when hosting a dinner party?
If you’ve missed the last 9 days of this series, you can catch up now:
Day 1: Summer Entertaining is About the People
Day 2: When Perfect Robs You of Something Good
Day 3: Who To Invite to Dinner
Day 4: Planning the Menu for Outdoor Entertaining
Day 5: Setting the Table Using What You Have
Day 6: Using One Classic Water Glass
Day 7: Napkin Options for Summer Entertaining
Day 8: When You Feel Like Canceling the Party
Day 9: Leave Your Technology at the Front Door
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Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
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Great quote! I love using candles all the time! I ahve LOTS of candles and candle holders. My hubby collects lanterns and we have 10 of them on our back deck. It is magical in the evening! XO, Pinky
Sandy, I did it!!! OMG, had a luncheon today at 11:30 and was ready at 10. And no stress this time. Now, let me tell you why.. I read your blog faithfully and I guess it stuck.. I didn’t apologize that I forgot to put the mustard in the chicken salad, I didn’t apologize or fret over a few leaves on the porch (there is a tree over head afterall!) And we all had a good time anyway! Thank you isn’t even enough. I actually enjoyed my company and had a good time myself. :-)…
and to today’s post.. yes I always love candles outside… I have lots of candle holders just for outside that we use all the time when we are outside.
Many blessings, marlis
That IS a great quote! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, I love this post. I am often very guilty of using gossip (not always negative, but still unproductive) as a lazy conversational tool, and it always makes me feel bad about myself in the end. Gossip is just fluff, and frankly, I’m intelligent and interesting enough to come up with better things to talk about!! Thanks for inspiring me to stop the gossip once and for all.
I love the quote. Thank you!
I just told this quote to my hubby last night! I didn’t get it exactly right, but I was paraphrasing how the less we have to say, the more damage we can do when we open our mouths – often just gossiping or complaining about this or that. Haven’t had a party here for FAR TOO LONG … but our deck was just finished yesterday and I can’t wait to have people over – will definitely grab some tealights the next time I’m at IKEA. xoxo
I LOVE that quote Sandy! Can I use it sometime? At some parties, especially when we know we’re inviting more introverted people, hubby and I will actually try to think of some interested subject topics or questions ahead of time. Helps keep things flowing in a “great” direction!
Candles wonderfully enhance a setting! I love the glass jars…what a beautiful way to decorate an outdoor space for a summer party.
Candles totally bring a calming mood to any situation. Love the quote! When we sit around the table I try to keep the conversation light. Heavy topics dull me (unless mentioned in the right atmosphere) and I’ll soon be starring at the ceiling or have the urge to go do dishes. LOL!