Dinner Party
I went to a great dinner party the other night in Paris. It was given by a (book) editor, and what I loved about it was how mixed the guests were. There were writers, editors, journalists, people in politics, some in business, a diplomat, a movie producer, and it was a very interesting group.
What I loved most about it was that our host and hostess had bravely crossed all lines with their guest list. Instead of all middle-aged people, or any one age group, the guests ranged in age from 25 – 80, were seated randomly next to each other, with total disregard for age. And instead of one social group, or socio-economic group, there were fancy looking women there in cocktail dresses and pearls with men in suits and ties, and people in jeans and tee shirts. No one seemed to care what anyone was wearing (nor what age they were), they made no apology for showing up in jeans and sneakers, and the people in jeans were totally at ease talking to the people in suits and vice versa. The only reason anyone was invited was because they were smart and interesting. It was incredibly refreshing, and gave everyone a sense of total freedom to be themselves, whatever their age, income, or dress.
The conversation ranged from French politics to the up-coming American elections (which they were all deeply interested in), to books, plays, movies they were working on, and even some startlingly frank talk about sex between two total strangers who looked like they had nothing in common.
It was a very lively evening. Everyone had a good time. People of all ages mingled and engaged in serious conversations. No one cared what anyone was wearing, or how old the person sitting next to them was. It was the best dinner party I’ve been to in years, and I had a great time. No one left the dinner table until 1:30 a.m. on a week night, and we all hated to leave then. I could have stayed there for several more hours, although we all got there at 8p.m.. It was an extremely interesting evening, and a great format to follow. It was a wonderful mixture of incredibly diverse people.
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Those are the best kinds of parties. I long for the days when the renovations are finished (seems an ongoing thread in my life) and I can indulge in what seems such luxury…nights of food and drink and good conversation. What fun!
Whish I had been there. Sounds like a wonderful evening.
Hello Danielle
You my favourite modern writer. When I have learned about you as about the woman and mother I have grown fond of you even more. I in delight. It is wonderful, you my ideal.
I am from Belarus. I am programmer. I have two sons and daughter. I have grandson and granddaughter.
Thank you for your books. Your books help me to remain the woman in our difficult time.
I’ve never been to anything like that. It sounds very interesting…I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall. 🙂
I loved your blog, specially when you comment about your lovely family. Congratulations!
hello, it is a pleasure to write this on your blog.
In just four weeks, I bought your book “End of Summer,” and I was fascinated by it. A beautiful book, I charm, and even today I still miss the book. I’d like to congratulate him on his work will soon be reading his other books.
I am Brazilian, Rio de Janeiro. And it was a pleasure to read your work.
Congratulations!
my email is: luelin.alchorne @ gmail.com
I would like to maintain a contact with her.
A big hug and once again, congratulations!
Dear Danielle,
Your blog is wonderful, a sweet peek into your life. Thank you so much for including me in your artist section, I never had a professional picture of the piece you featured, so that means a lot to me.
I miss you very much, and think about you often and the opportunity you gave me. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving holiday and look forward to reading about it.
S
On a smaller level, I always invite different personalities and age groups to my parties. It sure makes for a lively affair! My husband always questions my guest list and end the end he agrees that it was a fun evening. I also make sure the music ranges from John Denver to Alica Keys. As a woman in her 40s I really want to introduce John to the youngsters! LOL Never thought id say that! 🙂
This may not be the place to leave this, but I couldn’t find a place for “contact” so here I leave this 🙂
I read your book tonight about your son. I felt as though I was there it was so beautifully written. I cried at the end when you shared his funeral, and how you all dressed at his burial. It was a beautiful sharing. Thank you for that.
Can I also say that I enjoyed reading about your family on here as well. The book was about your son, but after I read it, I couldn’t help but wish I had more of a sense of your other children. I found a peice of that on here. As I searched around it seems you live a private life, and so you are entitled to. So Thank you for sharing that with us the reader.
As someone who loves being a mom, so much so, that I’m sitting here 8months pregnant with a baby I’m carrying for a woman who couldn’t, I’m deeply moved by your story, and the depth of your love for your children.
I think I’ve gone on long enough 😉 Thank you again,
Sabrina Sabo
sabrinasabo@hotmail.com
I would like to visit Paris some day!!