How to Create a Playlist for a Wine and Cheese Party

Create a party atmosphere by adding a splash of music to your wine and cheese gathering. Heavy metal may not be the way to go, but a tastefully selected playlist can turn a dull party into a lively scene.

Things You'll Need

• CDs or digital music from which to choose

Instructions

Make a Playlist for a Wine and Cheese Party

1. Create a playlist that complements the theme of your wine and cheese party. If you are serving Italian wines and cheeses, find Italian songs or Italian opera to add to your playlist.

2. Set a casual tone for your wine and cheese party by playing jazz and blues music.

3. Highlight the modern and trendy with today's hits (see Resources below).

4. Try for urban chic with a playlist full of upbeat dance and techno music. Combine this music with wines from smaller, modern vineyards and serve an eclectic cheese menu.

5. Put together a playlist of your favorite songs to go with your wine and cheese. Ask for your guests' favorites as well and include them in your playlist.

6. Ask your guests to bring their own compilations of songs to the party.

7. Organize a more formal affair with classical music or big-band music. Combine this music with vintage wines and aged cheese.

8. Create a discovery party by playing music from brand-new bands and serving wines and cheeses you've never tasted. Ask your guests to bring wines and cheeses they'd like to try as well.

9. Choose a decade and create your playlist from songs from that time period. Find wines that were bottled during the same time period.

10. Create a playlist for a younger or young-at-heart crowd. Complement your youthful playlist with new-world wines.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your audience. An older crowd may not appreciate the latest pop sensation while a younger crowd may dislike the golden oldies.

• Realize that older vintage wines tend to be hard to find and very expensive.

• Understand that new world wines come from non-traditional wine areas, such as Australia and the United States.

• Have a few old standbys on hand to play if your party goes on for longer than you expected.