Nudged: Create a theme dinner

This Nudge was inspired by my late friend Bev, who for years was part of an amazing book club. Each month, the hostess chose a book and planned a meal around it. A story set in Italy might be discussed over pasta and Chianti. A novel featuring a woman who moves to a small town and opens a bakery might be critiqued over a berry tart or gooey chocolate cupcakes.

I miss dinner parties. I miss dressing up my dining room table with seasonal linens and flowers. I miss planning menus and pairing dishes with good wines. I miss Bev.

For me, this week’s Nudge is an homage to her and a chance to delight all my senses.

For you, it might be an excuse to go all out in celebration of a personal anniversary or holiday—the more obscure the better! I just did a quick search and learned May is National Asparagus, Egg, and Salsa Month (not all together). Tomorrow is National Vanilla Pudding Day!

Have some fun with this—and Bon Appetit!

What Happened: Many years ago, Thor and I vacationed in France in early spring, and I recalled our happy memories to direct my choices for this week’s Nudge. I pulled out the tablecloth from Provence, the fancy French plates, the heirloom silverware. I recalled how much we enjoyed transitioning from full days to the calm of the dinner hour(s) with the simple ritual of nibbling olives and cheeses, so I included small bowls to start the meal.

Our menu featured chicken and potatoes roasted with herbes de Provence, and fresh salad greens tossed with a Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Candles, flowers from our garden, a great bottle of wine, and a CD of classic French tunes playing quietly in the background were the final touches.

It was a busy weeknight, and Thor had had a long day at work, so we didn’t linger for hours as we might have with friends at a weekend dinner party. But we did take a break from our routines, catch our breath, and enjoy an immersive dining experience à la française.

Ah-Hah: Roasted chicken and potatoes plus a green salad makes a regular appearance on my rotation of meals, but this Nudge got me to elevate the experience. Let’s see: sight, smell, taste, sound—yep, I delighted all our senses. With a little effort, I created something “special”—on a weeknight!—and it was lovely.