Over the course of my life, I have been a part of many gatherings that I didn’t host, but attended as a guest. Some have made me feel particularly welcome but others, probably without knowing so, have pushed me away. I’ve become an observer of these gatherings and noted what it was that caused that effect. While, of course, a series of factors go into this, the loudest and most impactful element of them all is AMBIENCE.

As we become more familiar with ambience and how vastly different it can be from one gathering to the next, we realize that, while of course the company you’re with holds significance, ambience is the first impression and the “nest” of any gathering. It either fosters a gathering of enjoyment and comfort, or distance and hesitancy. We often connect ambience to elite gatherings, high social status, and unattainable skills. However, what it really comes down to is three simple categories that can be easily incorporated into all of our gatherings

Today we will be breaking ambience down into those three categories: 

1. Lighting: Lighting is the fuel for any gathering. In this episode we will discuss how to properly use lighting to encourage the energy you need from your guests for your specific gathering. Oftentimes, lighting is used incorrectly, leading guests to be melancholy or too energetic when it doesn’t fit. 

2. Music: Music guides your guests through any event. It gives words and leads, without you having to do a thing. However, very often music is used incorrectly or not at all. Talking specifically about the genre and overall tempo of a playlist, we will equip you to use music properly for your next event. From serene and reflective events to celebratory occasions, we will cover it all! 

3. Space: We are firm believers that no space is too big or too small to host a gathering. The key is creating space so that each guest has their own area to ‘be.’ From creating space through basic cleaning, to preparing seating stations, you will feel equipped to create space for your guests to engage that will, in turn, encourage them to want to stay. 

After learning how these all weave together to orchestrate the tone of a gathering, we know that you will not only feel capable of accomplishing these tasks, but you will be empowered and refreshed to learn how simple it actually is. 

Interested in learning more about the role ambience plays in a gathering? This topic will soon be a workshop as a part of our Hospitality Academie!