The next big thing isn’t a new app or a secret club… It’s the rebirth of the dinner party. Cooking good food, popping open bottles of red wine, sharing some laughs, getting vulnerable, having tough conversations... It’s something I’ve been really interested in. Friends in my circle, even people on social, are talking about hosting dinner parties. If you haven’t heard the noise, then you’re completely missing out. That’s because the most interesting, meaningful gatherings aren’t happening at expensive restaurants or exclusive clubs… they’re happening at someone’s kitchen table. It’s a new age of conversation.
So why now? Why are people craving these experiences so much? In a world of digital noise, endless scrolling, and surface level interactions, we’re starved for real connection. We want to be present. We want to be changed by the people around us. That’s where the age old tradition of the salon dinner comes in. And if you’ve ever wondered how to host a gathering that feels meaningful, welcoming, and alive, you’re about to learn exactly how to do it.
James Baldwin was one of America’s most influential writers and thinkers. His novels and essays shaped conversations on race, identity, and belonging. But beyond his legacy, Baldwin was a master of the dinner table. In both Paris and the South of France, his “welcome table” became legendary… a place where artists, activists, and neighbors gathered for soulful meals and transformative conversation. Baldwin’s approach was simple: create a table where everyone belongs and every story matters.
A salon dinner is an intentional gathering where food, conversation, and curiosity come together to create something bigger. The tradition goes back centuries… intimate evenings in 16th century Italy and 17th and 18th century France where visionaries debated, dreamed, and shaped culture. These salons were led by women who understood that the best ideas are born when people feel welcome, well fed, and free to speak their minds. It’s where the “age of conversation” was born.
Baldwin found his own version of this in France. In the early ’50s, he hosted gatherings at his home in Saint-Paul de Vence. Old friends, new faces, and anyone drawn to spirited discussion leaned in around a long, weathered plank shaded by old cedars. As dusk rolled in, the air was filled with the scent of simmering pot-au-feu and the low notes of Billie Holiday. Stories tumbled out, laughter echoed, and the table became a sanctuary… a place for honest conversation and real connection.
Issue forwarded by a friend? Subscribe here.
How would you bring this tradition into your own life? A place where you can create a table worth remembering? You don’t need to be perfect, you just need a touch of a little Baldwin spirit.
Send thoughtful invites. Baldwin’s gatherings always started with intention. He’d invite a mix of writers, musicians, painters, activists, and neighbors. People were chosen for their spirit and curiosity, not their status. You can do the same: share the spirit of the night. It can be a theme or question (“What’s an idea that changed your mind?”). Couple that with a few lines about each guest to spark curiosity.
Next, prep your guests. Let them know this isn’t just another dinner get together, It’s a chance for real conversation. Baldwin sometimes encouraged guests to bring a poem, a song, or a story to share. Invite yours to do the same.
Baldwin’s table was legendary for its mix. On any given night, you might find Maya Angelou reciting a poem, Nina Simone debating jazz, or a young painter nervously sharing their first exhibition. The point is to invite a diverse group… people of different ages, backgrounds, and viewpoints. This can’t be your usual crew. You need to reach out to someone new, or someone with a perspective different from yours. That’s where the richest conversations happen.
Baldwin’s dinners were never about perfection. The atmosphere was warm and unfussy. Soft light, soulful music, comfort over formality. Meals were simple, hearty, and meaningful, and served family style, with stories and memories passed along with the bread. You don’t need a matching set of plates or a fancy menu. Warm lighting, a playlist (think Billie Holiday or Nina Simone), and a table that feels inviting are all you need. One pot meals and bottles of good wine will do the rest.
Every Baldwin dinner had rhythm. He might open with a toast, a poem, or a burning question to get people talking. One conversation at a time, phones away, and everyone participates. Encourage deep listening, sharing stories, and if there’s disagreement, make sure it’s done with respect. The point of these rituals is to help guests feel safe to be vulnerable and honest.
Baldwin was a master facilitator. What he’d do is offer a topic, then let the conversation flow, gently steering it when needed. As host, take on this role. Make sure everyone is heard, and that the discussion doesn’t get dominated by just one or two voices. If things go off topic, that’s okay… just steer it back so the table stays open and inclusive.
Baldwin’s table was full of surprises, and sometimes things got messy. That was part of the magic. Don’t stress about every detail. If something goes wrong, laugh and pour another glass of wine. The real beauty is in the mix of people and ideas, not how the napkins are folded.
Just like Baldwin, hosting a salon dinner is about more than food… It’s about community. It’s a chance to create a space where meaningful conversations can open and change minds.
Imagine your own table with voices and stories, where you feel like you want the night to never end, and where no one wants to leave. It takes courage to gather, to be vulnerable, to listen, and to share. As Baldwin knew, it’s at the table where the laughter, the chatter, and the quiet confessions are where we not only find community, but ourselves.
“I think we need each other, and have much to learn from each other, and more than ever, now.”
—James Baldwin, “To Be Baptized,” No Name in the Street
Want help setting your own "welcome table"?
We’ve put together a curated list of soulful, conversation starting essentials. From beeswax candles to jazz-worthy glassware… our curated list will help you bring your salon dinner to life. Keep an eye on your inbox tomorrow to make your next gathering unforgettable.
Thank you for reading! Let us know what you thought of this issue by replying directly to this email. Cheers 🥂
Join over 2,000+ readers 💃🕺🏽
