Curate a playlist you'll listen to over and over again with Sandon Ihaia
This musician has you covered, from the guests’ arrival to after-dinner activities.
Produced in partnership with Cloudy Bay.
As one half of DJ duo Sweet Mix Kids, Sandon Ihaia has played at some of the world’s best parties and events. For his latest collaboration, Ihaia shares his expertise to curate the ultimate accompaniment to the Wonderscape At Home experience — a Cloudy Bay long lunch playlist.
Having worked with artists from almost every music genre, Ihaia believes that the best playlists are not limited to one type of sound. The right playlist should take your guests on a journey as they enjoy the sights, smells and tastes around them, creating a space where your guests can relax, engage and be entertained.
Read on for soundscape expert Sandon Ihaia’s tips to curate a playlist that you’ll listen to over and over again, and book your very own Wonderscape At Home experience at cloudybaycurated.co.nz.
1. Hide your devices
Keep the location of your musical device a secret to ensure the mood is preserved throughout the day — there’s always one confident guest who will try to play ABBA before your Cloudy Bay Pelorus has even been poured! Have a carefully curated playlist ready to go, so that you’re able to press play and step away.
2. Elevate your soundscape with all the right tools
To really set the scene and impress your guests, don’t be afraid to pull out all the stops. If you have a record player hiding away, or a friend with DJ decks, now’s the time to put these on the display. Don’t forget, your speakers are just as crucial as the playlist. Place quality speakers in the areas you’ll be hosting in.
3. Take your guests on a musical journey
The happiest guests are the ones talking, so start off with cool and classy tunes that showcase a range of instrumentals and soul music, complementing your surroundings and food. You can tease and tempt your guests with what’s to come, but choose tracks with background grooves that people can easily converse over. The right volume is key to encourage connection.
4. A sensory feast for the ears
Almost everything always comes back to the food — the true centrepiece of the occasion. Now that your guests are happily seated at the table, make sure the music enhances the flavours and cultures on the plates. Try a few old house music classics and retro tunes to keep your guests’ heads bobbing as they chat and enjoy their meals.
5. Relax after dessert
After dessert, it’s time to let your guests sit back and relax. A few bean bags on the lawn and a glass of Cloudy Bay Pelorus Rosé should do the trick. Now is the right time for a few soothing tunes to compliment that glass of chilled wine.
6. End the night in style
If you’re not quite ready for the moment to end, continue into the night with a few of your favourite dance tracks. Save the best for last and give your guests something to remember. A few classics per decade will do the trick. By thanking your guests for coming and upping the volume, you’re telling everyone your job is done, and you’ll see them on the dancefloor.
A beautiful way to recreate the now-sold-out Wonderscape long lunch experience by Cloudy Bay in the comfort of your home, Wonderscape At Home is an indulgent offering of the best of Cloudy Bay wines, fine food, impeccable decor, and so much more.
Wonderscape At Home is curated by tastemaker friends of Cloudy Bay, including Wonderscape host and charismatic foodie Polly Markus, stylist Kayla Jurlina, musician Sandon Ihaia, and chef Hercules Noble.
Discover Cloudy Bay’s three limited-edition Wonderscape At Home packages, which allow you to sip and savour the best of Cloudy Bay wines in the company of friends and family. Visit cloudybaycurated.co.nz for more details.
