It’s cozy season, and that means it’s time to light the candles (and the fireplace), turn on the tunes, and gather with friends over a glass of something delicious. This evening at home is less about an Instagrammable place setting or picture-perfect meal and more about intentionally engaging all five senses, while enjoying the people who matter most. Invite a few souls you’re grateful for, and let the night unfold—unforced, unfussy, unforgettable.
What We’re Pouring
A trio selected by Luis DeLaTorre of Buka
Jean Max “L’Ext’hase” Beaujolais – A go-to red for charcuterie and cozy dinners alike.
Maître de Chai Sparkling Chenin Blanc – A crisp, apple-and-pear–forward alternative to Champagne with a touch of wildflower.
Avinyó Cava Brut – A bright, festive bottle worthy of a toast.
Setting the Scene
Created in collaboration with Jordan Maxey, owner of Village Apothecary, our special-edition candle, It’s Giving Thanks, lends the perfect glow and olfactory experience. Top notes of vanilla bean, almond, and coriander are grounded by soothing bottom notes of amber, tonka, and sandalwood. Base notes of warming spices, acorn, and bay leaf nod to the season.
Civil Stoneware’s casually elegant ceramics in earthen hues are the evening’s vessels of choice: a coppery vase holds autumnal florals, while weighty wine mugs feel unexpected and cool.
The Soundtrack
A great playlist turns dinner into a night to remember. Our friends at Ralph’s Listening Room curated a mix of classics and discoveries perfect for a fall gathering.
Falls on Me – Sylvie
It’s Not Easy – Ofege
That’s All – Baby Rose
A Knock at the Door – Ethel Cain
Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
See You Later, I’m Gone – Robert Lester Folsom
Momma Forgot to Tell Me – Little Beaver
I Really Really Love You – Father’s Children
Milk – Sweet Trip
Maybe Tomorrow – Grant Green
Hear the full soundtrack by visiting ralphslisteningroom on Spotify and playing Fall Dinner Party 2025 — the perfect mix to carry your evening from the first pour to the last toast.
Ralph’s Listening Room: Q&A with Co-Owner Qadeem Hassan
What can guests expect when they visit?
A space where music isn’t just the background, but the foundation of your experience. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to slow down and be present — lots of warm wood and saturated greens, like a cozy living room for everyone.
What inspired you to open Ralph’s?
Listening rooms started in Japan in the 1950s, where cafés called Jazz Kissa put music first. Between co-owner Justin Speegle’s passion for creating music and my love of cocktails and hospitality, it felt natural to bring a version of that to Birmingham.
Describe Ralph’s in three words.
“Listen with Taste.”
What’s your favorite album of all time?
Between Speegle and myself, here are our top ten:
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
Voodoo by D’Angelo
To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder
Blonde by Frank Ocean
Currents by Tame Impala
OK Computer by Radiohead
Nevermind by Nirvana
What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
I Love You, Honeybear by Father John Misty
How does your home entertaining style compare to Ralph’s?
They’re more alike than different. I have a room dedicated to listening to music and reading books, with a Technics 1200 turntable and vintage Sansui speakers. Speegle has a monochromatic green recording studio with plush carpet and velvet couches. Both are about intimacy and creating a mood.
What tips do you have for hosting?
Create a space of inclusiveness and freedom, play for the crowd, and curate a mood that reflects the purpose of the night.
Ralph’s is set to open in the first quarter of 2026 at 2044 2nd Avenue North.
To purchase our special edition candle, visit shopvillageapothecary.com
Follow our friends on Instagram @Ralphslisteningroom @bukabhm @villageapothecary.co @civilstoneware