What is a Salon?

A reading of Molière, Jean François de Troy, ca 1728

"A salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine taste and increase their knowledge of the participants through conversation. These gatherings often consciously followed Horace's definition of the aims of poetry, 'either to please or to educate' ... and were held in urban settings, among like-minded people."

From the 16th - 19th centuries salons thrived in Europe. And now the tradition is finding a renaissance in America.  Thanks to social websites like Meetup.com, people with similar interests can band together locally to pursue their shared passions.

The local salon I host, affectionately known as the Bleu Belles, meets 6-8 times a year for a theme activity of one form or another, be it a Cup of Mystery tea party whodunnit, a Moulin Rouge fete or Victorian etiquette tutorial.  If you find yourself in Montana some day, join us!