A dinner-party playlist should include songs that flow well into one another, which is why movie soundtracks and best-of compilations often work well.

“You don’t want abrupt transitions, because you want the music to enhance the dinner, not distract from it,” say Eric Ferguson and Kathy Hart, cohosts of the Eric and Kathy Morning Show on the MIX, 101.9 f.m., in Chicago.

And make sure the music isn’t too loud. Press Play and walk into another room — if you can hear the music with the door closed, turn it down.

Here, suggestions from Ferguson, Hart, and Julie Pryor, a Los Angeles–based event planner.

Greatest Hits

Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting

The Very Best of Frank Sinatra

The Very Best of Louis Armstrong

The Best of Van Morrison

Soundtracks

The Big Chill

Garden State

Love Actually (for the holidays)

iMixes

For even more music ideas, head to itunes.com, where you can download up to three Real Simple-generated iMixes, whether you're looking for something low-key, upbeat, or holiday-inspired:

Mellow

Upbeat

Holidays