The Friends star says music is essential when she entertains guests, helping create a relaxed atmosphere and avoid awkward silences.
Friends star Courtney Cox has revealed the one hosting essential she never compromises on when welcoming guests into her home: music.
The 62-year-old actress discussed her entertaining style during a recent conversation with People at COQODAQ in New York City, explaining why having music playing is an important part of hosting.
“I would say music,” Cox said when asked about the one hosting essential she considers indispensable.
The actress explained that music helps create a comfortable atmosphere, particularly when guests are waiting for food to be served.
“I think it’s really important to make sure that if the food’s not out yet, you know, I just want people to be entertained,” she said.
Cox added that music can help prevent awkward silences and give guests the freedom to relax without feeling they have to keep a conversation going.
“It just has to be something that you don’t feel like, ‘Oh, it’s quiet and now we have to fill the space with words.’ You can sit here and enjoy a song,” she explained.
Courtney Cox carefully chooses her playlists
Cox also revealed that she puts thought into the music she plays when entertaining at home.
Rather than sticking to one particular genre, the actress said her playlist depends on the tastes of her guests and “what time of day” it is.
Her comments highlight her long-standing passion for music, which she has spoken about on several occasions.
Cox previously recalled her memorable appearance in Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 music video for Dancing in the Dark, one of the singer’s most recognisable hits.
During an appearance on Howard Stern’s radio show in 2022, Cox also opened up about how much music means to her, admitting that she loved it “almost more than I love anything”.
At the time, she revealed that she had once considered pursuing music more seriously and had wanted to build a career in the industry when she was younger.
Music remains important to the Friends star
Although Cox ultimately became one of television’s best-known actresses through her role as Monica Geller on Friends, her latest comments show that music continues to hold an important place in her life.
For Cox, that passion extends beyond simply listening to music. When she welcomes people into her home, carefully selected songs help create the atmosphere she wants her guests to enjoy.
Her approach also reflects a simple philosophy of entertaining: guests do not always need to be talking to feel comfortable. Sometimes, Cox suggests, putting on the right song is enough to make a gathering feel relaxed and enjoyable.