Burns Night The Burns Supper is an institution of Scottish life: a night to celebrate the life and works of the national Bard. Suppers can range from an informal gathering of friends to a huge, formal dinner full of pomp and circumstance. This running order covers all the key elements you need to plan and structure a Burns Supper that suits your intentions. 1  Piping in the guests A big-time Burns Night calls for a piper to welcome guests. If you don't want all that baggage, some traditional music will do nicely.