Conversations with the Hostess

Want to get ahead of the game and feel more prepared this holiday season?  Don't we all!  Listen to the episode this week to hear all kinds of easy to do hacks that will get you ready for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the season with your friends and family. 

Links You'll Need

I have several documents, trackers, and planning worksheets that will help you get prepared this holiday season.  Click on the links below to print a copy for yourself. 

Holiday Priority Worksheet

Thanksgiving Cooking Planner

Holiday Baking Inventory Sheet

Holiday Gift Tracker 

Bingeing Segment

A couple holiday themed things were on the bingeing segment this week, one a food and one to entertain you. 

I make these super easy muffins several times throughout the fall.  Just mix two ingredients and bake, nothing easier. 

I always watch A White Christmas every year, and am thinking about getting these themed pajamas especially for the occasion. 

Don't Forget! 

Be sure to leave a rating and review of the podcast on Apple podcasts to help spread the conversations and build more connections. 

You can follow along for behind the scenes podcast content @thedailyhostess on Instagram. 

Have you ever felt like you couldn't host or didn't want to go to something because you didn't feel confident in what you were wearing?  It happens to the best of us. 

Today on the podcast, personal stylist, Laura Longmire from Where Life Meets Style is sharing her wisdom on how to dress with confidence for any occasion.  Spoiler alert it doesn't take a ton of new clothes to do it either.  

Links You'll Need

Find more from Laura and take advantage of her virtual styling sessions by checking out her website here. You can also follow her on Instagram or Facebook as well.  

Bingeing Segment

I saw these tortoise print drinking glasses shared by a great influencer on IG @cassiesugarplum and immediately purchased them (once they were back in stock).  I already have several tablescapes planned with them for fall and Thanksgiving.  I can't wait to show them to you!

Don't Forget! 

Be sure to leave a rating and review of the podcast on Apple podcasts to help spread the conversations and build more connections. 

You can follow along for behind the scenes podcast content @thedailyhostess on Instagram. 

As the "Ber" months are upon us (September, October, November, December), you will probably start to have more guests staying with you overnight.  Or you may be a guest at someone's house during the holidays. 

This podcast episode shares my experience over many years hosting overnight guests, and being hosted by others.  I give you some of my best tips to make it the best experience for both those that are staying with you and those that are hosting.

Listen in to get ready for hosting season!

Links You'll Need

I wrote a blog post at The Daily Hostess years ago about how we hosted overnight guests then.  Not much has changed, although I've picked up even more good ideas since then.  You can read the original post here.  

Bingeing Segment

My husband suggested I share this because we love this game as a family.  It's a great game to take when traveling and easy to understand if you're hosting guests that don't want to put oo much brainpower into a game.  Get it here. 

Don't Forget! 

Be sure to leave a rating and review of the podcast on Apple podcasts to help spread the conversations and build more connections. 

You can follow along for behind the scenes podcast content @thedailyhostess on Instagram. 

It's Olympic week!  The Summer 2024 Olympics start this week and this podcast episode is going to give you all the details and inspiration you need to host a fun watch party, themed neighborhood, tournament, or delicious Olympic inspired potluck. 

Listen in for lots of ideas then click through the links below to find everythign you need for a great party. 

Will you be watching the opening ceremonies this week?  What country are you cheering for?  Is there an obscure event you get really excited to watch? 

Links You'll Need

Use my one page party planning document here to gather all of your ideas and figure out what you need to do to host a fun party. 

Here are some fun flag themed items that work great for decor or food. 

Don't forget to hand out gold medals with these. 

Learn more about the Olympics, times, channels, events, etc. here. 

Bingeing Segment

Never thought I'd share underwear on the internet, but here we are.  I have been loving these full coverage underwear.  And these thong style are the most comfortable ones you will ever wear, promise!

Don't Forget! 

Be sure to leave a rating and review of the podcast on Apple podcasts to help spread the conversations and build more connections. 

You can follow along for behind the scenes podcast content @thedailyhostess on Instagram. 

Who needs an adventure in their life?  Well this week's guest and her family went on the ultimate adventure when they traded in the American dream and moved their family onto a large catamaran and sailed around the world. 

Along the way they used thier adventures at sea to build community with other sailors and the local communities they visited. 

Tanya has so much wisdom to share with us about building community, hosting in small spaces, and connecting with others.  This is a must listen because I know it will encourage you to take her skills from the sea to your own community. 

Links You'll Need

Find more from Tanya and see where in the world her family is by checking out her website here. You can also follow her on Instagram or Facebook as well. 

Be sure to get a copy of her book, Leaving the Safe Harbor: The Risks and Rewards of Raising a Family on a Boat here. 

Bingeing Segment

There are so many good pieces of art coming out lately, and Beyonce's newest album is definitely one of them.  I have a ton of favorites on the album.  Listen to it here. 

Don't Forget! 

Be sure to leave a rating and review of the podcast on Apple podcasts to help spread the conversations and build more connections. 

You can follow along for behind the scenes podcast content @thedailyhostess on Instagram. 

Do you ever want to bring something healthy to a party or potluck?  Well, this week's guest, Esther Avant is a health and wellness coach with some great advice for being healthy and hosting.  She's a military spouse that has moved around and helped lots of women get healthier even in the midst of transition. 

I loved her perspective on figuring out how to enjoy hosting especially if it's not something that comes naturally or you enjoy doing. 

Links You'll Need

Find more from Esther and see if she can help with your health goals by checking out her website here. You can also follow her on Instagram or Facebook as well. 

Bingeing Segment

I recently used this great, versatile table runner for my mother-in-law's birthday adn think it's a great addition to any hosts table ware stash.

Don't Forget! 

Be sure to leave a rating and review of the podcast on Apple podcasts to help spread the conversations and build more connections. 

You can follow along for behind the scenes podcast content @thedailyhostess on Instagram. 

We made it to 100 episodes!!  Feel free to share this podcast or any of the others you like to spread the fun we have over here at Conversations with the Hostess. 

This week, I'm interviewing Dawn Benson who is an author and travel coach for women going through major life transitions. 

Her wisdom comes from first hand experience of going through a big change and using travel to help her through the transition.  Many of the things she shares with us is applicable to anyone in a military lifestyle with numerous transitions throughout your life and career.  

Take a listen and hopefully it inspires you to take a trip or find a way to discover more about yourself through travel.

Links You'll Need

Find more from Dawn and join her coaching program or go on her retreat by checking out her website here. 

Bingeing Segment

I have recently discovered wet floral foam to make floral arrangements and it totally takes your arrangement from amateur to pro so easily.  Get some here!

Don't Forget! 

Be sure to leave a rating and review of the podcast on Apple podcasts to help spread the conversations and build more connections. 

You can follow along for behind the scenes podcast content @thedailyhostess on Instagram. 

This week is so exciting and it's because it's all about one of my favorite shows, Bridgerton!  The new season is airing on Netflix soon and I want to celebrate because it's been nearly two years since the last season.

If you love the show too, listen in to hear all about why I do, what the show encouraged me to start doing, and how you can get your own Bridgerton party plan. 

I've put together a very detailed Bridgerton themed party plan.  You can use it to celebrate the release of the new season, or use it for a bridal shower, brunch, Mother's Day or themed birthday party. 

The party plan has links, tutorials, and checklists for everything from the tablescape, menu, activities to customizable party themed printables. 

It's really everything you need, plus you'll get me as your virtual party planner if you need any help along the way. 

Links You'll Need

Click here to purchase your Bridgerton Party Plan, or go to www.thedailyhostess.com/shop 

I also mentioned a couple Bridgerton podcasts I love.  Check out this more serious one here, and a funny satire one here. 

You can purchase the book series here. 

Bingeing Segment

This is such a fun and easy to figure out party game that goes great with a Bridgerton themed party.  Get it here, and see more bridgerton themed activities in the party plan. 

Don't Forget! 

Be sure to leave a rating and review of the podcast on Apple podcasts to help spread the conversations and build more connections. 

You can follow along for behind the scenes podcast content @thedailyhostess on Instagram. 

Who is ready to spend some time outside on your street getting to know their neighbors?  No more awkward waves to people you don't know as you drive by. 

This week we're talking all about how to get to know your neighbors, with a little help from a FREE downloadable introduction card, and I share a ton of ways to spend time with your neighbors. 

There are ideas for any favorite pastime, from celebrating holidays together to playing tournament games with your neighbors.  This will encourage you to start getting to know your neighbors and have some fun in your neighborhood together.  

Don't forget to get your downloadable Neighbor Introduction Card here. 

Links You Need

Click here to get your copy of a customizable neighbor introduction card. 

Bingeing Segment

I'm loving this new sweater/cardigan I purchased.  It is great for spring and I love the preppy vibes of it. 

Don't Forget! 

Be sure to leave a rating and review of the podcast on Apple podcasts to help spread the conversations and build more connections. 

I hope this never happens to you, but if you plan a party, celebration, or holiday event and no one can come we're going to talk about it on the podcast today.  I go over how to mitigate this situation before it even happens, what to do if it turns out no one can come, and how to respond if you're the person that can't attend an event you were invited to.  

It's a little personal and a little ranty, but I hope you get some value out of it and don't find yourself in a situation where people don't show up.  Listen in to figure out what to do if that does happen. 

Bingeing Segment

This week I'm sharing a great party decoration that's super versatile and can be used for a bunch of different parties.  Get this banner here. 

Don't Forget! 

Be sure to leave a rating and review of the podcast on Apple podcasts to help spread the conversations and build more connections.