Episode 102: Cohosting Made Easy: Avoid Stress & Enjoy the Celebration

Have you ever planned a party with friends? How did it go—smooth sailing or a bit chaotic? In today’s episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast, we’re diving into the ins and outs of cohosting. Whether you’re planning a bridal shower, baby shower, or any special event with others, it’s essential to set yourself up for success. We’ll explore how to minimize stress, avoid conflict, and make cohosting a truly enjoyable experience.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to choose your cohosts wisely to create a balanced team.

The importance of clear communication and setting expectations early.

Tips for staying organized and using planning tools effectively.

How to divide responsibilities based on strengths and interests.

Discuss the best ways to split costs and avoid financial misunderstandings.

How to handle potential conflicts and keep the focus on the guest of honor.

Key Takeaways:

Pick the Right Cohosts – Choose people who are reliable, flexible, and work well with others.

Establish Expectations Early – Decide how decisions will be made and how you’ll communicate.

Stay Organized – Use a shared planning tool to keep track of tasks and responsibilities.

Divide and Conquer – Assign tasks based on skills and preferences to make planning easier.

Be Considerate – If the event is at someone’s home, be mindful of their added responsibilities.

Handle Finances Upfront – Decide whether costs will be split evenly or divided by category.

Focus on the Bigger Picture – The goal is to celebrate the guest of honor and enjoy the process!

By following these tips, you can avoid the common pitfalls of cohosting and ensure your party planning experience is fun, smooth, and stress-free.

Listen now and get ready to cohost with confidence!

🎉 Join the Conversation: Have you cohosted a party before? Share your experiences with us on social media!

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Happy Hostess

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

 https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, Kristie LaLonde explores the pros and cons of cohosting a bridal or baby shower—or any party. She discusses potential challenges like personality conflicts, communication mishaps, and decision-making delays, as well as the benefits of sharing responsibilities, pooling resources, and fostering creativity. Plus, She shares why cohosting can strengthen relationships and make party planning even more rewarding. Don’t miss the updates on the Happy Cookbook Party and our latest recipes! Tune in for tips to decide if cohosting is the right move for your next celebration.

We’ve kicked off Amy Nelson Hannon’s Love Welcome Serve cookbook with our first Zoom Cook Along! We made her White Chicken Chili with Cilantro and Lime and her Everyday Salsa recipe—both were a huge hit! Up next, we’re making Gran’s Strawberry Cake and learning how to create a sweet floral arrangement perfect for Galentine’s or Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect time to join the cookbook party—head to HappyCookbookParty.com to get started.

Tune in as we discuss how to avoid the pitfalls of cohosting. If you’re worried about potential conflicts or miscommunications, we’ll give you tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable planning experience.

100th Episode Special: Trend Forecast for 2025 Parties and Entertaining

Curious about what’s trending in parties and entertaining for 2025? In this special 100th episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast, Kristie LaLonde celebrates this milestone by diving into the year’s hottest predictions, from bold monochromatic color schemes to creative photo rooms and personalized party details. She also reflects on last year’s trends, sharing what hit the mark and what surprised her most. Whether you’re planning a wedding, hosting a dinner party, or just love staying ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with inspiration to elevate your entertaining game. Tune in for fresh ideas, a little nostalgia, and a lot of fun!

📖 Join the Happy Cookbook Party!

🍽️ Lydia Menzies’ Secret Supper Club Experience:

~Resources~ 

Love, Welcome, Serve by Amy Nelson Hannon

https://a.co/d/5aMbUx3

Happy Hostess

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

 https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

Episode 99 Cookies, Swaps, and Holiday Hacks: Expert Baking Tips from Hetal Vasavada

Get ready to elevate your holiday baking! In this episode of the Happy Hostess podcast, Kristie LaLonde interviews,  MasterChef alum and Desi Bakes author Hetal Vasavada. Hetal her favorite cookie recipes, foolproof tips for organizing a memorable cookie swap, and essential baking hacks every host needs to know. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned pro, Hetal’s advice will help you create delicious treats and unforgettable holiday moments. Plus, discover how you can use your entertaining and  baking skills  to support a meaningful cause this season!

Hetal Vasavada is a Bay Area-based cookbook author and blogger at Milk and Cardamom. Her recipes have been featured in New York Times, Food & Wine, and Bon Appetit. Her cookbook was named one of the best cookbooks of 2019 by the San Francisco Chronicle and The Washington Post.

~Resources~ 

Desi Bakes by Hetal Vasavada

Cookies For Kids Cancer: 

https://cookiesforkidscancer.org/

Challenge Butter: 

https://challengedairy.com/

Connect with Hetal Vasavade:  

milkandcardamom.com

milkandcardamomsweets.com

Happy Hostess

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

 https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

Episode 98 Crafting the Perfect Gift: Tips for Memorable Holiday Giving

In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, we’re diving into the art of holiday gift-giving with Mary Lea Howard, a member of the Happy Cookbook Party who’s known for her uniquely creative approach to gifts. She shares her favorite ideas, tips for personalizing presents, and insider secrets for choosing memorable gifts that guests and loved ones adore. You’ll get inspiration for themed giftsand thoughtful ways to make each gift feel truly special. Whether you’re looking to impress your holiday guests or find the perfect present for friends and family, this episode is packed with ideas to make your holiday season unforgettable!

Mary Lea Howard is from Louisville, Kentucky with a passion for hosting and entertaining. Known for her warm hospitality, she loves bringing people together and creating memorable experiences, often sharing her creativity through beautifully curated gift baskets for friends and family.

~Resources~ 

Boarderie

https://boarderie.com/

Happy Hostess

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

-Social Media Links-

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Episode 97: The Sweet Side of Giving: Hosting Events that Make a Difference

In this episode of the Happy Hostess podcast, the host, Kristie LaLonde chats with Lauren Jacobs of the Cheerful Baker about building community through fundraisers and charitable events. Lauren shares her insights on how hosting for a good cause can create deeper connections, strengthen friendships, and make a lasting impact. We explore creative ways to incorporate a cause into gatherings while making guests feel valued and inspired. Plus, we discuss our current collaboration to support Cookies for Kids, a pediatric cancer research nonprofit, in partnership with Challenge Butter.

Lauren Jacobs, also known as The Cheerful Baker,  owns her own cookie decorating company and a subscription box,The Cheerful Box.  Her subscription box provides her  subscribers each month with a  set of custom cookie cutters and a class to coordinate with the cutters.  She recently appeared on the Food Network, competing on the Christmas Cookie Challenge.

~Resources~ 

Sign Up for the Free Stained Glass Cookie Class to Raise Money for Cookiesforkidscancer.org and receive Free Challenge Butter:

https://happyhostess.myflodesk.com

Cookies For Kids Cancer: 

https://cookiesforkidscancer.org/

Challenge Butter: 

https://challengedairy.com/

Connect with Lauren Jacobs:  

https://cheerfulbaker.com/

Happy Hostess

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

-Social Media Links-

Lauren Jacobs The Cheerful Baker

https://www.instagram.com/thecheerfulbaker/

https://www.facebook.com/cheerfulbaker/

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Episode 96 Master Holiday Organization and Prep: Secrets for a Happy Hosting Season

In this episode of the Happy Hostess podcast, Kristie LaLonde interviews Carrie Peeples of Neat Smart in Atlanta, Georgia.  Carrie shares her expert tips on how to get organized and reduce stress for a joyful holiday season. We discuss her "Holiday Smart Checklist," which includes essential to-do lists, gift ideas, and guest room prep to ensure a smooth and enjoyable hosting experience. Carrie offers practical advice on breaking tasks down month by month, staying ahead of holiday chaos, and maintaining a positive mindset. Plus, she shares her favorite strategies for thoughtful gift-giving and creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests, all while avoiding burnout.

Carrie Peeples, of Neat Smart, is a professional organizer based in Marietta, Georgia. She helps CEOs of home and business un-complicate their lives by eliminating clutter and creating beautiful organization systems that work. Carrie loves teaching people how to live in an organized home and setting up the systems for them to function best. She helps those local to the Atlanta/Marietta area and does virtual consults as well.

Holiday Smart Checklist

Website:- https://www.neatsmart.com/

Neat Smart on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/neatsmart/

Neat Smart on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/neatsmartcmp

Resources~ 

Sweet Kaki’s Pies

https://www.sweetkakis.com/

-Social Media Links-

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Episode 95: Touch and Togetherness: Hosting with the Power of Connection The Love Language Series #6

In the 95th episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, we wrap up our series on the five love languages by exploring the nuances of Physical Touch in entertaining at home. Host Kristie Lal=Londe dives into the challenges of incorporating this love language while respecting guests' comfort levels. From welcoming hugs to small gestures like a touch on the shoulder, you'll learn how to connect meaningfully with those who thrive on physical touch. Kristie also shares how to combine all five love languages in a single event, ensuring every guest feels valued and cherished. Tune in for practical tips on making your gatherings more intentional and inclusive!

~Resources~ 

Join us in the  Happy Cookbook Party! 

http://happycookbookparty.com

Southern Living Party Cookbook by Elizabeth Heiskell:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/happyhostesscollective/list/1QOU6Z130KS7F?ref_=aipsflist_aipsfhappyhostesscollective

Happy Hostess~

http://happyhostesscollective.com/

Happy Hostess Social Media Links:

Instagram: @happyhostesscollective

facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Episode 94: Serving Up Love: Using Acts of Service to Delight Your Guests Series #5

In Episode 94 of the Happy Hostess Podcast, we dive into the love language of Acts of Service and how it can enhance your hosting skills. We explore how even the smallest gestures, like greeting guests at the door, refilling drinks, or tidying up, can make a significant impact on those who value this love language. By anticipating your guests' needs and going the extra mile—whether it’s accommodating dietary restrictions or providing comfort items like blankets or umbrellas—you show genuine care and make them feel valued. Tune in to learn how to elevate your entertaining game by incorporating thoughtful acts of service that leave your guests feeling truly appreciated and cherished.

~Resources~ 

We are starting a new book in the Happy Cookbook Party so now is a great time to join in the fun and community! 

http://happycookbookparty.com

Southern Living Party Cookbook by Elizabeth Heiskell:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/happyhostesscollective/list/1QOU6Z130KS7F?ref_=aipsflist_aipsfhappyhostesscollective

Happy Hostess~

http://happyhostesscollective.com/

Happy Hostess Social Media Links:

Instagram: @happyhostesscollective

facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Episode 93 :Kind Words, Warm Hearts: Hosting with Words of Affirmation Love Language Series  #4

In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, we explore the power of Words of Affirmation as a love language and how it can elevate your hosting game. Discover how recognizing this love language in your guests can help you create an atmosphere where they feel genuinely valued and appreciated. From heartfelt greetings to personalized toasts, we'll share practical tips on how to use words to make a lasting impression. Tune in to learn how simple, sincere compliments can transform your gatherings and leave your guests feeling cherished.

~Resources~ 

We are starting a new book in the Happy Cookbook Party so now is a great time to join in the fun and community! 

 ://happycookbookparty.com

Happy Hostess~

http://happyhostesscollective.com/

Happy Hostess Social Media Links:

Instagram: @happyhostesscollective