Episode 111: Dear Mom, How Do I Host? Blending Traditions with Modern Hospitality

When Kristy’s daughter asked, “Do I really need place cards?” she wasn’t just asking about table settings—she was asking how to make people feel seen, welcomed, and at ease. Kristy has been living that question for more than thirty years, hosting in all kinds of spaces from Florida to her current home, a 115-year-old historic house in Suffolk, Virginia.

In this episode, Kristy shares:

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by hosting or wondered which details really make a difference, this conversation will encourage and inspire you to open your home with confidence and joy.

Mentioned in this episode:

Happy Cookbook Party-   There’s a seat at the table saved just for you. Find out more about the cookbook club that’s more like a party!  https://happycookbookparty.com/

Connect with Kristy McCormally:

Let’s Connect:

Episode 110: Southern Tailgating Made Simple: Menus, Timelines & Styling Ideas

Ready to host a tailgate without the stress? In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, food blogger Stacey Pirtle of Southern Discourse shares her best tailgating tips straight from her new ebook, The Easy Guide to Southern Tailgating.

Discover easy Southern tailgate recipes, smart make-ahead strategies, and styling ideas that will wow your guests without wearing you out. Stacy also explains how to use her game day timelines so you can stay organized and actually enjoy the party.

If you’re looking for stress-free tailgating ideas that combine Southern flavors with effortless style, this episode will help you plan a game day your guests will love.

Episode 109: Things that Steal Your “Happy” from Hosting Series: #2 The Comparison Trap

Mentioned in this episode

What’s For Dinner Summit

Happy Cookbook Party- Join Us!

Let’s connect:

Episode 108: Things that Steal Your "Happy" from Hosting Series: #1 Letting Go of Perfect

Have you ever thrown a party where everything looked beautiful… but you were too worn out to enjoy it? Or felt completely defeated when your showstopping dessert flopped just before guests arrived?

You’re not alone

In this first episode of our new series, The Top 5 Things That Steal Your ‘Happy’ When Entertaining, we’re tackling a big one: perfectionism. It’s sneaky, persistent, and can take all the fun out of what should be a joyful experience.

We’ll talk about:

You’ll leave this episode feeling seen, encouraged, and empowered to host with less pressure and more purpose.

 Links & Resources:

Learn more about the host, Kristie LaLonde at happyhostesscollective.com

Episode 107: What to Do When Guests Don’t RSVP and How to Improve Your Response Rate

Are you tired of chasing down RSVPs for your party or event? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast, we’re talking all about the RSVP—what it really means, why people don’t respond, and most importantly, how to improve your RSVP response rate when you’re hosting at home.

Host Kristie LaLonde breaks down:

Whether you’re planning a dinner party, baby shower, bridal shower, or even a wedding, knowing your guest count is key to a successful event. You’ve put time and energy into creating a special experience—getting an RSVP helps you prepare and feel appreciated in the process!

If you’ve ever asked, “Why doesn’t anyone RSVP anymore?” or “How do I get more people to respond to my invitations?”—this episode is for you.

💌 Got a tip or strategy that works for getting responses? Share it with Kristie on Instagram @happyhostesscollective — she’d love to hear from you!

Join Us in  the Happy Cookbook Party! happycookbookparty.com

Connect with Kristie LaLonde: HappyHostessCollective.com

Episode 106: Baby Shower Social Etiquette Today: Plus Trending Games & Decor

Part 2 in the Baby Shower Series

Have baby showers started to feel more like weddings lately? You’re not imagining it! In this second episode of our baby shower series, Kristie dives into the evolution of baby shower culture—from balloon arches to diaper raffles, co-ed parties, and even moms-to-be planning their own showers.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Kristie also shares her take on what’s fun, what’s overdone, and what might be missing in today’s celebrations—and leaves you with a meaningful challenge to encourage and uplift the moms in your life.

🎉 If you missed Part 1 on baby shower themes and inspiration, be sure to go back and listen!

Links & Resources:

Planning a baby shower? Whether you're a hostess, friend, or expecting mama, this episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast is your go-to guide for the latest baby shower trends, modern theme ideas, and creative party alternatives that reflect how celebrations have evolved in recent years.

In this episode, Kristie shares:

Whether you’re into elegant floral showers, playful themes like Strawberry Shortcake, or meaningful acts-of-service gatherings, this episode offers inspiration for every kind of hostess.

✨ This is Part 1 of our two-part Baby Shower series. Tune in next week for Part 2: How Baby Shower Etiquette Has Changed—What’s In, What’s Out, and What Still Matters.

Happy Cookbook Party- The Cookbook Club where the love of Hosting brings together women that want to find the best recipes, tips and tricks for entertaining at home

#104 Graceful Hosting and Helping in the Wake of Loss

This episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast is a tender and meaningful conversation with Lisa Cleary, a founding member of the Happy Cookbook Party. Lisa recently lost her father and chose to host the reception following his funeral—a decision that brought comfort, connection, and even healing. She shares the practical steps she took, what helped her most, and how hospitality became a way to honor her father’s life. We also talk about how to support a grieving friend in thoughtful, genuine ways. Lisa’s story is full of heart, wisdom and practical ways to support anyone navigating loss and grief.

Topics Covered

Thank you to Lisa Cleary for sharing so openly and graciously. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how we can show love through service, even when our hearts are hurting.

Join Us in the Happy Cookbook Party!

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

Happy Hostess

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

 https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

Ep. 103 –Hospitality with Heart: What We Learned from Amy Hannon’s Love Welcome Serve

In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, Kristie reviews Love Welcome Serve by Amy Nelson Hannon after cooking through the book with the Happy Cookbook Party, an online cookbook club. This cookbook is filled with hospitality-minded recipes, practical tips, and a faith-filled perspective that encourages intentional gathering. Kristie shares her favorite dishes from each section, from appetizers to desserts.  If you're looking for a cookbook that’s both heartwarming and hostess-friendly, this one deserves a spot in your kitchen. Plus, she announces the next pick for the Happy Cookbook Party — Celebrate with Babs by Barbara Costello. Don’t miss your chance to join the community and bring the fun back to your kitchen!

Join Us in the Happy Cookbook Party!

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

Love, Welcome, Serve by Amy Nelson Hannon

https://amzn.to/4kQ0ENr

Amy Nelson Hannon

https://eunamaes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/eunamaes/

Celebrate With Babs by Barbara Costello

https://amzn.to/43XEfId

Happy Hostess

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

 https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

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!

👉 Follow & Subscribe: Don’t forget to subscribe to The Happy Hostess Podcast so you never miss an episode!

Happy Hostess

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

Happy Hostess

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

 https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/