Happy Hostess Podcast

Episode 61: How to Host a Buffet Style Dinner Party

In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, the host, Kristie LaLonde answers a listener’s question about the logistics of a buffet style dinner party for 12. Lydia S. from Summit, New Jersey asks, “Could you do an episode on managing the logistics of parties for 10-12 people? In the past when we have had parties my husband and I are always running around serving people so we don’t have enough time to have real conversations.  I’d like some tips on letting guests self-serve at larger dinner parties. In particular, my questions are: 1) for cocktails: how and where to set up a bar and hors d'oeuvres so guests can help themselves and 2) for dinner: could you talk about logistics for serving everyone the same thing vs setting up a buffet table? How can I prevent the food from getting cold when it’s a buffet?  Thank you!” Tune in to the episode to hear answers  these questions and more!

Resources Mentioned:

Episode #2 How to Kerp Food Warm for Thanksgiving

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-hostess-podcast/id1653818512?i=1000586285255

Party Host Helpers:

https://partyhosthelper.com

Happy Hostess Social Media Links:

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Episode 60: Party and At Home Entertaining Trend Predictions for 2024

Are you curious what you will be seeing alot of in parties and table decor this year?  In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, Kristie LaLonde, is reviewing last year’s trend predictions from 2023 to see if she was on target or had some big misses.  Of course, she is also making predictions for 2024 as well!  Tune in to this episode to discover exciting and fun party and table top trends you can use for your next get together!  

Happy Hostess Social Media Links:

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Episode 59:  Mindset Shifts for Entertaining at Home

Are you wanting to host more this coming new year? What mindset shifts do you need to make to make that happen? In this episode, Kristie LaLonde shares an episode of Conversations with the Hostess podcast with Amy Long.  Amy was gracious enough to have Kristie as a guest and they are discussing all things hosting and how our mindset influences the way we entertain guests.  Tune in for the complete conversation!

Resources Mentioned:

Conversations With the Hostess: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-with-the-hostess/id1513842328

Lydia Menzies Supper Club:

https://lydiamenzies.com/supper-club/

Happy Hostess Social Media Links:

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Episode 58: 10 Last Minute Holiday Centerpiece Ideas for the Holidays

The holidays are filled with so much activity and festivities that we may need a quick and easy centerpiece to complete our table for the holiday meal. In this festive episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, the host Kristie LaLonde shares ten different super quick and easy centerpiece ideas that can be created in less than fifteen minutes.  Most of these ideas can be easily created with things you already have in your house.   Kristie uses everything from ornaments, live flowers to faux snow. You will find lots of ideas that will be perfect just for you to get ready for hosting the holidays!

Happy Hostess Link:

Instagram:

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

Episode 7. How to Prepare for a Stress Free Christmas Morning Brunch

Kristie LaLonde, your host of the Happy Hostess Podcast, offers valuable advice on creating a serene and stress-free Christmas morning. Achieving a peaceful holiday experience hinges on effective preparation in four key areas: mental readiness, home environment, gift arrangements, and culinary planning.Preparation of the Mind, Home, Presents and the Food.  Listen in to make your Christmas morning one to remember filled with peace and less stress.

Resources:

Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe:  https://tinyurl.com/Sausage-Breakfast-Casserole

God Came Near by Max Lucado:  https://a.co/d/4vi2Dbm

Episode 56: Joy Unwrapped: 25 Christmas Tradition Ideas

In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, the host, Kristie LaLonde, shares 25 fun Christmas traditions that you can start this year  to make memories  with your loved ones. The list is made up of listener favorites, party theme ideas, traditions that are perfect for making new memories with friends and of course family focused traditions for Christmas.  From simple  to more elaborate, this list has something for everyone.   Kristie is a true believer that the repetitive nature of traditions creates cherished memories and bonds us together with our friends and family.  Share your own Christmas traditions on Instagram by using the #happyhostesstraditions. Whether you're looking to revive old traditions or start new ones, this episode offers plenty of inspiration for creating loving memories during the holiday season.

Resources~

Bauble Stockings:

https://www.baublestockings.com/

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson:

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Christmas-Pageant-Ever/dp/0064402754

Happy Hostess Link:

Instagram:

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

Episode 55: An Elegant Low Stress Christmas Dinner Menu

Join host Kristie LaLonde in this special holiday episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast, where she guides you through the art of creating an elegant yet stress-free Christmas dinner menu. Kristie shares her expert tips and hand-picked recipes for a memorable feast that will impress your guests without leaving you frazzled in the kitchen. From a mouthwatering appetizer to show-stopping main course and a delicious dessert, you'll discover the secrets to hosting a sophisticated Christmas dinner without breaking a sweat. Tune in to ensure your holiday gathering is filled with delightful flavors and cherished moments. It's the perfect episode to make your Christmas celebration a delicious and stress-free success!

Resources Mentioned:

Lydia Menzies Party Week Christmas Tree Tea

https://lydiamenzies.com/party-week-christmas-tree-tea/

Sally’s Baking Addiction Cranberry Sauce Recipe:https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cranberry-sauce/

Pioneer Woman’s Burgundy Mushrooms Recipe:

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9476/burgundy-mushrooms/

Au Gratin Potatoes :

Note*  I like to substitute cheeses in the recipe.  Gruyere and Parmesan are delicious as well instead of Cheddar Cheese.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15925/creamy-au-gratin-potatoes/

Amy Hannon’s Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze:https://books.google.com/books?id=79WdEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA143&lpg=PA143&dq=amy+hannon+roasted+honey+brussel+sprouts&source=bl&ots=48qhhDHZ-K&sig=ACfU3U15sPBfyBve7ZadtYNALhczt_2dcw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwizjPK5h-WCAxVHrokEHZPDCLIQ6AF6BAgIEAM#v=onepage&q=amy%20hannon%20roasted%20honey%20brussel%20sprouts&f=false

Happy Hostess Link:

Instagram:

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

Episode 54: Five Christmas Gift Ideas for the Hostess

In this festive episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast, your host, Kristie LaLonde spreads holiday cheer and shares her top 5 Christmas gift ideas for the ultimate hostess with the mostess! Tune in as she explores thoughtful gift ideas that will surely delight anyone who loves to entertain in the home. From modestly priced gifts to true luxury, Kristie provides you with a curated list of gift suggestions that will make your favorite hostess' holiday season merry and bright. Don't miss out on these delightful ideas to show your appreciation for those who love to make their gatherings extra special. It's the perfect episode to get you into the holiday spirit and help you find the ideal gifts for the hostess in your life!

Hoffman Media Store:

https://hoffmanmediastore.com/

Loralee Lewis:

https://www.loraleelewis.com/

Dots & Gingham:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DotsAndGingham

Lydia Menzies Party Prep School Subscription:

https://lydiamenzies.com/supper-club-prep-school/

Cheerful Baker’s Cookie Decorating Class in a Box:

https://cheerfulcutters.com/products/the-cheerful-box-sugar-cookie-cutter-kit

June St. George Bespoke China Collection:

https://junestgeorge.com/collections/bespoke-china

Happy Hostess Link:

Instagram:

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

Episode 53: Embracing Gratitude and Thanksgiving During Difficult Times

Kristie LaLonde has the pleasure of sitting down with JeriLynne Clifford in this special 1-year anniversary episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast. We celebrate having JeriLynne as our very first returning guest with a heartfelt story of thanksgiving. JeriLynne Clifford, also known as the Hill Country Bon Vivant, shares her incredible journey of gratitude in the face of hardship. She recounts her family’s recent experience with a house fire that completely destroyed her home.  Despite the recent hardships JeriLynne has a spirit of gratitude and joy that she cultivates with intentional practices. She shares these habits along with some fantastic tips for hosting Thanksgiving. JeriLynne Clifford's experience serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of gratitude even during life's difficult moments.

JeriLynne has loved food, entertaining and the life of a gourmand for as long as she can remember. She catered her first wedding at sixteen and continued to cater full and part time throughout her life. She first realized her love for adventure in food, entertaining, and traveling when she started planning family vacations and events. JeriLynne is the proud mother of four grown children and has recently moved to the Hill Country of Fredericksburg, Texas with her husband, Scott. She is excited to share her passion for cooking, entertaining and all things hospitality with others via her website and social media.

-Resource Links-

Link to JeriLynne’s First Episode- “Let’s Talk Turkey”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-hostess-podcast/id1653818512?i=1000586282630

JeriLynne Clifford

Website and Newsletter: https://hillcountrybonvivant.com/  

-Social Media Links-

https://www.instagram.com/stories/the_hill_country_bon_vivant/

https://www.facebook.com/thehillcountrybonvivant

Happy Hostess

Instagram:

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

Episode 52 : Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes

In this episode, Kristie LaLonde is sharing traditional side dish inspiration for Thanksgiving. She shares four dishes that tried and true winners for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or your next Fall gathering. All of these dishes are simple and easy to transport if you need to bring to a friend or family member’s house. Be sure to tune in to the episode for all the details!

Resources:

Link for the Four Side Dish Recipes:

https://happyhostess.myflodesk.com/thanksgivingsidedishrecipes

Episode 39: Episode with my Sister In Law Lisa Walker

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-hostess-podcast/id1653818512?i=1000623780072

Happy Hostess Social Media Links:

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective