Happy Hostess Podcast

 Episode 31: Confessions of a Scattered Hostess: Progress Over Perfection

Kristie LaLonde goes solo on this week’s episode of Happy Hostess podcast confessing her natural weaknesses and struggles as hostess when entertaining at home. She also describes her journey to overcome these obstacles with her own practical strategies and a mindset shift away from perfectionism.

Resources:

Lindy Hester: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/#lindyhester

Happy Hostess Social Media Links:

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

                               Episode 30: How to Overcome the Fears of Entertaining at Home

In this episode, Kristie LaLonde has the pleasure of interviewing Amy Long, the creative mind behind The Daily Hostess and the host of Conversations With The Hostess podcast.of a Hostess Podcast. Amy's unique journey as a military family, constantly on the move, has taught her the art of rebuilding her support system time and again, every few years. But guess what? She's mastered the secret to forging deep and lasting friendships, and it all starts with opening your heart and home to others.

Amy generously imparts her wisdom to help you create your own community. With a few simple mindset shifts, she shows us how to overcome the fears that often hold us back from hosting gatherings. Her advice is practical, empowering, and it's all about having fun without stressing out.  So get ready to unlock the key to building meaningful connections as Amy shares her insights and shows us how to celebrate in our own unique way.

Amy Long, is a wife, mother, and Naval Officer.  She is the creator and founder of The Daily Hostess, a lifestyle brand that helps families build community and connection through hosting in their home.  She is the host of  Conversations with the Hostess podcast interviewing leading guests in the hosting and party industry.

-How to Connect with Amy::

https://thedailyhostess.com/

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

https://www.instagram.com/thedailyhostess/

-Quick Notes-

(01:42) About Amy Long of The Daily Hostess

(05:15) Conversations With The Hostess podcast

(9:02) Amy’s experience with entertaining at home growing up

(11:13) Amy’s favorite ways to celebrate now as an adult

(12:35) What are the fears that hold people back from hosting in their home?

(14:34) What is at the root of all of these different types of fears?

(18:08) Amy’s suggestions for overcoming these fears that keep us from breaking into a new   community or reaching out to others for friendship

(20:02) What does hospitality mean to Amy?

 (20:59)  Tips to make your guest feel welcome and relaxed

(22:42) How to keep stress to a minimum and let go of perfectionism

(25:52) Unplanned surprises can make for the most memorable moments

(27:42) Advice to the new hostess

(28:57) Speed Round

(32:50) Where to find Amy online and on social media

Happy Hostess

https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Episode 29: Learn the Four Step LESS Approach to Entertain with Little Stress & More Style 

In this episode, Kristie LaLonde interviews entertaining and lifestyle expert, Leslie Lehr.  Leslie shares her simple strategy to breakdown entertaining into four simple steps.  Her strategy makes it simple for you to get organized and plan well for a fun event.  An organized hostess is a happy hostess, learn how you can master the art of effortless entertaining with the Leslie Lehr Living LESS approach!

Leslie Lehr is a content creator and designer with systems, and solutions for clients, social media, TV and publications. As the “Go To” girlfriend, she helps the modern day superwomen live their best life at home, work, and play with Les(s). Leslie shares lifestyle tips, effortless entertaining ideas, inspiring decor details, DIY, organizing solutions, best practices, how to mix “high” and “low, tutorials to achieve an elevated style at an affordable price, and beautiful aesthetics.

Leslie Lehr on TV  || 

Lifestyle Contributor on The List TV, AZ Family 3 TV, & AZ Daily Mix 

Leslie Lehr Published || 

Woman’s World,  HOMES & GARDENS, Hunker, the spruce, The Kitchn, realtor.com, PHOENIX Home + Garden, Frontdoors,  Uptown, fab AZ, and the Lifestyle Contributor for  THE  SCOUT GUIDE PHOENIX & SCOTTSDALE 

-How to Connect with Leslie:

www.leslielehrliving.com

Email [email protected]  

https://www.instagram.com/leslielehrliving/

-Quick Notes-

(01:55) About Leslie Lehr Living

(07:20) Growing up in a home that was always ready for impromptu entertaining

(12:00) Leslie’s style of entertaining now

(14:44) Four Step Approach to Entertaining with LESS 

(16:49) Creating a list of event details

(19:10) What do we need to evaluate?

(22:45)  Your system that allows for less stress

(28:35) The magic of styling

 (30:32) Creative place cards and seating assignments

(34:11) Leslie’s personal style: timeless with a pop of personality

(36:00)  Leslie’s idea of gracious hospitality

(40:52) Two words of advice that Leslie has for the new hostess

(51:55) Speed Round

(54:04)  How to connect with Leslie

Happy Hostess

https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

-Social Media Links-

https://www.instagram.com/leslielehrliving/

Happy Hostess

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

         Episode 28: Communication Secrets: Tips for Successful Social Events

Hosting a gathering or event can be nerve-racking, but fear not! In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, host Kristie LaLonde interviews Laura Camacho, a renowned communications coach and consultant. Laura shares her expert tips and secrets for creating a comfortable environment where guests can have a great time. With practical advice and guidance from Laura, you'll gain the confidence to handle any social situation with poise and grace. Tune in to unlock the secrets of successful hosting and become the ultimate happy hostess!

Laura Camacho is a communications coach and consultant to high performing leaders and very big name companies like  google, and Nestle.  She is also author of the Cultured Communication Workbook and The Practical Guide to Effective Communication. Her podcast, Speak Up with Laura Camacho, is ranked #3 in the world for communication podcasts.

Connect with Laura:

Snag your FREE copy of my Elevator Pitch tip sheet here

www.speakupwithlaura.com

[email protected]

-Quick Notes-

(02:08) The Loneliness Epidemic

(06:05) Laura Camacho’s journey to becoming a communications coach and consultant

(13:05 ) The style of entertaining in Laura’s family growing up

(14:55) How does Laura prefer to  entertain now?

(18:22) What are some tips for making guests feel comfortable when they are invited into your home?

(20:18)  How should a host introduce her guests to each other?

(22:36) Tips for introverts to feel more comfortable in social situations

(26:44)  Tips for exiting a conversations gracefully

 (30:20) How to handle sticky situations with difficult guests.

(32:18)  Simple trick to let guests know that it’s time to leave

(34:22) Professional and social benefits of entertaining guests

(39:18) What does hospitality mean to Laura?

(44:30) Speed Round

(46:59)  How to connect with Laura

-Social Media Links-

https://www.instagram.com/speakupwithlaura/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramcamacho/

https://twitter.com/lauramcamacho

Happy Hostess

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

                   Episode 27: How to Stept Out of Your Comfort Zone and

                                            Start Entertaining at Home

Kristie LaLonde and Dawn Burns of The Nashville Mom spend this episode discussing some of the obstacles that keep us from entertaining in our home and how to take small baby steps to overcome them.  You’ll be inspired by Dawn’s simple approach to get out of your comfort zone and connect with friends and family!  Tune in to hear the full conversation.

Dawn Burns is a children's book author and blogger based in Nashville, TN. She  is a wife and mother of two. Dawn has always had a growing love for community and an even stronger passion for families traveling to Nashville. Striving to connect others with happenings in and around Music city and all it has to offer, Dawn has become a go-to resource for families to discover the best restaurants, shops and kid-friendly activities, as well as travel destinations!

Connect with Dawn:  

https://www.thenashvillemom.com/

-Quick Notes-

(02:34) About Dawn Burns and The Nashville Mom

(05:42) Dawn’s children’s books

(10:29) The style of entertaining in Dawn’s family growing up

(12:05) How does Dawn entertain now?

(13:11) What obstacles has Dawn experienced when wanting to entertain at home?

(15;49)  Small ways that Dawn has found to get out of her comfort zone

(18:00) What are some ways to connect with others outside of entertaining at home?

(20:19) Tips to keep in mind when planning an outing with friends

 (20:57) Pros and cons of spending time out with friends and entertaining at home

(22:39)  Baby Steps to take getting comfortable entertaining at home

(30:30) Speed Round

(33:20) Where to find Dawn online and on Social Media

Happy Hostess

https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

-Social Media Links-

The Nashville Mom

https://www.instagram.com/thenashvillemom/

https://www.instagram.com/thenashvillebookclub/

https://www.facebook.com/TheNashvilleMom/

Happy Hostess

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

                                                       Episode 26: Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Get ready to step outside and soak up the sun, because in today's episode, we're talking all about entertaining at home outdoors. Adrienne Hill of Hen House Linens is joining Kristie LaLonde to discuss everything from setting up the perfect ambiance to planning the menu and keeping guests comfortable, they’ll cover everything you need to know to host an unforgettable outdoor gathering. Tune in and get inspired to take your next party outside. 

Adrienne Hill is co-owner of Hen House Linens,  a fresh & modern line of 100% cotton table linens. Inspired by the southern concept of "gracious living," Hen House strives to craft quality linens that make the home a welcoming place for everyone without feeling stuffy or too proper. Welcome Hen House into your home and make every day special!

20% Discount for Happy Hostess Listensers at Hen House Linens 

Use Code: HAPPYHOSTESS20

Connect with Adrienne::  

https://henhouselinens.com/

-Quick Notes-

(01:07) About Adrienne Hill

(02:06 ) Inspiration for the name of Hen House Linens

(04:55)  Adrienne’s favorite way to entertain

(5:43) How is entertaining outdoors different from indoors?

(7:34)  Tips to keep pests away

(11 ) Clean Up and Transportation Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

(13:40) What type of foods does Adrienne prefer when entertaining outdoors?

(18:27) Linen Solutions for any size table

 (21:53) What does hospitality mean to Adrienne?

(25:53) Tips for selecting linens for entertaining

(28:10) Speed Round

(33:20) Discount for  Happy Hostess Listeners

Happy Hostess

https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

-Social Media Links-

Hen House Linens

https://www.instagram.com/hen_house_linens

https://www.facebook.com/henhouselinens

Happy Hostess

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

                      Episode 25:  Who? What? When? Where? Why? 

Who? What? When? Where? Why?  So when it comes to planning a dinner party or any social event, which one do you tackle first?  Tune into today’s solo show to find out which one of these will make planning all the more simple and create a meaningful event.

Happy Hostess Social Media Links:

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

                   Episode 24: How to Keep Flowers Fresher for Longer

Nothing can make a home or party feel more welcoming than a beautiful vase of fresh flowers.  They add color, elegance and a touch of nature to your home or party.  However, it’s so frustrating when your arrangement  starts to wilt in just a couple of days! In today’s episode Kristie LaLonde shares the tips she’s found for making those blooms stay fresher for longer.  Tune in for all the details!

Resource Link:

Crowning Glory:

https://www.wholesaleflowersandsupplies.com/clear-crowning-glory-hydration-and-protection-32-ounce-spray-bottle.html?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=WSF%20shopping&utm_term=4585581965955199&utm_content=Ad%20group%20%231

Happy Hostess Social Media Links:

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

                          Episode 23: How to be a Gracious Guest

We all want to be a gracious guest when we are the recipients of hospitality!  Today’s guest on the Happy Hostess Podcast is Catherine Sanders of The Social Class. Kristie asks Catherine what are the elements of being a gracious guest and what are the best ways to show our appreciation to our hosts?  Catherine shares all the important nuances to being a considerate and thoughtful guest, as well as the mistakes to avoid. You won’t want to miss it!  Tune in to hear the complete conversation!

Catherine Sanders is a proud  alumna of Marietta High School and the University of Georgia.  At Georgia, she  majored in Advertising and also met her husband, Mike. They have been married for 24 years and have three children. Eleven years ago, she launched The Social Class to fill a need for young people to glean the invaluable life skills of  a modern cotillion, while also enjoying a fun social experience with their peers.  

Connect with Catherine:  

https://www.thesocialclass.net/

-Quick Notes-

(01:22) About Catherine Sanders

(02:39 ) What is The Social Class?

(09:42))  What first drew Catherine to entertaining?

(10:55) What are Catherine’s favorite ways to entertain?

(14:48)  What is a gracious guest?

(17:00) What are some ways that we can train our children to be gracious?

(19:06) Reciprocation- Are you always a goer but never a thrower?

(21:49) How is communication a part of being a gracious guest?

(22:37) What are common mistakes made by a guest?

(27:45) How can we leave a gracious lasting impression with our hosts?

(30:00) Advice for the new hostess

(32:05) Unexpected Blessings

(35:25) Speed Round

Happy Hostess

https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

-Social Media Links-

The Social Class

https://www.instagram.com/the.social.class/

https://www.facebook.com/thesocialclass/

Happy Hostess

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

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Episode 22 Derby Party Essentials

On today’s episode Susan Brown of For Pete’s Sake Pottery joins Kristie LaLonde to talk all things Derby.  Susan is a Louisville native and has experienced many years celebrating Derby, hosting and attending parties and even going to the Derby.  She shares everything that you need to have a fun successful Derby party from traditional food and drink to colorful party decor.

You will love what she has to say!  Tune in to hear the complete conversation…

About Susan Brown

Susan is passionate about creating timeless heirloom quality pieces that bring  her customers joy. Pumpkins, ginger jars, specially designed pet items and chinoserie designs are her love language. Well known for her pottery that is lovingly hand painted with her signature style, her pieces are items that you will love to display in your home for years to come!

Connect with Susan:  

https://forpetessakepottery.com/

-Quick Notes-

(01:50) Susan Brown’s background

(03:32) How Pete’s Sake Pottery began

(05:30)  Susan’s collaboration with Canvas Style

(07:06) The Kentucky Derby history

(10:27) Hosting Derby parties in Louisville

(12:40) What does every Derby party need to have?

(17:30) How does Susan describe hospitality?

(19:49) Susan’t tips for low stress enterraining

(27:06) Speed Round

(25:00) Lucy’s mom’s tip for keeping stress to a minimum when entertaining

(29:32) Lucy’s advice for the new hostess

(31:56) Speed Round

(29:10) Where to find Susan on social media

Resource Links-

Canvas Style Collaboration with For Pete’s Sake Pottery

https://canvasstyle.com/

-Social Media Links-

For Pete’s Sake Pottery

https://www.instagram.com/forpetessakepottery/

https://www.facebook.com/forpetessakepottery/