It's the most wonderful—and party-packed—time of the year. In the spirit of holiday hosting season, Veronica Theodoro dives into house party etiquette with two local experts who know how to make gatherings unforgettable. Susie Busch–Transou of Hearth & Soul shares tips from her beautifully curated retail spaces. Courtney Winet, the creative force behind stunning custom invitations, reveals how details set the tone for any event.

Hear their answers to these commonly asked questions:

• When should you bring a gift to the host? 
• Do you always have to say goodbye to the host?
• How do I plan a seating arrangement? 
• How do I plan a menu for dietary restrictions?
• Is it okay to clean up your kitchen when guests still are at your home?
• How do I tell guests to leave?
• ... and more!

Tune in to hear how to navigate the joys and challenges of home parties, and learn how you can be a gracious host and a thoughtful guest. Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity St. Louis ReStores. 

Shop and donate new and used building materials, furniture, and home improvement supplies at Habitat for Humanity ReStores while also supporting affordable housing in St. Louis. To learn about store locations and hours of operation, visit habitatstl.org.

Got an idea for a future House of Lou episode? 

We love hearing from our audience. Send your thoughts or feedback to Veronica at [email protected] or to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Looking for more inspiration?

Subscribe to our Design+Home newsletter to receive our latest home, design, and style content in your inbox every Wednesday. And follow Veronica (@vtlookbook) and St. Louis Magazine on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor?

Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Hearth & Soul
• Courtney Winet Design 
• Missouri Botanical Garden 
• The Studio at Bowood Farms 
• Wildflowers Floral Design & Events 
• The Boulevard in Richmond Heights

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• House of Lou: Holiday Entertaining with The Social Affair Catering + Events
• More episodes of House of Lou

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Veronica Theodoro sits down with Marcella Hawley, an artist, botanical illustrator, and creative director who has contributed her talents to Martha Stewart Living and the Mary Engelbreit Home Companion. Many in the St. Louis community may also know Marcella for her stunning front garden in Webster Groves, lovingly called "The Slope of Possibility." Filled with thousands of vibrant flowers, the garden is a living tribute to her mother and embodies Marcella’s belief in the transformative and healing power of gardens. Here, Marcella takes us on a personal journey, filled with insights about life, loss, and rebirth. Marcella also fills us in on the exciting new project she plans to launch early next year. It's an episode filled with inspiration and hope and one that you won't want to miss. 

Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by The Repertory Theater of St. Louis and supported by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

This December, The Rep and STAGES St. Louis present: Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. Join Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for a rock n’ roll celebration. Don’t miss the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale on repstl.org.

Got an idea for a future House of Lou episode? 

We love hearing from our audience. Send your thoughts or feedback to Veronica at [email protected] or to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Looking for more inspiration?

Subscribe to our Design+Home newsletter to receive our latest home, design, and style content in your inbox every Wednesday. And follow Veronica (@vtlookbook) and St. Louis Magazine on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor?

Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger 
• Johanna Ortiz  (see photo of showroom)
• Schumacher x Johanna Ortiz 
• New York School of Interior Design 
• Marcella Hawley 
• Martha Stewart
• Mary Engelbreit
• Greater St. Louis Daffodil Society 
• Jason Delaney/PHS Daffodils 
• Missouri Botanical Garden 
• Brent & Becky’s Bulbs 
• Dutch Growers 
• ColorBlends 
• John Scheepers, Inc.
• Van Engelen, Inc. 
• QDaffs
• Home Depot
• This Naked Mind 
• Great Dixter House & Gardens 
• Fergus Garrett
• Fennel Cooking School 
• Top cooking and mixology classes in St. Louis
• Reimagining Home: Design for All Ages and Abilities
• Gardening Heals with Marcella Hawley 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Veronica Theodoro talks with Gretchen Kingma and Tiffany Dill, co-founders of Custom Joy, a St. Louis-based construction company with a focus on accessible home solutions. Kingma and Dill discuss how universal design can help people of all ages live safely and comfortably in their homes. They share practical solutions that can be implemented in the home, and explain how Universal Design Ready (UDR) homes can make future modifications easier and more cost-effective. They also discuss the limitations of ADA compliance in residential spaces and emphasize the importance of proactive planning for accessible living. Tune in to learn how thoughtful design choices can support aging in place and create a home that adapts to your needs over time. Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath.

Whether you want a new kitchen, laundry room, or children's nursery, Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath can handle it all, creating spaces that are #NothingOrdinary. Schedule a free design consultation today.

Got an idea for a future House of Lou episode? 

We love hearing from our audience. Send your thoughts or feedback to Veronica at [email protected] or to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Looking for more inspiration?

Subscribe to our Design+Home newsletter to receive our latest home, design, and style content in your inbox every Wednesday. And follow Veronica (@vtlookbook) and St. Louis Magazine on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor?

Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Custom Joy
• David Deatherage Design 
• Busy Bee Candies Company
• Interior Motives LLC
• Wonderwall Rugs 
• Ättlingar
• North Carolina State University, Center for Universal Design 
• AARP Home Fit Guide 
• Essentials for making your home accessible, including threshold ramps and toilet paper assist bars
• Kirkwood Lifestyle Home Tour 
• Trees of the Missouri Botanical Garden 
• Lustron House Tour 

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• In a historic city house, the magic is in a mix of modern vintage furniture and traditional details
• Clayton Welcomes a New Place to Shop for Home Decor
• Meet the interior designer behind a line of rugs handmade in India
• Ättlingar elevates the bathroom with bespoke medicine cabinets and mirrors
• More episodes of House of Lou

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the leaves begin to turn, join host Veronica Theodoro for a discussion on the world of trees and their importance in our everyday lives. Mike Sestric, president of Trees, Forests, and Landscapes, shares his extensive knowledge gained from 30-plus years in tree care across Missouri and California. As a board-certified master arborist and president of the Midwest Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, Mike dispels common misconceptions about tree care and offer insights on how to best care for trees in our own neighborhoods. Tune in for a conversation about the essential role trees play in our environment and how to invest in them wisely. Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity St. Louis ReStores. 

Shop and donate new and used building materials, furniture, and home improvement supplies at Habitat for Humanity ReStores while also supporting affordable housing in St. Louis. To learn about store locations and hours of operation, visit habitatstl.org.

Got an idea for a future House of Lou episode? 

We love hearing from our audience. Send your thoughts or feedback to Veronica at [email protected] or to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Looking for more inspo?

Subscribe to our Design+Home newsletter to receive our latest home, design, and style content in your inbox every Wednesday. And follow Veronica (@vtlookbook) and St. Louis Magazine on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor?

Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Byrd Designer Consignment 
• Ditton Family Resale 
• May’s Place 
• DOS Resale Boutique 
• Forty Elephants 
• Trees, Forests, and Landscapes 
• Forest ReLeaf of Missouri 
• Missouri Botanical Garden 
• Midwestern Chapter International Society of Arboriculture 
• St. Louis Arborist Association 
• Forrest Keeling Nursery

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• Top-performing native plants for the St. Louis area
• How to grow a beautiful garden in St. Louis
• 'House of Lou' Podcast: Digging into native plants and gardens
• More episodes of House of Lou

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join host Veronica Theodoro as she welcomes Julius Hunter to the podcast—a beloved St. Louis journalist, TV anchor, and historic preservationist. Discover Julius' passion for bringing light to St. Louis' rich architectural heritage, highlighted in his two iconic coffee table books on the city's premier private streets. Listen in as he shares stories from his childhood growing up in the shadows of the grand houses on Vandeventer Place, his illustrious and varied career, and his work with the Missouri History Museum, Campbell House Museum, and the Julius K. Hunter and Friends African American Research Collection. Plus, learn about the prestigious Landmarks Association of St. Louis Lifetime Achievement Award he will receive this year. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation. Listen and follow House of Lou on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is sponsored by Chouteau Building Group. 

Chouteau Building Group specializes in highly custom construction projects, and collaborates with St. Louis’ best independent architects and designers to build projects that are truly one of a kind. Whether it’s a new build, addition, renovation, historic preservation and restoration, or commercial project, consider Chouteau Building Group for all of your building needs. Visit cbg-stl.com to book your consult.

Got an idea for a future House of Lou episode? 

We love hearing from our audience. Send your thoughts or feedback to Veronica at [email protected] or to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Looking for more inspo?

Subscribe to our Design+Home newsletter to receive our latest home, design, and style content in your inbox every Wednesday. And follow Veronica (@vtlookbook) and St. Louis Magazine on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor?

Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Julius Hunter
• Missouri History Museum
• Campbell House Museum
• Julius K. Hunter and Friends African American Research Collection
• Landmarks Association of St. Louis
• Kingsbury Place
• Kingsbury Place: The First Two Hundred Years by Julius Hunter
• Westmoreland and Portland Places: The History and Architecture of America's Premier Private Streets, 1888-1988 by Julius Hunter
• Vandeventer Place
• The Great Fire of 1849
• Hydraulic Press Brick Company
• Bellefontaine Cemetery
• Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis Annual Orchid Auction
• Missouri Botanical Garden
• Architect and Designer Awards

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• Behind the rise—and fall—of private streets in St. Louis
• What happened to Vandeventer Place?
• How did the Great Fire of 1849 reshape St. Louis?
• 8 historic house tours in St. Louis
• Landmarks Association announces its Most Enhanced Awards
• More episodes of House of Lou

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join host Veronica Theodoro as she sits down with Riley Price, executive director of Missouri Preservation, which focuses on advocacy for historic properties. The nonprofit helps educate and offer assistance for people seeking information on how to do historic projects. Among the topics discussed on this episode:

• Missouri's historic tax credit program, which offers a 25 percent credit on qualified rehabilitation expenses—one of the best such programs in the country
• The challenges of establishing new historic districts, particularly in blighted areas
• How Missouri Preservation is exploring innovative solutions, such as adopting a new grading system to better recognize and preserve significant historic buildings
• Missouri Preservation's efforts to raise awareness about preservation and to provide valuable resources, such as funding directories, preservation-minded contractor lists, and educational workshops

Riley also welcomes listeners to email her at [email protected] with related questions.

This episode is sponsored by Augusta Winery.

Head to Augusta Wine Country on Highway 94 for a taste of award-winning wines, live music, and special events. Don't miss Second Sip Saturday and Friday Night Live for craft brew tastings, giveaways, and local vendors. For more details, visit augustawinery.com.

Got an idea for a future House of Lou episode? 

We love hearing from our audience. Send your thoughts or feedback to Veronica at [email protected] or to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Looking for more inspo?

Subscribe to our Design+Home newsletter to receive our latest home, design, and style content in your inbox every Wednesday. And follow Veronica (@vtlookbook) and St. Louis Magazine on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor?

Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Riley Price: [email protected]
• Saint Louis Art Museum
• Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park
• Cardinals
• Trattoria Marsella 
• Cheryl Baehr
• Brittany Bromley
• Kelee Katillac 
• Fern Santini 
• Jess Weeth
• SEMO Historic Preservation Program
• Missouri Preservation 
• Aderton House 
• Henry Blosser House 
• Kendra Scott
• Country French magazine 
• State Historic Preservation Office
• St. Joseph, MO
• Enter your work for the 2025 Architect & Designer Awards

You may also enjoy these articles from SLM:

• The stories behind 10 adaptive reuse projects in St. Louis
• 8 historic house tours in St. Louis
• 'House of Lou' Podcast: Inside the Magic Chef Mansion in Compton Hill
• 'House of Lou' Podcast: Archivist Dennis Northcott on how to research a house

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside the Architect & Designer Awards is sponsored by Design & Detail.

St. Louis Magazine’s Architect & Designer Awards shine a light on some of the region’s top architects, interior designers, artisans, builders, and landscape designers. But what goes into creating these award-winning projects? Inside the Architect & Designer Awards—a video miniseries from the House of Lou podcast—takes you behind the scenes and into the creative process. 

In this episode, join host Veronica Theodoro as she sits down with Kathleen Grim of Srote & Co. to discuss Grim's winning projects in the 2024 Architect & Designer Awards competition. Watch the interview with Kathleen, hear the stories behind her award-winning work, and come away with inspiration and insights for your next home project.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Oasis Pools

We love hearing from you. Send your thoughts or feedback to Veronica at [email protected] or to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Looking for more inspiration? Subscribe to our Design+Home newsletter to receive our latest home, design, and style content in your inbox every Wednesday. And follow Veronica (@vtlookbook) and St. Louis Magazine on Instagram (@stlouismag).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside the Architect & Designer Awards is sponsored by Design & Detail.

St. Louis Magazine’s Architect & Designer Awards shine a light on some of the region’s top architects, interior designers, artisans, builders, and landscape designers. But what goes into creating these award-winning projects? Inside the Architect & Designer Awards—a video miniseries from the House of Lou podcast—takes you behind the scenes and into the creative process. 

In this episode, join host Veronica Theodoro as she sits down with Rebekah Moore Murphy of Stone Hall Cabinetry to discuss the designer's winning projects in the 2024 Architect & Designer Awards. Watch the interview with Moore Murphy, hear the stories behind her award-winning works, and come away with inspiration and insights for your next home project.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Christopher Peacock
• Stonehall Cabinetry
• Tom Theiss/Theiss Plating

We love hearing from you. Send your thoughts or feedback to Veronica at [email protected] or to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Looking for more inspiration? Subscribe to our Design + Home newsletter to receive our latest home, design, and style content in your inbox every Wednesday. And follow Veronica (@vtlookbook) and St. Louis Magazine on Instagram (@stlouismag).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside the Architect & Designer Awards is sponsored by Design & Detail.

St. Louis Magazine’s Architect & Designer Awards shine a light on some of the region’s top architects, interior designers, artisans, builders, and landscape designers. But what goes into creating these award-winning projects? Inside the Architect & Designer Awards—a video miniseries from the House of Lou podcast—takes you behind the scenes and into the creative process. 

In this episode, join host Veronica Theodoro as she sits down with Jenny Rausch, owner of Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath, to discuss Rausch's winning projects in the 2024 Architect & Designer Awards. Watch the interview with Rausch, hear the stories behind her award-winning works, and come away with inspiration and insights for your next home project.

We love hearing from you. Send your thoughts and feedback to Veronica at [email protected] or to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Looking for more inspo? Subscribe to our Design + Home newsletter to receive our latest home, design, and style content in your inbox every Wednesday. And follow Veronica (@vtlookbook) and St. Louis Magazine on Instagram (@stlouismag).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

nside the Architect & Designer Awards is sponsored by Design & Detail.

St. Louis Magazine’s Architect & Designer Awards shine a light on some of the region’s top architects, interior designers, artisans, builders, and landscape designers. But what goes into creating these award-winning projects? Inside the Architect & Designer Awards—a video miniseries from the House of Lou podcast—takes you behind the scenes and into the creative process.

In this episode, join host Veronica Theodoro as she sits down with Julie Abner of Julie Abner Interiors to discuss the designer's winning project in the 2024 Architect & Designer Awards competition. Watch our interview with Abner, hear the stories behind her award-winning work, and come away with inspiration and insights for your next home project.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Ted Collier Art

We love hearing from you. Send your thoughts or feedback to Veronica at [email protected] or to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Looking for more inspo? Subscribe to our Design + Home newsletter to receive our latest home, design, and style content in your inbox every Wednesday. And follow Veronica (@vtlookbook) and St. Louis Magazine on Instagram (@stlouismag).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.