There is so much power in our life stories. Certainly we all know someone who can bring an entire table to stitches, or tears, with the stories they share. However, so often we lead ourselves to believe that our stories are the exception. We lead ourselves to believe that our stories don't need to be told.

If you spend anytime looking at food on Instagram (or TikTok) you have most definitely come across the platform of the Korean Vegan. Before I ever came to be captivated by her incredible food photography and recipes, I was captivated by her storytelling.

Captivated by the way she shared her journey with healing her relationship with food, stories of her family's history, stories of her culture, stories of love and heartbreak. She taught me something, that stories build trust, stories deepen roots, stories make all of our lives and connections to one another...richer.

In this conversation, Joanne and I will be talking about story telling, How to become a storyteller and the incredible new book she just released that brings it all together.

Buy her new book The Korean Vegan here!

Are you looking to buy or sell your home this year? We know that with this ever changing market, it can seem like a daunting task! Whether you are buying or selling we welcomed on our friend, and real estate agent, Emily Lovejoy White to make finding home, a little more approachable. In this valuable episode we will walk through...

What every HOME SELLER needs to know:
-How to find a real estate agent
-How to prepare your home for a walk through
- The importance of depersonalizing
-The truth about "feel good fragrance"
-What to expect with closing, financing and negotiating. 
-The importance of the appraising process

What every HOME BUYER needs to know:
-Extra expenses to prepare for
-What every buyer should look for in a walk through
-Floor plans to consider as you search for your new home
-Questions a buyer should be prepared to ask

How to thank your real estate agents: the gifts they would appreciate
What design styles are important for sale and return on investment.
& more.

As you look for a space to call home, we are committed to helping you navigate the process with ease! Looking for more real estate and design inspiration? Be sure to follow @emilylovejoy white

This episode was made possible by our friends:
Emily Love Joy White &
Joolies Dates: Buy your own with 20% off with code Gather20 

So many of us, without even realizing it, are doing the adult equivalent of walking across the cafeteria with our head down. I have come to learn that the way we communicate and act with the people around us either flashes an "I'm available and interested in friendship" signal Or "steer clear-not interested" siren. 

Through my own journey to friendship and deeper connection I came to learn that some of my own patterns gave the wrong signal and perpetuated loneliness and disconnection. Here are 5 Ways to Grow & Show Interest in Friendships/Relationships: 

1: Be specific in Making Plans: 
The next time you say "let's get together", take out your calendar and make a date! I find that often we are being too courteous of the other person, which in turn leaves us both waiting for an invitation. Give yourself permission to show interest by making a plan AND trusting that the other person will set a boundary and be honest if they need to. 

2: Remember & Acknowledge Milestones: 
When you are with someone you are trying to grow a relationship with and you hear them reference an important date...take out your calendar, write it down and set an alert! When you see the alert, send flowers, send a text, show up- whatever it looks like! By celebrating when friends celebrate, and mourning when they mourn shows commitment. 

3: Be Mindful of Communication Response Times: 
This can be touchy, hear me out! Life is full, some seasons we are more responsive than others. Truthfully, I've been more delayed than I'd like these days. However we need to keep in mind...not responding- sends messages. Think of it like a dating relationship. If you thought you had a good first date and you don't hear back for a week, you assume they aren't interested (even, if maybe that's not true). Try to use phrases like "Hey, I see your message it's a busy week but I'll answer soon" to keep things clear and growing 

4: Being Authentic & Vulnerable: 
What do we all ask when we see each other, "Hey, how's it going." We have been conditioned to answer it with non-genuine answers. My challenge for us is to slowly and steadily allow ourselves to be more honest with those around us. To share more about what is really happening with life, work, family etc. Sometimes vulnerability can land flat. However what I'm finding is that over time authenticity invites more authenticity. When this isn't present in relationships, they stay at the surface. However, when we allow the roots to go deeper, the relationship grows stronger. 

5: GO FIRST: 
 We live in a culture where we are all waiting to be asked. There is a value shift in life where kids are praised for going up to 'random people' and making friends, while adults are shamed for that very thing. If you are picking up on friend chemistry, likely you're spot on! Keep friendships growing by allowing yourself to respond to these very inner inklings. Be the one who extends the invitation, sends the text and shows up. 

The community that we long for and the community that we need...starts with us! Join us for this rich conversion on this weeks Date with Kayt.

One of our most commonly asked questions is, "What do I cook for large groups?' With questions from meal planning to logistics and everything in between this is an area of uncertainly for many hosts. When I was thinking of who to bring on to add wisdom to this conversation, Tieghan Gerard was the first to come to mind!

If you have spent any time searching for recipes, you have likely come across Half Baked Harvest. Tieghan has become well known and well loved in so many of our homes for her delectable recipes with unique twists for the everyday host. Coming from a large family and learning to cook for full tables from a young age she is a wealth of encouragement and insight on this very topic!

As an exciting addition, we also will be talking about her new book Half Baked Harvest Every Day, available March 29!

Find out more about Tieghan at Halfbakedharvest.com
Expand your hospitality knowledge at Hospitalityacademie.com

Visit this Episode's Sponsors at:
Emily White Real Estate: Contact Emily here!
Durant Olive Mill: Take 10% of Oregon Made Olive Oil w/ code DURANT
Joolies: Take 20% off your order of the BEST dates with code GATHER20
Plants by People: Order your plant based tonic for 15% off with code GATHER15 Kayty's current favorites are BLOOM and HARMONY

Looking ahead to spring feels good right about now! Sunshine, flowers and then ...the spring cleaning! 

As we looked ahead to this years big sweep, we wanted to approach it from two angles: How to make it attainable, to give us confidence for warm weather hospitality AND How to take on these big projects with safer products. As we thought about who to bring on for the conversation, there was no one better than BRANCH BASICS! 

Kelly Love, one of Branch Basics founders will be leading us through: 

• 5 Focuses for Spring Cleaning 
• The Truth About Disinfecting 
• How to Make Your Own Air Purifier 
• The Difference Between Fragrance Free & Unscented 
• How Branch Basics Products can Replace ALL of your Cleaning Supplies 
• & more! 

Together we will learn the importance of this seasonal clean for the health of our family and preparation for our gatherings! I promise, you'll be excited to start cleaning!

Follow Kelly, Her Story & Get Your Own Branch Basics Products on their website!
----------------
This episode was graciously sponsored by our friends at
Emily White RealEstate on instagram @emilylovejoywhite
Plants by People &
Joolies Order your own for 20% off with code Gather20 

A few weeks ago a question came into our Instagram Account:
"Asking people to take off their shoes: Big deal or no?"

As we posted our quick response, it opened up a big dialogue which revealed big feelings about the topic. What we found is that there are two sides to the 'shoes in the house' conversation and neither is right or wrong! Yet, it's worth diving into!

For many reasons a host may want guests to remove their shoes. In the same way, for many reasons a guest may feel more comfortable leaving their shoes on. In this conversation we will be talking through understanding why/how each stance holds on to their value and how to better understand the other side.

While it seemed a bit...silly to cover an episode entirely focused on shoes, these conversations are quite possibly amongst the most valuable! So often in hospitality offenses come through the small  details and have the possibility of being a wedge that severs a potential relationship.

I don't want shoes to create relational divide on my watch. SO, Let's talk about it to be better prepared for this situation and develop a deeper understanding for both sides in the process!

This episode is sponsored by our friends at Joolies Dates & Emily Lovejoy White Real Estate! 

Are you into Jig Saw Puzzles? Truthfully, me neither! However, they've been on my mind a lot lately! I have really be struck by puzzles that are left with just one corner finished. Why? Because they leave you with only a small glimpse into the beauty of the whole picture that can only be discovered when it's put together piece by piece. 

Much like our own lives, and our world views, when we limit ourselves to one set of beliefs, traditions or cultural norms, we aren't able to fully grasp the beauty of what is available, the whole picture. We limit ourself to just one corner. 

I have been incredibly passionate about learning how other cultures approach the table, and with that the many ways we can learn from them! To help me better understand Thai Table culture I welcomed on Hong Thaimee, Entrepreneur, NYC Thai Restaurant Owner & a new Gather Friend! 

Through this episode we will discuss:

• Thai Food 101 
  • The rich history of what formed Thai flavors and cooking technique 
  • The difference between food from Northern Thai food & Southern Thai food 
• How Thai food is served, enjoyed and ordered 
• What table culture is like growing up in a Thai Household 
• What Sets Thai Hospitality Apart
• The beauty of a good question asker 
• & MORE! 

Join us in this conversation that will certainly make you laugh, make you hungry and give you some inspiration for your own table! 

Visit Hong at: 
https://www.hongthaimee.com/
& 
@hongthaimee

Do you implement systems & stations at your gatherings?
No? Well you are in the RIGHT place!

Stations help your guests, help themselves. Most importantly, stations allow you to step back while the party runs itself! With a little intention in the planning you will find time to focus on other aspects of the gathering, or valuable time with your guests in return!

Kayty, owner and Hospitality Educator of Gather believes that systems and stations are the key to navigating all of our events with ease. Based off her class Ready: Feeling Equipped for Everyday Hospitality from Hospitality Academie, she will be discussing the basics of how to craft a drink stations and why they matter!

From the types of drink stations that you can create to ways to design them with ease, this episode will surely give any host tips that they will be able to directly apply to their next gathering.

Are you looking for ways to enhance your next drink station? Be sure to follow our episode sponsors Plants by People to add stunning, vibrant  plant based tonics to the mix!

Do you want to learn more and continue to grow your hospitality skillset? Join us in Hospitality Academie as a member today! 

When you first think about etiquette what comes to mind? 

For many of us we quickly think of shows like Downton Abbey or hospitality from our grandparents era. I recently was thinking about this topic and how little we as a culture know not just about it's importance but...what it really is! In this episode Etiquette Coach Courtney Opalko will talk through: 

• The difference between old school etiquette and modern etiquette 
• How etiquette can translate into essential life "soft-skills" 
• Must know etiquette for the modern day adult including 

1.  How to hold your stemware 
2.  How to properly use a napkin 
3.  Learn how to apologize appropriately 
4.  Write & send thank you notes 
5. Posture & eye contact

• 5 etiquette musts to teach our kids from how to set the table to how to properly hold utensils! 

Join us in this conversation that will certainly reframe the way you see etiquette at your table! 

To learn more about etiquette join Hospitality Academie for Courtney's upcoming etiquette classes this winter! Get access to all of her classes for adults and children with 10% off annual memberships with code "Courtney" 

Follow Courtney at @courtneyopalkoetiquette

This episode was sponsored by our friends at Plants by People. Visit their website to learn more and get your hands on your own tonic!

Before you skip over to the next episode, hang tight, let's talk!

You see, so often at our tables, we want to put a cherry on top of grief. We want to change the topic and move on to something that covers the sting. However, the most precious gift we can give someone at our table, is the gift of making room. Our friend Peace Amadi will be walking us through what it looks like to walk through this very topic with us today:
We will be working through:

What is grief?
What triggers grief and what to expect from those in our life experiencing grief?
Why it's important to not overlook or brush past grief?
How to let people be there for you as you go through grief
How to support those in our community practically

Our tables have the incredible opportunity to allow our guests to be seen, heal and carry the weight that grief can often bring. Join us as we dive into a hospitality topic that helps us move one step closer to cultivating meaningful connection through our tables.

Get your own copy of Peace's book here!

More About Peace Amadi:
Mental Health Expert Dr. Peace Amadi, PsyD, is a Professor, Author, Speaker, Coach, and TV Host who helps high-potential people heal and lead. From leaders, content creators, and entrepreneurs, to pastors, parents, and teachers, Dr. Peace is a coach and cheerleader to the people in our lives that everyone goes to. 

@itspeaceamadi
http://peaceamadi.com/