Summary

In this episode, Brittany and Melissa celebrate Thanksgiving by sharing thoughtful gift ideas across various categories, including hostess gifts, gifts for women, gardeners, cooks, and cozy home essentials. They emphasize the importance of meaningful and personalized gifts, while also discussing tech and wellness options that promote mindfulness. The conversation is filled with practical suggestions and heartfelt sentiments, making it a perfect guide for holiday gifting.

Highlights:

• Our Holiday Gift Guide: The Sentimental Twist's 2025 Holiday Gift Guide (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BbY9eJcE1j-J2J7Tb8OznaLXSA7q4FQssLvapzfYLRg/edit?usp=sharing)  

Takeaways

• Gift giving is a way to honor relationships.
• Hostess gifts should be thoughtful and practical.
• Personalized gifts show you care about the recipient's interests.
• Secondhand gifts can be meaningful and unique.
• Gifts for gardeners should be beautiful and functional.
• Cooking gifts should enhance the kitchen experience.
• Cozy home gifts create a warm atmosphere.
• Mindful gifting focuses on wellness and self-care.
• Tech gifts can be stylish and functional.
• Every gift should carry a sentimental twist.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: [email protected].

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Sentimental Twist Season 2, Episode 8!

00:27 Special Thanksgiving Day Episode: Holiday Gift Guide!

02:18 Gifts for The Hostess

09:13 Thoughtful Gifts for Women

19:39 Gardening and Birdwatching Gifts

27:13 Thoughtful Gifts for Cooks

36:10 Gifts for a Cozy Home

47:33 Mindful Gifting: Thoughtful Presents for Loved Ones

56:53 A Toast to Sentiment

Summary

In this episode of The Sentimental Twist, hosts Brittany and Melissa discuss the importance of gracious hospitality during the holiday season. They explore how to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests while managing the stress of hosting. The conversation emphasizes the value of involving younger generations in cooking to pass down family traditions and recipes. The hosts also share tips on outsourcing food to make hosting easier and more enjoyable. Throughout the episode, they highlight the significance of gratitude, kindness, and connection during the holidays, encouraging listeners to focus on giving back to others.

Highlights:

• Costo’s Thanksgiving Dinner
• Hickory Farms Holiday Celebrations Coffee
• Tickets for the Junior League of the Wiregrass Christmas Tour of Homes (Dec. 7, 2025 – Brittany’s home is on the tour!)
• Brittany’s Sentimental Style Starter Kit (available through November!)
• Melissa’s Digital Store for Hosting Essentials

Takeaways

• Gracious hospitality is about making guests feel welcome without exhausting yourself.
• Outsourcing food can enhance the hosting experience and allow for more connection with guests.
• Involving younger generations in cooking helps pass down family traditions and recipes.
• Food is a way to show love and connect with others during the holidays.
• Sharing stories behind recipes can enhance the cooking experience for younger family members.
• It's important to focus on gratitude and kindness during the holiday season.
• Finding joy in giving back to others can enhance personal happiness.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: [email protected].

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to The Sentimental Twist Season 2, Episode 7!

06:55 Gracious Hospitality: Costo as Co-Host (Outsourcing for Effortless Entertaining)

29:17 Porch Talk Speed Round

42:08 Heirloom Recipes: Bridging Generations Through Food

53:55 Bless It, We Had to Share It

01:01:23 A Toast to Sentiment: Doing Good to Another

Summary

In this episode, Melissa and Brittany explore the themes of gracious hospitality, the importance of self-care, and the art of saying no during the busy holiday season. They discuss how to navigate invitations, prioritize rest, and maintain boundaries while still fostering connections. The conversation also delves into the sentimental value of handmade decor and the therapeutic benefits of crafting. The episode concludes with a heartfelt toast celebrating the significance of home and family.

Highlights:

• Tickets for the Junior League of the Wiregrass Christmas Tour of Homes (Dec. 7, 2025 – Brittany’s home is on the tour!)
• Brittany’s Sentimental Style Starter Kit (available through November!)
• Melissa’s Sister’s Salt Dough Ornament Recipe:
  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ cup salt
  • 2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 TBL vegetable oil
  • Food coloring (omit if painting ornaments with acrylic paint)
  • Combine dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Cook on medium heat while stirring until it forms a ball. Dump out on wax paper and knead well. Store in an airtight container.
• Best Cedar Real-Look Garlands from Amazon
• Dragonfly Designs Push Pin Ornament Kit
• Melissa’s Digital Store for Hosting Essentials
• June Cotner’s book House Blessings

Takeaways

• It's okay to say no to invitations for self-care.
• Rest is essential and should be prioritized.
• Saying no can be a form of kindness to yourself and others.
• Creative activities can serve as a form of therapy.
• Handmade ornaments carry sentimental value and memories.
• Navigating the holiday season requires setting boundaries.
• It's important to assess your commitments and energy levels.
• Connections can be maintained through alternative gatherings.
• Every home should be a sanctuary filled with love.
• Celebrating family traditions can enhance the holiday experience.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: [email protected].

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Sentimental Twist Season 2, Episode 6!

01:25 Gracious Hospitality: The Art of Saying No

17:32 Porch Talk Speed Round: Thanksgiving Edition

30:48 Sentimental Decorating: The Return of Handmade Decor

43:14 Bless It, We Had to Share It

54:55 A Toast to Sentiment: Home Blessing

Summary

In this episode of the Sentimental Twist podcast, hosts Melissa and Brittany explore the themes of gracious hospitality, the significance of Friendsgiving, and the importance of creating heirloom stories within our homes. They share personal anecdotes, creative ideas for engaging guests, and the emotional weight of remembering loved ones during the holiday season. The conversation emphasizes the value of documenting stories tied to our possessions and the joy of creating meaningful spaces that reflect our personal histories.

Highlights:

• Tickets the Beautiful Table Settings Bash in Vicksburg, MS – January 2026
• Brittany’s Sentimental Style Starter Kit (available through November!)
• Spode Delamere (brown transferware) from Wayfair
• Melissa’s Digital Store for Hosting Essentials

Takeaways

• Gracious hospitality can be expressed through both family feasts and Friendsgiving.
• Friendsgiving is an opportunity to celebrate with friends and create new traditions.
• Engaging guests can be enhanced through creative activities and prompts.
• Documenting the stories behind heirlooms adds sentimental value to our homes.
• Food can be a bonding experience that brings people together.
• Collecting heirlooms doesn't have to be about family history; it can be about personal connections.
• Lighting candles can serve as a way to remember and honor loved ones during the holidays.
• Sharing stories about our possessions can enrich our relationships with family and friends.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: [email protected].

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Sentimental Twist Season 2, Episode 5

03:25 Creative Ideas for Friendsgiving Celebrations

06:57 Engaging Guests and Building Connections

13:06 Porch Talk Speed Round

27:43 Starting Traditions: Sentimental Decorating from Scratch

37:30 Listener Challenge: Record the Story behind a Sentimental Treasure

39:39 Bless It, We Had to Share It

48:30 A Toast to Sentiment: Carrying the Light Forward

Summary

In this episode of Sentimental Twist, Brittany and Melissa explore the themes of home hosting, family traditions, and the importance of preserving memories through photo organizing. They welcome special guest Amelia, who shares her insights on family traditions, and interview Kate, a professional photo organizer, who discusses the significance of storytelling and the emotional connections tied to photographs. The conversation emphasizes the joy found in daily rituals and the value of meaningful spaces in our lives. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the significance of memory keeping, the emotional weight of handwritten recipes, and the joy found in household chores. The conversation also touches on the value of sharing recipes as a means of connection, the launch of a new Hostess Journal, and an upcoming workshop for holiday paperwhite blooms. Throughout, the hosts emphasize the importance of intentional living and creating meaningful spaces in our lives.

Highlights:

• Brittany’s Vintage Shop in Dothan, AL @shoptimelessmarket
• Guest: Certified Photo Organizer Kate Bagley on Instagram
• Bagley Honeybee Co.
• Melissa’s Friend Home Organizer Elizabeth Jones 
• Brittany’s “living recipe box” – The Keepsake Kitchen Diary
• Brittany’s free Holiday Paperwhite Workshop on November 11, 1:00 pm. CST –  Registration
• Melissa’s Saturday Hostess Journal on YouTube

Takeaways

• Morning rituals, like coffee, can bring joy to daily life.
• Photo organizing is essential for preserving memories.
• Emotional connections to photographs can evoke nostalgia.
• Touching physical photos enhances the connection to memories.
• Being a steward of memories is a valuable goal. 
• Handwritten recipes evoke strong emotional connections.
• Sentimental items in our homes tell our unique stories.
• Sharing recipes can create lasting connections with others.
• The Hostess Journal promotes intentional living and hospitality.
• Brittany’s Holiday Paperwhites Workshop will help you prepare for the holidays and enjoy community while learning.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: [email protected].

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Sentimental Twist: Season 2, Episode 4

05:31 Family Traditions with Amelia

08:27 Organizing Photos and Keeping Memories

16:47 Guest Interview with Kate Bagley: Certified Photo Organizer

55:39 Porch Talk: Speed Round

01:03:48 Heirloom Recipes: What Handwritten Recipe Cards Teach Us

01:12:52 Bless It, We Had to Share It: Brittany's FREE Christmas Paperwhite Bulbs Workshop

01:15:10 Bless It, We Had to Share: Melissa's Hostess Journal

Summary

In this episode of the Sentimental Twist, Brittany and Melissa explore the importance of traditions, both old and new, and how they shape our lives and homes. They discuss personal stories about family recipes, the impact of loss on traditions, and the joy of creating new ones. The conversation also touches on seasonal decorating tips and the significance of meaningful spaces. The hosts emphasize the need for flexibility in traditions as life changes, and they conclude with a heartfelt toast to sentiment and connection.

Highlights:

• Wilt Stop for Preserving Arrangements
• Melissa’s Digital Store for Placecards, etc.
• Mollie Jenkins Pottery (Brittany’s Ghosts)
• Mud & Rust Pottery (Brittany’s Terracotta Jack-o-Lanterns
• Happy Wax (Melissa’s Wax Melts)

Takeaways

• Traditions can be grounding and healing.
• It's important to pass down family recipes and memories.
• Creating new traditions can be just as meaningful as old ones.
• Life changes require us to adjust our traditions.
• Decorating for the seasons can enhance our living spaces.
• Connection is more important than perfection in traditions.
• Grief can change how we celebrate holidays and traditions.
• It's okay to let go of traditions that no longer serve us.
• Finding joy in new traditions can be fulfilling.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: [email protected].

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Sentimental Twist Season 2, Episode 3

02:12 Harvesting Memories and Traditions

18:51 Creating New Traditions for Different Seasons of Life

25:06 Sentimental Decorating for the Seasons

34:17 Listener Engagement and Ideas Sharing

34:47 Porch Talk Speed Round

49:38 Bless It: We Had to Share It

56:01 A Toast to Sentiment: To Traditions - Old, New & Different

Summary

In this episode of the Sentimental Twist, hosts Brittany and Melissa explore the themes of gracious hospitality, fall entertaining, and the joys of meaningful gatherings. They share personal anecdotes about birthdays, football season, and their love for Trader Joe's seasonal offerings. The conversation flows into tips for creating cozy atmospheres for gatherings, including hosting upgrades and the importance of ambiance. They also discuss heirloom recipes, particularly boiled peanuts, and share their favorite fall baking ideas. The episode includes a light-hearted, rapid-fire round of questions and a sentimental toast, emphasizing the beauty of shared stories and experiences.

Highlights:

• Tickets to the Beautiful Table Settings Bash in Vicksburg, MS in January 2026
• Melissa’s Fall Baking Class Registration
• Melissa’s Golden Fall Punch Recipe
• Half Baked Harvest Easy Spicy Potato Soup Recipe
• Brittany’s New RIDHI Tablecloth for Fall & Christmas
• Melissa's Favorite Cocoa Taylor Dukes Wellness Organic Hot Chocolate

Takeaways

• Gracious hospitality is about creating meaningful spaces for gatherings.
• Seasonal foods and decorations can enhance the fall entertaining experience.
• Trader Joe's offers a variety of seasonal products perfect for hosting.
• Layered lighting creates a cozy atmosphere for gatherings.
• Switching out guest towels and soaps for seasonal ones adds a personal touch.
• A signature seasonal candle can create a welcoming scent in your home.
• Boiled peanuts are a beloved snack in the Deep South, offering a unique texture and flavor.
• Creating a fall playlist can enhance the ambiance of your gatherings.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: [email protected].

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Sentimental Twist Season 2, Episode 2!

00:48 Celebrating Birthdays and Football Season

03:10 Gracious Hospitality and Fall Entertaining

17:44 Gatherings & Goings On: Upcoming Events & Classes

26:14 Porch Talk: Quickfire Questions

39:56 Heirloom Recipes: A Taste of Tradition

51:41 Bless It, We Had to Share It

55:57 A Toast to Sentiment: The Last Leaf on the Porch

Summary:

In this episode, Brittany and Melissa explore the theme of sentimental decorating, focusing on how to incorporate heirloom pieces into fall decor. They discuss the importance of meaningful spaces and family traditions, sharing personal stories and listener submissions that highlight the nostalgia associated with scents of fall and memories around food and gatherings. The conversation emphasizes the value of creating cozy atmospheres and celebrating traditions, culminating in a heartfelt toast to the new beginnings that autumn brings.

Highlights:

• Brittany’s Sentimental Style Starter Kit is retiring soon. Get the kit HERE.
• Article Why We Love the Way Autumn Smells

Takeaways:

• Sentimental decorating incorporates heirloom pieces into seasonal decor.
• Using family heirlooms creates meaningful spaces in the home.
• Nostalgic scents evoke memories of fall and family gatherings.
• Listener submissions highlight the importance of food-related memories.
• Creating a cozy atmosphere is essential for fall entertaining.
• Less is more when it comes to seasonal decorating.
• Incorporating personal stories into decor adds depth and warmth.
• Celebrating traditions helps maintain family connections.
• The scents of fall can trigger powerful memories.
• Every space tells a story, and every story deserves a place.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

1. Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.
2. Email: [email protected].

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season 2 of The Sentimental Twist!

01:45 Bless It, We Had to Share: Catching Up & Fall Favorites

14:45 Sentimental Decorating: Heirlooms and Meaningful Spaces

26:08 Memories & Nostalgia Through Fall Scents

34:31 Porch Talk Speed Round

46:27 Nostalgic Food Memories: Listener Submissions

54:48 A Toast to Sentiment

Summary

In this episode, hosts Melissa and Brittany reflect on their journey through the first season, discussing plans for season two. They share insights on hosting, planning for dinner parties, and the importance of intention over perfection. Special guest Sara McDaniel discusses her experience in restoring historic homes and new projects, Phillips Cottage and Purvey Minden. The hosts share personal stories about childhood homes and reflect on the meaningful connections we have with our homes. The conversation touches on projects and events for the hosts, ending with an emphasis on the importance of personal growth.

Highlights:

• Ina’s pre-dinner party prep schedule
• Follow our guest Sara on Instagram @simplysoutherncottage.
• Brittany’s Sentimental Style Starter Kit. Get the kit HERE.
• Melissa’s “Merry Month of Maine” – sign up to receive a postcard from her in August!
• Bless It: Melissa’s Majhong Mats by Catherine White Art
• Bless It: follow Brittany on Instagram for more on her appearance at the Beautiful Table Settings Bash in January 2026

Takeaways

• Season two will focus on holiday and fall themes.
• Hosting can be stressful, but planning helps alleviate anxiety (tips from Ina Garten).
• Gracious hospitality is about intention, not perfection.
• Planning ahead for dinner parties can reduce stress.
• Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage shares her journey of restoring historic homes.
• The recent pandemic seems to have shifted our focus back to meaningful home spaces.
• Personal connections to homes often stem from family history.
• Creating a cozy home environment enhances our well-being.
• Social media can help build connections around home and decor.
• Grace is necessary during transitions in life.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: [email protected].

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Sentimental Twist: Episode 10 (Season 1 Finale!)

02:50 Hosting & Gracious Hospitality: Planning Ahead to Avoid Hosting Stress

13:55 Embracing August: A Personal Reflection

19:41 Guest Interview: Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage

48:49 Nostalgia and Renovation: Childhood Homes Revisited

56:23 Why We Crave Meaningful Spaces

59:58 Bless It We Had to Share: Mahjong Mats & Learning to Play

01:03:12 Bless It, We Had to Share: Beautiful Table Settings Bash 2026

01:08:04 Porch Talk Speed Round

01:16:56 From the Desks of Melissa & Brittany: Plans During the Off Season

01:21:52 A Toast to Sentiment: Giving Yourself Grace in Whatever Season You're In

Summary

In this episode of The Sentimental Twist, hosts Melissa and Brittany dive into a rich discussion about home decor and the psychology behind redecorating. They share personal stories, engage in a lively guest interview with Renee from Lucy Betty N June Vintage, learning about starting vintage collections and tips for shopping estate sales. The episode wraps up with a fun speed round of questions and listener submissions. They close the show with the Toast to Sentiment, emphasizing the connection between past and present in our homes and lives.

Highlights:

• Follow our guest Renee on Instagram @lucybettynjune!
• The Diderot Effect article from House Beautiful magazine
• Bless It: follow Brittany on Instagram for more on her candle collaboration with Laura from @thebushelandpeck (you can get info there, too!)
• Bless It: Melissa’s Cookbook Recommendation: Swing By

Takeaways

• The hosts discuss their experiences with home decor and the urge to redecorate.
• They explore the psychology behind the desire to change one's living space.
• Heirloom recipes and kitchen stories are shared, discussing preserving summer bounty.
• A guest interview with Renee from Lucy Betty N June Vintage highlights vintage collecting and estate sale tips.
• Brittany announces a candle collaboration, sharing the scent profile and design process.
• Melissa shares her experience tracking down a sentimental cookbook and shares a new cookbook.
• The hosts engage in a speed round of personal questions, revealing insights about their lives.
• Listener submissions are read, showcasing audience engagement and shared memories.
• The episode concludes with a toast to preserving the past for future generations.
• The hosts encourage listeners to follow their journey and share their own sentimental stories.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: [email protected].

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:21 Welcome to Episode 9 of The Sentimental Twist

01:26 The Diderot Effect

11:15 Heirloom Kitchen Stories: Preserving Flavors of Summer

16:47 Collecting Vintage: Favorite Finds & Current Trends

23:11 Guest Interview: Renee from @LucyBettyNJune Vintage

45:54 Takeaways from Renee's Interview

53:10 Bless It, We Had to Share: Brittany's Candle Collab with Laura @thebushelandpeck

56:45 Bless It, We Had to Share: Melissa's Cookbook Rec "Swing By"

01:00:45 Porch Talk Speed Round

01:06:01 Listener Submissions: Whatcha Thinkin' Sugar? 

01:08:51 A Toast to Sentiment: To Being the Link