The Sentimental Twist

Summary

We finally did it. 

After years of talking online through Instagram, texts, Zoom, and podcast recording, Brittany and Melissa finally meet in real life. And it was every bit as fun, funny, and heartwarming as you'd expect!

In this bonus episode, we're sharing stories from our weekend together, from first hugs and home tours to good food, meaningful conversations, and all the little moments that made us feel like we'd been friends forever.

Along the way, we chat about hospitality, making people feel at home, decorating with the things you love, and why authentic connection matters so much in a world that often stays behind a screen.

Think of this episode as a cozy catch-up with friends. Pull up a chair and join us.

Highlights:

• Email us [email protected]!

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 Meeting in Real Life: A Special Episode

03:03 The Journey of Friendship: From Online to Offline

05:58 First Impressions and Surprises

08:06 Culinary Adventures: Boiled Peanuts and More

11:02 On Brand Moments: Hosting and Personal Touches

13:59 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Each Other

17:12 Current Obsessions: Gardening and Home Improvements

36:00 Porch Talk: Melissa & Brittany Edition

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Summary

In the Season 3 Finale of The Sentimental Twist, hosts Melissa and Brittany share an interview with guest Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute. Lizzie talks about her great-grandmother’s legacy and shares timeless etiquette principles, modern adaptations, and practical tips for hosting and social interactions. The conversation leads to how consideration, respect, and honesty shape gracious behavior across generations and cultures. Melissa and Brittany also discuss their takeaways and personal stories, along with tips for being a gracious host and a gracious guest. 

Highlights:

• Guest Lizzie Post
  • Emily Post Institute website 
  • Instagram 
  • Podcast Awesome Etiquette 
• Melissa’s Reality TV Show Debut: Netflix’s The Million Dollar Secret 
• Brittany’s Bless It: Janet’s Honeycomb Collection Waitlist 
• Melissa’s Bless It: Holidays Jewelry 
• Work with Brittany:  Details Here  
• Email us [email protected] for a chance to win the Mind Your Manners game!

Takeaways

• The Emily Post Institute believes that modern etiquette considers both principles and manners
• Principles of etiquette are consideration, respect, and honesty. They stand the test of time and can cross cultural boundaries.
• Manners are time sensitive, vary from culture to culture, and can look different for different social groups. You have to learn the proper manners for the situations you are in.
• Being a great guest means arriving with awareness, bringing positive energy, and engaging thoughtfully with others rather than simply showing up.
• Being a great host requires quiet attentiveness like reading the room, guiding the flow, and anticipating needs without drawing attention to it.

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 Season 3 Finale of The Sentimental Twist!

02:36 Guest Interview with Lizzie Post from The Emily Post Institute

50:55 Unspoken Etiquette of Being a Guest

56:38 Unspoken Etiquette of Being a Host

01:07:34 Porch Talk Speed Round

01:24:39 Reader Email: Hosting Challenges and Solutions

01:33:52 Bless It, We Had to Share It

01:43:31 A Toast to Sentiment: Hospitality

01:45:33 Until next season...

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Summary

In this episode, hosts Melissa and Brittany share an interview with Lydia Menzies, a hospitality and hosting expert. Lydia shares her journey from childhood traditions to building a thriving Supper Club community. Discover practical tips for creating memorable gatherings, personalized touches, and the importance of hosting with intention. Lydia shares insights on creating memorable supper clubs, the power of storytelling through objects, and how to host with intention and care. Brittany and Melissa discuss takeaway from the interview, community building, and the importance of hospitality in everyday life. 

***Please complete our listener survey: LINK***

Highlights:

• Guest Lydia Menzies:
  • website 
  • Instagram 
  • book 
  • Supper Club membership 
• Melissa’s Reality TV Show Debut: Netflix’s The Million Dollar Secret  
• Brittany’s Bless It: The Heart-Shaped Tin book 
• Melissa’s Bless It: L’Oreal Infallible Finishing Spray 
• Work with Brittany: Brittany is now offering consulting for home and lifestyle creators who want to grow beyond social media and build a more sustainable, owned business. Details Here  

Takeaways

• You can bring guests into your gathering by involving them in thoughtful ways and considering their needs, preferences, and season of life before they arrive.
• The most meaningful gatherings are not about impressing your guests, but about helping them feel seen, included, and genuinely cared for.
• Small, intentional details like a favorite dish, a kind note, or thoughtful seating often have a greater impact than one big, elaborate element.
• Letting go of perfection allows you to create a more relaxed, welcoming environment where real connection can take center stage.
• Creating a beautiful environment for others is worth the effort when it reflects love, care, and intention rather than a desire to impress.

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 and Introduction

38:53 Guest Interview: Lydia Menzies & The Supper Club

40:58 Our Hosting Takeaways from Lydia's Interview

50:17 Porch Talk Speed Round

01:02:02 What's New with the Ladies of TST?

01:17:27 Bless It, We Had to Share It

01:22:26 A Toast to Sentiment: Hospitality & Caring for Others

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Summary

In this episode, hosts Melissa and Brittany explore the art of decorating with sentimentality, reimagining your home through storytelling, and the joy of shopping your own space. They talk about practical tips for refreshing your home without spending a dime and learn how to create meaningful moments with what you already have.

***Please complete our listener survey: LINK***

Highlights:

• Brittany’s Bless It: Rose Dawn Camellia Japonica from Nancy
• The Storykeepers Circle  
• Melissa’s Digital Store  
• Melissa’s Bless It: Heirloom Roses 
• Alexandra Stoddard’s Living a Beautiful Life

Takeaways

• You can redecorate and redesign your home without shopping for new pieces.
• Shopping your home for decor allows you to freshen spaces without spending a dime.
• Creating a meaningful home is about showcasing your family stories through your decor.
• Restyling and repurposing items is a great way to use meaningful things you don’t know what to do with.
• Seasonal rotation is a fun way to freshen your home when it feels stale.
• Think creatively when it comes to the organization of your seasons and everyday home decor.
• Rituals and intentional living make life beautiful and meaningful.

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 3, Episode 8

04:31 Meaningful Spaces: Decorate Your Home Without Buying New

27:17 Porch Talk Speed Round

41:25 Bless It, We Had to Share It

45:05 A Toast to Sentiment: The Beauty of Everyday Rituals

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Summary

In this episode, hosts Melissa and Brittany explore what it means to release sentimental items with intention instead of obligation. Through personal stories and practical guidance, they share how to navigate emotional attachments, let go of guilt, and honor your story without holding onto everything. Plus, guest Rachel Weizel from Happy Arranging, author of Trader Joe's Flowers, shares practical tips, creative ideas, and the story behind her beautiful bouquets, all under $35. Perfect for flower enthusiasts and home decorators alike.

***Please complete our listener survey: LINK***

Highlights:

• Guest Rachel Weizel from Happy Arranging and https://www.happyarranging.com/ .
• Rachel Book: Trader Joe’s Flowers 
• Brittany’s Bless It: Clear the Sentimental Clutter: 5 Days to Help You Move One Item Out of Limbo

Takeaways

• When decorating with sentimental items, releasing things is sometimes just as important as keeping them. Your home needs space to reflect your life now, not just your past.
• You can honor the story behind an item without keeping the item itself.
• Holding onto things out of guilt or obligation often creates more weight than meaning.
• It’s okay to move slowly when making decisions about sentimental pieces. There’s no need to rush.
• Sometimes the most thoughtful decision is “not yet.” You can come back to it when you’re ready.
• The hardest part of creating a meaningful home isn’t styling. It’s deciding what stays and what goes.
• Whether you’re decorating or arranging flowers, there is no one “right way”—trust what you’re drawn to and let that guide you.
• You can create stunning bouquets for under $35 using Trader Joe's flowers.
• Experimenting with everyday items like cereal bowls and teacups can add charm to your arrangements.
• Using chicken wire helps hold flowers in place and creates more elaborate designs.
• Understanding color theory, especially the color wheel, enhances floral design.
• Regularly snipping flower stems and removing leaves prolongs vase 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 Season 3, Episode 7!
03:40 Sentimental Decorating: Letting Go with Intention
18:21 Guest Interview with Rachel from Happy Arranging
43:09 Porch Talk Speed Round
58:11 Bless It, We Had to Share It!
01:04:19 A Toast to Sentiment

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Summary

In this episode, Melissa and Brittany talk all things gardening and outdoor hosting! They discuss trading perfection for progress in the garden and learn why zinnias are the happiest shortcut to a generous flower season from guest Kelly Radcliffe of Lazy Girls Garden Club. Kelly also shares her gardening tips, favorite plants, and zone-smart planting basics. 

***Please complete our listener survey: LINK: 

Highlights

• Kelly Radcliff: Lazy Girls Garden Club on Instagram 
• Melissa’s Bless It: Burpee Seed Catalog and Martha Washington's Kitchen Garden Seeds via Burpees
• Velveteen Rabbit Book
• Brittany’s Bless It: Fresh Cut Paper: 
• Faux Boxwood Trellises at Lowe's

Takeaways

• There is joy in trial-and-error gardening, which is perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
• Kelly, Melissa, and Brittany discuss how to create a relaxed, approachable garden that blooms with personality
• There are easy ideas for charming outdoor entertaining, from garden parties to porch moments.
• Kelly offers practical tips on timing planting, choosing the right plants for your zone, and garden maintenance.

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 3, Episode 6!

02:07 It's Gardening Season!

08:51 Guest Interview Kelly from Lazy Girls Garden Club

42:33 Porch Talk Speed Round

51:34 Gracious Hospitality: Hosting in the Garden

01:01:02 Bless It, We Had to Share It

01:05:45 A Toast to Sentiment: The Velveteen Rabbit

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Summary

In this episode, Melissa and Brittany explore rich traditions, sentimental stories, and creative ideas for celebrating Easter. From childhood memories to tablescaping tips, this episode is a heartfelt journey into the meaning behind our favorite Easter rituals. The hosts also discuss what makes objects and traditions “heirloom-worthy,” whether you have inherited pieces or not!

***Please complete our listener survey: LINK:***

Highlights:

• The Cake Mix Doctor Cookbook
• Brittany’s Bless It – Shades for Rechargeable Lamps 
  • Stripe 
  • Chinoiserie
• Melissa’s Bless It – Key Lime Shamrock Smash 

Takeaways

• It is fun to reminisce on Easter traditions and memories and carry them forward in your own unique way.
• When setting your Easter table, think creatively about adding in sentimental items with meaning to your pretty table decor.
• Sentimental heirloom pieces are significant, whether you inherited them or collected them yourself.
• You can adopt heirlooms from estate sales, vintage shops, thrift stores, and antique malls.
• The things you use everyday and in special moments are shaping your legacy and are what create nostalgia for your loved ones.

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 3, Episode 5!

03:14 Easter with a Sentimental Twist

20:32 Sentimental Easter Tablescapes

32:40 Porch Talk Speed Round

42:11 Heirloom Worthy: Creating Sentimental Spaces

51:13 Bless It, We Had to Share

57:35 A Toast to Sentiment: Celebrating Sentiment and Legacy

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Summary

In this episode, Melissa and Brittany explore the art of stress-free hosting by using prepping in advance as a strategy. The hosts talk about how planning ahead can transform your gatherings into relaxed, joyful experiences. They also explore the art of infusing everyday life with whimsy, nostalgia, and intentionality, as 2026 has been deemed “The Year of Whimsy.” From decorating tips to self-care rituals, this episode offers practical ideas to bring joy and sentiment into your daily routine.

***Please complete our listener survey: LINK***

Highlights:

• Melissa’s Hostess Journal on YouTube;
• Awesome Etiquette Podcast episode
• Pura Fragrance White Tea No. 1
• Ina’s #1 Entertaining Hack
• Ina’s Make Ahead Cookbook
• Pulled Pork Nachos Recipes
• Brittany’s Bless It – Creators to Follow:
  • Robin - MsThisNThat
  • Janet - The Midlife Joyride
  • Elise - Adorn Your Decor 
• Melissa’s Bless It – Faux Hydrangeas:
• Real Simple’s Year of Whimsy

Takeaways

• Meal prep and planning ahead can be a strategy for stress-free hospitality.
• 2026 is The Year of Whimsy! What does that mean for you?
• Dopamine decorating is adding joyful colors, patterns, and personal touches into your home decor.
• Nostalgic rituals have emotional benefits.
• Analog activities and tech-free zones can create more grounded days.
• Infuse daily rituals into your life to create joy.
• How will you “hit the rewind button?”

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 3, Episode 4!

04:13 Gracious Hospitality: Meal Prep as a Strategy for Hosting with Ease

23:25 Porch Talk Speed Round

37:37 The Year of Whimsy!

51:34 Bless It, We Had to Share It

57:18 Literary Lowdown: What We're Reading and Listening To

01:06:33 A Toast to Sentiment: The Heart of Hospitality and Connection

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Summary
In this episode, Melissa and Brittany explore the art of intimate hosting, the benefits of smaller gatherings, and practical tips for effortless, meaningful entertaining. Discover how to create connection, reduce stress, and elevate your hospitality game with simple, elegant ideas for every season. Join Brittany and Melissa as they share practical tips, story-driven insights, and meaningful ways to celebrate the sentimentality in your space. 

***Please complete our listener survey: LINK***

Highlights:

• 100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know (Cookbook) 
• Marry Me Chicken Menu (Full menu and recipes  on page 245 of the cookbook)
  • One Whole Chicken
  • 3 Lemons and ½ cup lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper
  • Assorted herbs - rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley
  • Spring greens with shaved parmesan
  • Warm bread
  • Strawberry shortcake or lemon icebox pie
• Lemon Squares Recipe
• @natsnourishments on Instagram 
  • Cookbook wth Biscoff Banana Bread: https://rivr.link/tSd-SVoOip
• @msthisnthat on Instagram for Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
• Brittany’s Favorite Amazon Tulips
• Kate Bagley Certified Photo Organizer:
• Photo Myne App
• The Storykeepers Circle

Takeaways

• There are unique benefits in hosting smaller groups.
• Createing intimate and meaningful connections is an important part of hospitality.
• What is the difference between hosting and hospitality?
• It doesn’t take much creativity to create simple, elegant menus for small gatherings.
• Different seasons support your introverted and extroverted personality dynamics.
• It is important to create meaningful and cozy spaces in your home
• Remembering and telling personal stories through family heirlooms creates a sense of groundedness.

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 3, Episode 3

04:28 Gracious Hospitality: Smaller Tables, Longer Conversations

13:56 Gracious Hospitality: Menu Ideas for Intimate Gatherings

29:12 Porch Talk Speed Round

52:23 Winter vs. Summer: Personal Preferences

52:50 Bless It, We Had to Share It

59:44 A Toast to Sentiment: An Irish House Blessing

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Summary

In this episode, Brittany and Melissa delve into the “Savory Girl” entertaining trend and discuss how storytelling through heirlooms and sentimental items can deepen connections to home and loved ones. The episode explores building a supportive community for sharing life's seasons and offers practical tips for hosting with intention. Brittany and Melissa also share insights on integrating storytelling into home decor for future generations, the importance of rituals and routines for daily comfort, and practical ideas for spring cleaning and gardening. With engaging discussions on etiquette and decor tips, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration for living intentionally and meaningfully.

What does nostalgic decor mean to you? How do you tell your family stories? Send us an email at [email protected] and join the conversation!

***Please complete our listener survey: LINK: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7mZe-PrtEErxG9S7NFtsJYScTBStS4phimBNo0NyBAijJfw/viewform?usp=publish-editor 

Highlights:

• Better Homes & Gardens Savory Girl Entertaining Article
• Cheese Board Deck by Meg Quinn
• Mind Your Manners Card Game by Emily Post Institute: 
• Melissa’s Hosting Guide
• Veggie & Savory Food Inspiration on Instagram - Courtney Cooks
• Hatch Sunrise Alarm Clock - Amazon

Takeaways:

• Current trends in entertaining include the “Savory Girl" board, balancing bold flavors over sweets.
• Simple boards and platters are fun and efficient ways to serve guests.
• You can participate in the art of storytelling through heirlooms and sentimental items.
• Building a supportive community for sharing home and life’s seasons is important.
• It’s important to capture your home stories for future generations.
• Rituals and routines enhance daily comfort.
• It’s important to cherish every moment.

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

02:23: Gracious Hospitality: Savory Girl Entertaining

19:41: Porch Talk Speed Round

36:56: The Storykeepers Circle: Building Community

48:20: Bless It, We Had to Share It

57:49: A Toast to Sentiment: Cherishing Life's Moments

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