Episode 111: Dear Mom, How Do I Host? Blending Traditions with Modern Hospitality

Have you ever wished you could text your mom for a little hosting advice? That’s exactly what inspired today’s guest, Kristy McCormally, to start “Dear Mom, How Do I Host?”

When Kristy’s daughter asked, “Do I really need place cards?” she wasn’t just asking about table settings—she was asking how to make people feel seen, welcomed, and at ease. Kristy has been living that question for more than thirty years, hosting in all kinds of spaces from Florida to her current home, a 115-year-old historic house in Suffolk, Virginia.

In this episode, Kristy shares:

• The story behind Dear Mom, How Do I Host?
• How to revive gracious traditions in a relaxed, modern way
• The small details—like place cards—that tell guests, “you matter”
• Why hospitality is more about presence than perfection

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by hosting or wondered which details really make a difference, this conversation will encourage and inspire you to open your home with confidence and joy.

Mentioned in this episode:

Happy Cookbook Party- There’s a seat at the table saved just for you. Find out more about the cookbook club that’s more like a party! https://happycookbookparty.com/

Connect with Kristy McCormally:

• Follow Kristy on Instagram & Facebook: @thetruitthouse

• Learn more at: www.truitthouseliving.com

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram: @happyhostesscollective

• Website: www.happyhostesscollective.com

Episode 110: Southern Tailgating Made Simple: Menus, Timelines & Styling Ideas

Ready to host a tailgate without the stress? In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, food blogger Stacey Pirtle of Southern Discourse shares her best tailgating tips straight from her new ebook, The Easy Guide to Southern Tailgating.

Discover easy Southern tailgate recipes, smart make-ahead strategies, and styling ideas that will wow your guests without wearing you out. Stacy also explains how to use her game day timelines so you can stay organized and actually enjoy the party.

If you’re looking for stress-free tailgating ideas that combine Southern flavors with effortless style, this episode will help you plan a game day your guests will love.

• Southern Discourse Blog
• The Easy Guide to Southern Tailgating Ebook

• Follow on Instagram: @happyhostesscollective
• Learn more about the Happy Cookbook Party: HappyCookbookParty.com
• HappyHostessCollective.com

Episode 109: Things that Steal Your “Happy” from Hosting Series: #2 The Comparison Trap

Comparison can quietly steal the joy from entertaining at home. This episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast explores how the comparison trap can lead hosts to plan events that don’t reflect their personal style—often resulting in stress, overspending, or a loss of genuine connection. Learn how to identify when comparison is influencing party planning, discover tips for embracing your own unique hosting style, and find ways to create gatherings that feel authentic, joyful, and effortless.

Mentioned in this episode

What’s For Dinner Summit

Happy Cookbook Party- Join Us!

Let’s connect: Instagram: @happyhostesscollective

Episode 108: Things that Steal Your "Happy" from Hosting Series: #1 Letting Go of Perfect

Have you ever thrown a party where everything looked beautiful… but you were too worn out to enjoy it? Or felt completely defeated when your showstopping dessert flopped just before guests arrived?

You’re not alone

In this first episode of our new series, The Top 5 Things That Steal Your ‘Happy’ When Entertaining, we’re tackling a big one: perfectionism. It’s sneaky, persistent, and can take all the fun out of what should be a joyful experience.

We’ll talk about:

• How perfectionism shows up in party planning
• Why it’s rooted in good intentions—but often leads to procrastination, stress, and burnout
• Simple mindset shifts and practical tips to bring the joy back to hosting
• A few signs that you might be in the perfectionism trap

You’ll leave this episode feeling seen, encouraged, and empowered to host with less pressure and more purpose.

Links & Resources:

• Say hi or share your thoughts on Instagram @happyhostesscollective
• Want more support and fun with your hosting? Our virtual cookbook club, the Happy Cookbook Party. is the place where community and learning come together! Find other women just like you that love hosting and want to improve their skills. Join us and be a part of the fun!

Learn more about the host, Kristie LaLonde at happyhostesscollective.com

Episode 107: What to Do When Guests Don’t RSVP and How to Improve Your Response Rate

Are you tired of chasing down RSVPs for your party or event? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast, we’re talking all about the RSVP—what it really means, why people don’t respond, and most importantly, how to improve your RSVP response rate when you’re hosting at home.

Host Kristie LaLonde breaks down:

• The true meaning of RSVP (and why it feels optional these days)
• Common reasons why guests don’t RSVP
• The cultural and generational shifts in RSVP etiquette
• Why mailed invitations still work better than digital invites
• Pros and cons of using Facebook Events, Evite, and QR codes
• The importance of adding a due date to your RSVP request
• Why you should think twice before using “Regrets Only”
• How to follow up (graciously) with guests who haven’t responded

Whether you’re planning a dinner party, baby shower, bridal shower, or even a wedding, knowing your guest count is key to a successful event. You’ve put time and energy into creating a special experience—getting an RSVP helps you prepare and feel appreciated in the process!

If you’ve ever asked, “Why doesn’t anyone RSVP anymore?” or “How do I get more people to respond to my invitations?”—this episode is for you.

💌 Got a tip or strategy that works for getting responses? Share it with Kristie on Instagram @happyhostesscollective — she’d love to hear from you!

Join Us in the Happy Cookbook Party! happycookbookparty.com

Connect with Kristie LaLonde: HappyHostessCollective.com

Episode 106: Baby Shower Social Etiquette Today: Plus Trending Games & Decor

Part 2 in the Baby Shower Series

Have baby showers started to feel more like weddings lately? You’re not imagining it! In this second episode of our baby shower series, Kristie dives into the evolution of baby shower culture—from balloon arches to diaper raffles, co-ed parties, and even moms-to-be planning their own showers.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The biggest trends in baby shower decor, desserts, and activities
• How games and raffles are making a comeback
• How technology and social media are changing how we celebrate
• What’s changed in the etiquette and expectations of baby showers
• Real talk about supporting first-time moms and the importance of showing up with love (not perfection)

Kristie also shares her take on what’s fun, what’s overdone, and what might be missing in today’s celebrations—and leaves you with a meaningful challenge to encourage and uplift the moms in your life.

🎉 If you missed Part 1 on baby shower themes and inspiration, be sure to go back and listen!

Links & Resources:

• Listen to Episode 105: Baby Shower Themes That Are Trending Now
• Join the Happy Cookbook Party: happycookbookparty.com
• Share your baby shower stories with Kristie on Instagram @happ

Planning a baby shower? Whether you're a hostess, friend, or expecting mama, this episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast is your go-to guide for the latest baby shower trends, modern theme ideas, and creative party alternatives that reflect how celebrations have evolved in recent years.

In this episode, Kristie shares:

• Top trending baby shower themes for 2025: Baby in Bloom, Berry Sweet Baby, Winnie the Pooh, A Little Cutie, Teddy Bear “We Can Bearly Wait”, Boho Baby, Baby-Q, and classic vintage-inspired themes like Peter Rabbit and stork motifs
• New types of baby celebrations beyond the traditional shower:
  • Sprinkle Showers for second or third-time moms
  • Nesting Parties where friends help with nursery setup, meal prep, and baby organization
  • Grandmother-to-Be Showers for first-time grandmas
  • Display Showers where gifts are presented unwrapped for easier flow and less pressure
  • Co-ed Showers (Jack & Jill) that welcome both parents and guests of all ages
• Fresh party activity ideas, stylish decor tips, on-theme food and favor inspiration

Whether you’re into elegant floral showers, playful themes like Strawberry Shortcake, or meaningful acts-of-service gatherings, this episode offers inspiration for every kind of hostess.

✨ This is Part 1 of our two-part Baby Shower series. Tune in next week for Part 2: How Baby Shower Etiquette Has Changed—What’s In, What’s Out, and What Still Matters.

Happy Cookbook Party- The Cookbook Club where the love of Hosting brings together women that want to find the best recipes, tips and tricks for entertaining at home

#104 Graceful Hosting and Helping in the Wake of Loss

This episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast is a tender and meaningful conversation with Lisa Cleary, a founding member of the Happy Cookbook Party. Lisa recently lost her father and chose to host the reception following his funeral—a decision that brought comfort, connection, and even healing. She shares the practical steps she took, what helped her most, and how hospitality became a way to honor her father’s life. We also talk about how to support a grieving friend in thoughtful, genuine ways. Lisa’s story is full of heart, wisdom and practical ways to support anyone navigating loss and grief.

Topics Covered

• Why Lisa chose to host the reception herself
• How hospitality helped her navigate grief
• The first questions she asked herself while planning
• What to delegate—and what to keep personal
• How to reflect a loved one’s personality through food and details
• What kind of help was actually helpful
• How hospitality can bring peace and healing, even in hard times

Thank you to Lisa Cleary for sharing so openly and graciously. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how we can show love through service, even when our hearts are hurting.

Join Us in the Happy Cookbook Party!

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

Happy Hostess

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