Happy Hostess Podcast

Joy Unwrapped: 25 Christmas Tradition Ideas

Episode 56: Joy Unwrapped: 25 Christmas Tradition Ideas
 
In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, the host, Kristie LaLonde, shares 25 fun Christmas traditions that you can start this year  to make memories  with your loved ones. The list is made up of listener favorites, party theme ideas, traditions that are perfect for making new memories with friends and of course family focused traditions for Christmas.  From simple  to more elaborate, this list has something for everyone.   Kristie is a true believer that the repetitive nature of traditions creates cherished memories and bonds us together with our friends and family.  Share your own Christmas traditions on Instagram by using the #happyhostesstraditions. Whether you're looking to revive old traditions or start new ones, this episode offers plenty of inspiration for creating loving memories during the holiday season.
 
Resources~
 
Bauble Stockings:
https://www.baublestockings.com/
 
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson:
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Christmas-Pageant-Ever/dp/0064402754
 
Happy Hostess Link:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
 

An Elegant Low Stress Christmas Dinner Menu

Episode 55: An Elegant Low Stress Christmas Dinner Menu
 
Join host Kristie LaLonde in this special holiday episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast, where she guides you through the art of creating an elegant yet stress-free Christmas dinner menu. Kristie shares her expert tips and hand-picked recipes for a memorable feast that will impress your guests without leaving you frazzled in the kitchen. From a mouthwatering appetizer to show-stopping main course and a delicious dessert, you'll discover the secrets to hosting a sophisticated Christmas dinner without breaking a sweat. Tune in to ensure your holiday gathering is filled with delightful flavors and cherished moments. It's the perfect episode to make your Christmas celebration a delicious and stress-free success!
Resources Mentioned:
 
Lydia Menzies Party Week Christmas Tree Tea
https://lydiamenzies.com/party-week-christmas-tree-tea/
 
Sally’s Baking Addiction Cranberry Sauce Recipe:https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cranberry-sauce/
 
Pioneer Woman’s Burgundy Mushrooms Recipe:
https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9476/burgundy-mushrooms/
 
Au Gratin Potatoes :
Note*  I like to substitute cheeses in the recipe.  Gruyere and Parmesan are delicious as well instead of Cheddar Cheese.
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15925/creamy-au-gratin-potatoes/
 
Amy Hannon’s Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze:https://books.google.com/books?id=79WdEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA143&lpg=PA143&dq=amy+hannon+roasted+honey+brussel+sprouts&source=bl&ots=48qhhDHZ-K&sig=ACfU3U15sPBfyBve7ZadtYNALhczt_2dcw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwizjPK5h-WCAxVHrokEHZPDCLIQ6AF6BAgIEAM#v=onepage&q=amy%20hannon%20roasted%20honey%20brussel%20sprouts&f=false
 
Happy Hostess Link:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
 

Five Christmas Gift Ideas for the Hostess

Episode 54: Five Christmas Gift Ideas for the Hostess
 
In this festive episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast, your host, Kristie LaLonde spreads holiday cheer and shares her top 5 Christmas gift ideas for the ultimate hostess with the mostess! Tune in as she explores thoughtful gift ideas that will surely delight anyone who loves to entertain in the home. From modestly priced gifts to true luxury, Kristie provides you with a curated list of gift suggestions that will make your favorite hostess' holiday season merry and bright. Don't miss out on these delightful ideas to show your appreciation for those who love to make their gatherings extra special. It's the perfect episode to get you into the holiday spirit and help you find the ideal gifts for the hostess in your life!
Hoffman Media Store:
https://hoffmanmediastore.com/
 
Loralee Lewis:
https://www.loraleelewis.com/
 
Dots & Gingham:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DotsAndGingham
 
Lydia Menzies Party Prep School Subscription:
https://lydiamenzies.com/supper-club-prep-school/
 
Cheerful Baker’s Cookie Decorating Class in a Box:
https://cheerfulcutters.com/products/the-cheerful-box-sugar-cookie-cutter-kit
 
June St. George Bespoke China Collection:
https://junestgeorge.com/collections/bespoke-china
Happy Hostess Link:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

Embracing Gratitude and Thanksgiving During Difficult Times

Episode 53: Embracing Gratitude and Thanksgiving During Difficult Times
 
Kristie LaLonde has the pleasure of sitting down with JeriLynne Clifford in this special 1-year anniversary episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast. We celebrate having JeriLynne as our very first returning guest with a heartfelt story of thanksgiving. JeriLynne Clifford, also known as the Hill Country Bon Vivant, shares her incredible journey of gratitude in the face of hardship. She recounts her family’s recent experience with a house fire that completely destroyed her home.  Despite the recent hardships JeriLynne has a spirit of gratitude and joy that she cultivates with intentional practices. She shares these habits along with some fantastic tips for hosting Thanksgiving. JeriLynne Clifford's experience serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of gratitude even during life's difficult moments.
JeriLynne has loved food, entertaining and the life of a gourmand for as long as she can remember. She catered her first wedding at sixteen and continued to cater full and part time throughout her life. She first realized her love for adventure in food, entertaining, and traveling when she started planning family vacations and events. JeriLynne is the proud mother of four grown children and has recently moved to the Hill Country of Fredericksburg, Texas with her husband, Scott. She is excited to share her passion for cooking, entertaining and all things hospitality with others via her website and social media.
 
-Resource Links-
Link to JeriLynne’s First Episode- “Let’s Talk Turkey”
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-hostess-podcast/id1653818512?i=1000586282630
 
JeriLynne Clifford
Website and Newsletter: https://hillcountrybonvivant.com/  
-Social Media Links-
https://www.instagram.com/stories/the_hill_country_bon_vivant/
https://www.facebook.com/thehillcountrybonvivant
 
Happy Hostess
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
 
 
 
 
 

Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Episode 52 : Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes
 
In this episode, Kristie LaLonde is sharing traditional side dish inspiration for Thanksgiving. She shares four dishes that tried and true winners for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or your next Fall gathering. All of these dishes are simple and easy to transport if you need to bring to a friend or family member’s house. Be sure to tune in to the episode for all the details!
 
Resources:
Link for the Four Side Dish Recipes:
https://happyhostess.myflodesk.com/thanksgivingsidedishrecipes
 
 
Episode 39: Episode with my Sister In Law Lisa Walker
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-hostess-podcast/id1653818512?i=1000623780072
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Hosting Thanksgiving Tips From the Expert

Episode 51 : Hosting Thanksgiving Tips from the Expert
 
In this Thanksgiving episode, Kristie LaLonde sits down with Renee Patrone Rhinehart, the CEO and founder of Party Host Helpers, a company dedicated to making events, including Thanksgiving, more enjoyable and stress-free. Renee shares her expertise and insider tips on how to host a Thanksgiving gathering that leaves you with cherished memories rather than stress. Discover Renee's invaluable insights on planning ahead, delegating tasks, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. From menu planning to time management and even handling unexpected hiccups, Renee offers practical advice that will help both novice and experienced hostesses enjoy the holiday. This conversation will leave you feeling empowered and well-prepared to host a memorable, stress-free Thanksgiving celebration for your loved ones. Whether you're a first-time host or looking to improve your hosting skills, this episode is filled with actionable tips to ensure your Thanksgiving feast is a success!
Renee Patrone Rhinehart does more than just host a party to remember.  The founder of two companies, Events by Renee and Party Host Helpers, Renee is now a self-made business leader.
Over the past decade, she has grown Events by Renee into Philadelphia’s premiere wedding planning business.  From the engagement ring to the ‘I do’s,’ Renee has walked dozens of couples down the aisle and into their future with a fabulous celebration.
Renee launched her second business, Party Host Helpers, in 2014 in the Philadelphia area. She realized so many of her hosts were too busy with prepping, serving and cleaning, they usually missed their whole party.  Renee developed the idea of using servers and bartenders to assist at bridal showers, holiday dinners, graduation parties and more.  The helpers do it all – greet guests, mix drinks and unload dishwashers. Now 10 years later, Party Host Helpers is in more than 30 cities from New York City, to West Palm Beach to Los Angeles and continues to grow.
 
-How to Connect with Renee:
Party Host Helpers
Events by Renee
Instagram: 
@partyhosthelpers
@events_byrenee
Facebook: 
facebook.com/partyhosthelpers
facebook.com/eventsbyrenee
 
Resources Mentioned: 
 
Patricia Maristch of The Preppy Podcast and @thepreppypodcast
Mary Alice at Home: https://www.maryaliceathome.com/ and @maryalice.home
Best Friends for Frosting: https://bestfriendsforfrosting.com/  and @bestfriendsforfrosting
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
Instagram: @happyhostesscollective
facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Elevate Your Party Etiquette

Episode 50 : Elevate Your Party Etiquette
 
In this episode, Kristie LaLonde has the pleasure of engaging in a conversation with Alison Cheperdak, the founder of Elevate Etiquette. Alison is not just an authority on etiquette; she's also a seasoned hostess and event stylist. Her talent lies in making etiquette guidelines easily accessible for everyday use, offering invaluable insights for both hosts and guests at any gathering. Make sure to join us for the full discussion and acquire valuable tips on gracefully maneuvering through complex social sitiations.
 
Alison M. Cheperdak is the founder of Elevate Etiquette, a distinguished consultancy that offers social, business, and dining etiquette courses as well as international protocol and event styling services. Alison seeks to uplift and
empower others to become the most confident, poised, and positively impactful versions of themselves. 
 
-How to Connect with Alison:
https://elevateetiquette.com/
Instagram: @elevateetiquette
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
Instagram: @happyhostesscollective
facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Super SImple Menu for Halloween Night Trick-or-Treating

Episode 49 : Super Simple Menu for Halloween Trick-or-Treating
 
In this episode, Kristie LaLonde shares a menu perfect for a busy Halloween night of trick-or-treating. Every dish is simple even for a beginner cook. The menu is adult and child friendly, perfect for colder weather, and easy to prepare in advance so that you can enjoy the festivities. Be sure to tune in to the episode for a festive Halloween menu that will make for a new holiday tradition.
 
Resources:
 
Episode 41: 5 Classic Tailgate Recipes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-hostess-podcast/id1653818512?i=1000625250368
 
Recipes for Cheddar Cheese Ring and Caramel Apple Dip:
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64e4a28adb7b1adad52ff283
 
Pioneer Woman Chili Recipe:
This recipe is a great starting point for basic chili.  I adapt it to my family’s taste.  I omit the beans and add extra cumin and beef soup base.  
 
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/simple-perfect-chili-recipe-2107099
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

How to Entertain Beautifully with Ease

Episode 48 : How To Entertain Beautifully with Ease
 
In this episode Kristie LaLonde interviews Dwayne Anderson of House by JSD. Dwayne is an interior designer with over thirty years of experience and he is sharing his tips for how to make your home and table beautiful for your guests.  His take on sharing your home is refreshing and you’ll love his charming stories of hospitality!  
 
Dwayne Anderson is from Phyllis Kentucky and graduated from Pikeville College in Accounting and Marketing.  He has been married to his wife, Kathy, for 32 years and they have two grown children, Ian and Chloe.  He co-owns House by JSD with his two business partners of fifteen years.
 
Connect with Dwayne:
https://housebyjsdonline.com/
 
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/housebyjsd/
 
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/housebyjsd
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective
 

Things to Do Now to Prepare for a Stress Free Holiday Season

Episode 47: Things to Do Now to Prepare for a Stress Free Holiday Season
 
In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, Kristie LaLonde shares some simple things to do now in October to make for a more pleasurable holiday season in December. There is so much to do during the holiday season that many are left overwhelmed and frazzled by the time the big day arrives.  October is the perfect time to evaluate your goals and do some planning so that you can enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.  A little preparation now can make for a stress free holiday later! 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective