Happy Hostess Podcast

How to Elevate Your Bar at Home

Episode 71 : How to Elevate Your Bar at Home
In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, host Kristie LaLonde invites Laurie Sugg, the talented mind behind The Fab Foo and the Raleigh Cocktail Company, to share her expertise on elevating the home bar experience. This episode delves into the latest trends in the cocktail scene and offers invaluable tips for infusing charm and sophistication into your personal bar setup. Listeners can expect to learn practical advice on how to transform their home bar into a stylish and inviting space. Laurie’s passion for mixology shines through as she shares her secrets with enthusiasm and warmth. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a novice bartender, this episode offers valuable guidance for taking your home bar to the next level!
Laurie Sugg grew up in Wilmington, and has been married to her husband, Sam, for thirty-four years.  They have a young adult daughter living in Washington, DC. Laurie opened The Fab Foo in the spring of 2017 after a 30 year career in banking.  A lifelong collector of porcelains and Asian antiques, she decided it was the perfect time for a career change and put her history degree to use. Starting with porcelains, Laurie added Midcentury, French, Italian, Palm Beach, and other flavors of vintage décor to the shop, and eventually added a full line of gifts and entertaining accessories.  Laurie created the brand “Raleigh Cocktail Company” and launched the original first of its kind “cocktail boutique” after years spent building vintage inventory,  which started after she bought an “as is” Wrightsville Beach home.  The Fab Foo offers the largest selection of vintage barware and bar accessories in North Carolina, with over 500 sets of glassware, plus a full selection of mixers, tools for the home bartender, and cocktail themed gifts, all selected to “Elevate Your Spirits.”
Resources:
https://www.thefabfoo.com/
 
Find Laurie on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thefabfoo
https://www.instagram.com/raleighcocktailcompany
 
Find Laurie on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thefabfoo
https://www.facebook.com/raleighcocktailcompany
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Simple and Delicious Easter Brunch Menu

Episode 70 : A Simple and Delicious Easter Brunch Menu 
In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, host Kristie LaLonde shares how to enjoy the Easter holiday with your friends and family by using a simple make Easter brunch menu. You will love it because all of the menu items have  little preparation on the day of Easter so that you get to enjoy your family and guests.  Your friends and family will feel loved and welcomed with a delicious meal!  Tune into the episode for all the details.
 
Resources:
TimeLine Planner, Garlic Cheese Grits Recipe and Pineapple Casserole Recipe:
https://happyhostess.myflodesk.com/easter
 
Episode 21: The Key to Stress Free Entertaining a Mealtime Planner
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-key-to-stress-free-entertaining-a-mealtime-planner/id1653818512?i=1000606251204
 
Episode 68: Keys to Avoiding Overwhelm When Planning a Party: Modify, Delegate, or Eliminate
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-keys-to-avoiding-overwhelm-when-planning-a/id1653818512?i=1000648057314
 
Mandarin Orange Salad Recipe:
https://www.food.com/recipe/delicious-asian-chicken-salad-with-chow-mein-noodles-300183
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Inspiration and a Book Review of Together at the Table Entertaining at Home With the Creators of Juliska

Episode 69: Inspiration and a Review of Together at the Table Entertaining at Home With the Creators of Juliska
 
In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, host Kristie LaLonde shares three  pieces of inspiration that she found from her first impression of the book, Together at the Table Entertaining at Home with the Creators of Juliska. The book is filled with beautiful gatherings, tables and floral arrangements.  The founders of Juliska, Capucine de Wulf Gooding and Mark Gooding do a beautiful job of sharing how they live well in today’s modern world. Tune in for inspiration and all the details about entertaining and creating memorable gatherings.
 
Resources:
 
Link to Updates for New Cookbook Series:
http://happyhostesscollective.com/
 
Link for the book: Together at the Table Entertaining with the Creators of Juliska by Capucine de Wulf and David Gooding
https://www.amazon.com/Together-Table-Entertaining-creators-Juliska/dp/141976196X/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=cdCDr&content-id=amzn1.sym.d0ebfbb2-6761-494f-8e2f-95743b37c35c%3Aamzn1.symc.50e00d6c-ec8b-42ef-bb15-298531ab4497&pf_rd_p=d0ebfbb2-6761-494f-8e2f-95743b37c35c&pf_rd_r=QW19WETMKTGP7KAE06AF&pd_rd_wg=6KXL5&pd_rd_r=f65f4246-9746-4d37-9a13-4d0c7883d02d&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective
 

The Keys to Avoiding Overwhelm When Planning a Party: Modify, Delegate, or Eliminate

Episode 68 The Keys to Avoiding Overwhelm When Planning a Party: Modify, Delegate, or Eliminate
Have you ever been so excited to plan a party but by the time the first guest arrived you were completely overwhelmed and  worn out?  If so, this is the episode for you. The host, Kristie LaLonde,  shares a process that helps her budget her time, energy and mental focus.  This process gives you the tools to host an instagram worthy party without all the stress and overwhelm.  Tune in to find out the secrets to avoiding overwhelm and still have the party of your dreams.
Resources:
Episode 61 How to Host a Buffet Style Dinner Party
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-hostess-podcast/id1653818512?i=1000641834195
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective
 

How to Uplevel Your Table Settings: 5 Tips for a Beautiful and Memorable Table

Episode 67 How to Uplevel Your Table Settings: 5 Tips for a Beautiful and Memorable Table
In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, the host, Kristie LaLonde, dives into the art of setting the table for a warm and welcoming dining experience. She covers it all, from how to get started to how to add charm and personality into your table decor.  Her tips and tricks will help you set a beautiful table that dazzles your guests and sets the stage for unforgettable experience. So whether you're hosting a formal dinner party or a casual gathering with friends, these expert insights will inspire you to infuse creativity, personality, and style into every aspect of your table setting. Tune in and discover how to transform your dinner party into a memorable event.
Resources:
 
Speak Up With Laura Podcast by Dr. Laura Camacho 
https://www.speakupwithlaura.com/
 
Episode 28 Communication Secrets
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-hostess-podcast/id1653818512?i=1000613198925
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

How to Create Family Traditions that Make Lasting Memories

Episode 66: How to Create Family Traditions that Make Lasting Memories
In this heartwarming episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, the host Kristie LaLonde sits down with Caroline Bowen, the creative mind behind Sweet Kaki's Pies. As they delve into the topic of family traditions, Caroline shares cherished memories and insights into how she has cultivated meaningful traditions over the years. From time-honored recipes passed down through generations to the joy of creating new traditions with her own family, Caroline's journey is sure to inspire listeners to embrace the power of shared experiences and the importance of creating lasting memories with loved ones. Join Kristie and Caroline as they explore the beauty of family traditions and the legacy of love they leave behind.
 
About Caroline:
Caroline Bowen, also known as Kaki to her family & friends started her dream as a pie baker after suffering a heart attack in May of 2019. While recovering from her heart attack, Caroline had so many regrets of not starting her dream of having a pie business. When she completed her cardiac rehabilitation & on her one year anniversary of her heart attack, she started selling pies off of her front porch & she never looked back. Her business , Sweet Kaki’s, LLC grew & she has built her own commercial kitchen & she sells her pies to retailers in 6 states. Sweet Kaki’s is a business made out of true grit & love. Baking & selling her pies brings her pure joy. 
 
Connect With Caroline:
https://www.sweetkakis.com/
 
Caroline’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sweetkakis/
 
Caroline’s Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sweetkakishomemade/
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Hosting to Create Connections and Build Community with Ashley Klaja

Episode 65: Hosting to Create Connections and Build Community with Ashley Klaja
In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, host Kristie LaLonde sits down with Ashley Klaja, a talented creator known for her captivating tablescapes adorned with delectable cake creations. Ashley shares her experience of suffering a loss and feeling like she was alone in her suffering. This eventually  led to Ashley to start hosting monthly events called Chick Chats, aimed at nurturing connections among women in the community. Ashley gives all the details so that you can foster relationships and create connections in your community.  She also gives us the scoop on her recent experience of creating one of her amazing cake tablescapes for Kathy Hilton. It's a fun and inspiring conversation about how food, creativity, and conversations can really bring people closer. Tune  in for all of the details!
About Ashley: 
Ashley has been a “creator” since before it was the cool thing to be.  She has always been inspired to develop a vision and then use her skills and intuition to turn those visions into reality. Whether it’s decorating a table, hosting a party or renovating an entire house, everything starts with a vision. Once she knows the aesthetic, her imagination takes over and  she doesn’t stop until it’s picture perfect!
Connect With Ashley:
https://www.asweetatthetable.com/
 
Ashley’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/asweetatthetable
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Soup Supper Success: Tips and Recipes for the Beginner Hostess

Episode 64: Soup Supper Success: Tips and Recipes for the Beginner Hostess
 
In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, the host, Kristie LaLonde, discusses  the art of hosting a simple yet heartwarming soup supper that's perfect for every hostess, from the very experienced to the beginner.  She  shares some of her favorite soup recipes, very simple menus  and imparts valuable tips for making soup in general. Whether you're planning a cozy gathering with friends or a relaxed family dinner, this episode provides the guidance you need to make your soup supper a resounding success. Tune in for some entertaining at home  inspiration, practical advice, and the comfort of a well-hosted meal that will warm your guest’s heart and soul!
 
~Resources~:
 
Link for the Santa Fe and Potato Soup Recipes
https://happyhostess.myflodesk.com/rgunot5fle
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
Instagram: @happyhostesscollective
facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

How to Use Vintage Decor For Your Table and Home

Episode 63 : How to Use Vintage Decor for the Table and Home
 
Step into the enchanting world of vintage decor and home entertaining with a brand-new episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast! Join the host, Kristie LaLonde, as she sits down with Laura Brock, owner of the House of Hanbury – an online store dedicated to vintage decor that adds a touch of timeless elegance to your home.
In this inspiring episode, Laura shares her passion for all things vintage and reveals the secrets to incorporating vintage items on your table when entertaining at home. From antique dinnerware to charming centerpieces Laura's expertise will leave you brimming with creative ideas to make your gatherings truly unforgettable.
Laura's tips on sourcing unique vintage pieces and combining them with contemporary elements will have you eager to curate your own distinctive tablescapes.
Whether you're a seasoned entertainer looking to infuse more character into your gatherings or a novice seeking inspiration for your first hosted event, this episode is a full of insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how to elevate your home entertaining game and create unforgettable memories with the charm of vintage decor.
About Laura:
Laura Brock comes from a family that has always admired vintage finds.  From an early age, she has loved to create memories around a fancy holiday dining table, using her finest linens, china and silver found while antiquing with her mother.
 
Laura enjoys studying the history of unique finds with her husband, who also comes from a family of collectors. A former school teacher, she and her husband raised 2 sons and then it was time for Laura to figure out what would bring her happiness in the next phase of life.
 
Which is where THE HOUSE OF HANBURY (named after her sweet mom, Shirley “Bucky” Hanbury) comes into play. Laura still enjoys the “thrill of the find” and placing that item into a home where it’s loved, cherished, displayed or used to create more countless memories for years to come.
 
-How to Connect with Laura:
 
https://thehouseofhanbury.com/
 
Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/thehouseofhanbury
Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/thehouseofhanbury
 
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
Instagram: @happyhostesscollective
facebook.com/happyhostesscollective
 

How to Set Up a Bar for Your Home or Dinner Party

Episode 62: How to Set Up a Bar at Home
 
In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, the host, Kristie LaLonde, details how to set up a home bar for a typical dinner party for 10-12. She takes all the guesswork out of how much and what type of alcohol, what mixers you need along with all the hardware such as tools and glassware.  You’ll be able to set up a home bar in no time that will be sure to please your guests. Tune in for all the details!
 
Resources Mentioned:
 
Home Bar Essentials Checklist:
https://happyhostess.myflodesk.com/z3ux8k189o
 
Boozy Cherries from In the Curious Kitchen:
https://inthecuriouskitchen.com/shop/p/boozycherries
Happy Hostess Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/
https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective