#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

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

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https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

Ep. 103 –Hospitality with Heart: What We Learned from Amy Hannon’s Love Welcome Serve

In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, Kristie reviews Love Welcome Serve by Amy Nelson Hannon after cooking through the book with the Happy Cookbook Party, an online cookbook club. This cookbook is filled with hospitality-minded recipes, practical tips, and a faith-filled perspective that encourages intentional gathering. Kristie shares her favorite dishes from each section, from appetizers to desserts. If you're looking for a cookbook that’s both heartwarming and hostess-friendly, this one deserves a spot in your kitchen. Plus, she announces the next pick for the Happy Cookbook Party — Celebrate with Babs by Barbara Costello. Don’t miss your chance to join the community and bring the fun back to your kitchen!

Join Us in the Happy Cookbook Party!

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

Love, Welcome, Serve by Amy Nelson Hannon

https://amzn.to/4kQ0ENr

Amy Nelson Hannon

https://eunamaes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/eunamaes/

Celebrate With Babs by Barbara Costello

https://amzn.to/43XEfId

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

Episode 102: Cohosting Made Easy: Avoid Stress & Enjoy the Celebration

Have you ever planned a party with friends? How did it go—smooth sailing or a bit chaotic? In today’s episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast, we’re diving into the ins and outs of cohosting. Whether you’re planning a bridal shower, baby shower, or any special event with others, it’s essential to set yourself up for success. We’ll explore how to minimize stress, avoid conflict, and make cohosting a truly enjoyable experience.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to choose your cohosts wisely to create a balanced team.

• The importance of clear communication and setting expectations early.

• Tips for staying organized and using planning tools effectively.

• How to divide responsibilities based on strengths and interests.

• Discuss the best ways to split costs and avoid financial misunderstandings.

• How to handle potential conflicts and keep the focus on the guest of honor.

Key Takeaways:

1. Pick the Right Cohosts – Choose people who are reliable, flexible, and work well with others.

2. Establish Expectations Early – Decide how decisions will be made and how you’ll communicate.

3. Stay Organized – Use a shared planning tool to keep track of tasks and responsibilities.

4. Divide and Conquer – Assign tasks based on skills and preferences to make planning easier.

5. Be Considerate – If the event is at someone’s home, be mindful of their added responsibilities.

6. Handle Finances Upfront – Decide whether costs will be split evenly or divided by category.

7. Focus on the Bigger Picture – The goal is to celebrate the guest of honor and enjoy the process!

By following these tips, you can avoid the common pitfalls of cohosting and ensure your party planning experience is fun, smooth, and stress-free.

Listen now and get ready to cohost with confidence!

🎉 Join the Conversation: Have you cohosted a party before? Share your experiences with us on social media!

👉 Follow & Subscribe: Don’t forget to subscribe to The Happy Hostess Podcast so you never miss an episode!

Happy Hostess

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, Kristie LaLonde explores the pros and cons of cohosting a bridal or baby shower—or any party. She discusses potential challenges like personality conflicts, communication mishaps, and decision-making delays, as well as the benefits of sharing responsibilities, pooling resources, and fostering creativity. Plus, She shares why cohosting can strengthen relationships and make party planning even more rewarding. Don’t miss the updates on the Happy Cookbook Party and our latest recipes! Tune in for tips to decide if cohosting is the right move for your next celebration.

We’ve kicked off Amy Nelson Hannon’s Love Welcome Serve cookbook with our first Zoom Cook Along! We made her White Chicken Chili with Cilantro and Lime and her Everyday Salsa recipe—both were a huge hit! Up next, we’re making Gran’s Strawberry Cake and learning how to create a sweet floral arrangement perfect for Galentine’s or Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect time to join the cookbook party—head to HappyCookbookParty.com to get started.

Tune in as we discuss how to avoid the pitfalls of cohosting. If you’re worried about potential conflicts or miscommunications, we’ll give you tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable planning experience.

• Join the Happy Cookbook Party: HappyCookbookParty.com
• Get Amy Nelson Hannon’s Love Welcome Serve cookbook: here
• HappyHostessCollective.com

100th Episode Special: Trend Forecast for 2025 Parties and Entertaining

Curious about what’s trending in parties and entertaining for 2025? In this special 100th episode of The Happy Hostess Podcast, Kristie LaLonde celebrates this milestone by diving into the year’s hottest predictions, from bold monochromatic color schemes to creative photo rooms and personalized party details. She also reflects on last year’s trends, sharing what hit the mark and what surprised her most. Whether you’re planning a wedding, hosting a dinner party, or just love staying ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with inspiration to elevate your entertaining game. Tune in for fresh ideas, a little nostalgia, and a lot of fun!

📖 Join the Happy Cookbook Party! We’re kicking off Love, Welcome, Serve by Amy Hannon, and it’s full of delicious recipes perfect for entertaining. Cook along with us on Zoom, share your creations, and connect with a community of fellow hosts. Join here!

🍽️ Lydia Menzies’ Secret Supper Club Experience: Experience the magic of Lydia’s supper club in Athens, Georgia, on January 13th and 14th. Kristie will be there on the 14th, and it’s open to everyone! Get your tickets here!

~Resources~

Love, Welcome, Serve by Amy Nelson Hannon

https://a.co/d/5aMbUx3

Happy Hostess

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

Episode 99 Cookies, Swaps, and Holiday Hacks: Expert Baking Tips from Hetal Vasavada

Get ready to elevate your holiday baking! In this episode of the Happy Hostess podcast, Kristie LaLonde interviews, MasterChef alum and Desi Bakes author Hetal Vasavada. Hetal her favorite cookie recipes, foolproof tips for organizing a memorable cookie swap, and essential baking hacks every host needs to know. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned pro, Hetal’s advice will help you create delicious treats and unforgettable holiday moments. Plus, discover how you can use your entertaining and baking skills to support a meaningful cause this season!

Hetal Vasavada is a Bay Area-based cookbook author and blogger at Milk and Cardamom. Her recipes have been featured in New York Times, Food & Wine, and Bon Appetit. Her cookbook was named one of the best cookbooks of 2019 by the San Francisco Chronicle and The Washington Post.

~Resources~

Desi Bakes by Hetal Vasavada

Cookies For Kids Cancer:

https://cookiesforkidscancer.org/

Challenge Butter:

https://challengedairy.com/

Connect with Hetal Vasavade:

milkandcardamom.com

milkandcardamomsweets.com

Happy Hostess

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

https://www.happyhostesscollective.com/

Episode 98 Crafting the Perfect Gift: Tips for Memorable Holiday Giving

In this episode of the Happy Hostess Podcast, we’re diving into the art of holiday gift-giving with Mary Lea Howard, a member of the Happy Cookbook Party who’s known for her uniquely creative approach to gifts. She shares her favorite ideas, tips for personalizing presents, and insider secrets for choosing memorable gifts that guests and loved ones adore. You’ll get inspiration for themed giftsand thoughtful ways to make each gift feel truly special. Whether you’re looking to impress your holiday guests or find the perfect present for friends and family, this episode is packed with ideas to make your holiday season unforgettable!

Mary Lea Howard is from Louisville, Kentucky with a passion for hosting and entertaining. Known for her warm hospitality, she loves bringing people together and creating memorable experiences, often sharing her creativity through beautifully curated gift baskets for friends and family.

~Resources~

Boarderie

https://boarderie.com/

Happy Hostess

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

-Social Media Links-

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective

Episode 97: The Sweet Side of Giving: Hosting Events that Make a Difference

In this episode of the Happy Hostess podcast, the host, Kristie LaLonde chats with Lauren Jacobs of the Cheerful Baker about building community through fundraisers and charitable events. Lauren shares her insights on how hosting for a good cause can create deeper connections, strengthen friendships, and make a lasting impact. We explore creative ways to incorporate a cause into gatherings while making guests feel valued and inspired. Plus, we discuss our current collaboration to support Cookies for Kids, a pediatric cancer research nonprofit, in partnership with Challenge Butter.

Lauren Jacobs, also known as The Cheerful Baker, owns her own cookie decorating company and a subscription box,The Cheerful Box. Her subscription box provides her subscribers each month with a set of custom cookie cutters and a class to coordinate with the cutters. She recently appeared on the Food Network, competing on the Christmas Cookie Challenge.

~Resources~

Sign Up for the Free Stained Glass Cookie Class to Raise Money for Cookiesforkidscancer.org and receive Free Challenge Butter:

https://happyhostess.myflodesk.com

Cookies For Kids Cancer:

https://cookiesforkidscancer.org/

Challenge Butter:

https://challengedairy.com/

Connect with Lauren Jacobs:

https://cheerfulbaker.com/

Happy Hostess

Website:- http://happycookbookparty.com/

-Social Media Links-

Lauren Jacobs The Cheerful Baker

https://www.instagram.com/thecheerfulbaker/

https://www.facebook.com/cheerfulbaker/

Happy Hostess

https://www.instagram.com/happyhostesscollective/

https://m.facebook.com/happyhostesscollective