Conversations with the Hostess
109 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago -Conversations with the Hostess is all about building community and deeper connections with those in your life through hosting them in your home. Join Amy, a wife, mom, Naval Officer, and online party planner as she has conversations weekly with entertaining and party experts. We will discuss parties, holidays, and celebrating life's big and small moments. You'll leave with inspiration and tactical ideas to build a community, deepen friendships, and lead a fulfilled life!
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Episodes
52: Building a Tablescape
March 21, 2022 13:43 - 22 minutes - 16.9 MBThis week is an episode that I had a lot more to say about than I realized. I love a beautiful tablescape and this episode breaks down how to do it yourself. I walk you through all four main parts of the tablescape and give you lots of ways to make them personalized for your party, theme, season, or holiday. It's a great episode that can be used throughout your home and throughout the year. Click below for all of the resources that go along with the episode. You can read the show ...
51: Picking and Incorporating a Party Theme
March 08, 2022 15:01 - 15 minutes - 11.9 MBThis week is all about fun party themes. Sometimes this can be a roadblock for someone when planning a party. If so, I'm walking you through how to pick a party theme whether you're celebrating a person or just a holiday. Plus, I give you easy ways to incorporate that party theme throughout all of the party details. Be sure to listen in and feel free to send me a DM if you need help coming up with a fun party theme. It's so fun to plan a theme party, I'm here to help. Follow me o...
50: Working on Your Relationships with Dr. Lindsay Cavanaugh
March 01, 2022 16:43 - 50 minutes - 32.9 MBThe relationships we have with the people in our community, especially our spouses are so important. Working on those relationships is just as important. In this episode, Dr. Lindsay Cavanaugh a psychologist who has worked extensively with military members and spouses gives us so many tangible ways to reflect and improve on our marriages. Listen in to hear all about it and how you can apply them to your life, marriage, and relationships throughout your community. Find more from Li...
49: A British Perspective of America with Claire Westaway
February 23, 2022 07:12 - 55 minutes - 32.4 MBThis week is an opposite perspective of Episode 46 where I share our experience with hosting while living in England. This episode I'm joined by my British friend Claire Westaway to hear her perspective living in the US as a British person. It's a fascinating conversation where we both have similar feelings and experiences just in different places. It's heart warming to hear her thoughts on Americans and her passion for her time living in the US. Claire has an amazing photography bus...
48: Making Decisions for Our Big Upcoming Move
February 09, 2022 15:04 - 27 minutes - 21.4 MBThis week, my Instagram audience voted to hear about our upcoming move and all the decisions that go along with a move. I'm sharing a little backstory about our situation and how transitional our life will look this year. I also share six categories of things that we consider anytime we move. We've moved four times over the past 14 years and picked up several ideas about what to research, look into, and check that will make a new place work best for our family. What do you consider...
47: Celebrating Valentine's Day with your Community
February 01, 2022 17:00 - 24 minutes - 18.3 MBWant to celebrate Valentine's Day with more than just your significant other? Don't have a bunch of time to do big elaborate things? Then this episode is for you. I share how to celebrate lots of different people in your community for Valentine's Day. Plus, I share my ideas on how to elevate the everyday things you're already doing to make them feel special and specific to Valentine's Day. So many great ways to show the people in your life that you love them and are thinking about th...
46: What I've Learned About Hosting While Living in England
January 26, 2022 16:36 - 31 minutes - 23.5 MBAfter living in England for the last two and a half years, hosting others and being hosting I've learned a few things. In this episode I'm sharing 10 things I've learned. Some of them I definitely plan to incorporate into our hosting once we move back to the United States, some of them I don't think I'll ever be able to get onboard with. Listen in and tell me something you learned about England, how the Brits host, and if you would do any of these things. Be sure to follow @thedailyhos...
45: Making and Maintaining Friendships Through Food
January 19, 2022 13:10 - 53 minutes - 33.9 MBThis week we hear some amazing advice and wisdom from my Navy colleague, Matt Comer. He has hosted thousands of people in his home through short term stays, regular dinner parties, and yearly events. He has blended his love of food and community perfectly together to create a wealth of deep, long term friendships. He gives so many good tips on how to take on risk when meeting people and easy, tangible ways to stay connected with those in your community. Plus, if you like food, you will ...
44: Preparing Ahead of Time for a Party
January 12, 2022 06:40 - 22 minutes - 19.7 MBWe're back with new episodes in 2022! Happy New Year! This episode is a great way to kick the year off with six ways to get prepared ahead of time for any party you plan to host this year. From food, to decorating, and clean up, I give you so many tips to get you prepared for your party so you're not stressed out and overwhelmed on the day of your celebration. Your party is the chance to enjoy being in and celebrating with your community, not to be stressed about cleaning or cooking. ...
43: Bringing People Together With Balloons
December 14, 2021 20:51 - 30 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this final episode of 2021, I'm talking with Lauren, of Oh How Charming all about her balloon business. Plus, it all started when she had to pivot her career after a military move. When military moves make it difficult for spouses to continue their careers, creative businesses are born. Lauren has a very successful party balloon garland shop and helps her customers accomplish a big party decoration on a budget and in an easy diy way. Be sure to listen in this week! You can fol...
42: Getting Your Home Holiday Ready
November 30, 2021 19:58 - 24 minutes - 20.7 MBJoin Amy this week as we get our homes ready for all of the holiday fun and festivities! I'll be sharing six ways to make your home ready to host parties, ready for guests, and ready for the winter and holiday seasons! If you need a little guidance or a quick reminder on how to get on top of all the holiday preparations this is your episode. Links You Should See: Get a gratitude banner print out here. Get a baking inventory checklist here. Download and print a holiday priorit...
41: Stress Free Gift Giving to Your Community
November 09, 2021 16:04 - 26 minutes - 22.6 MBIt's the holiday season and it's time to start gifting to everyone in your community. The shear number of gifts to buy, figuring out what to buy, wrapping it, and budgeting for it can all be very stressful. Listen in this week to hear so many ways to make gift giving a lot less stressful. From figuring out what to buy for that person that has everything, how many gifts to get and how to wrap it, I cover it all in this episode. Be sure to listen now and get a head start on all of your gi...
41: Stress Free Gift Giving to Your Community
November 09, 2021 16:04It's the holiday season and it's time to start gifting to everyone in your community. The shear number of gifts to buy, figuring out what to buy, wrapping it, and budgeting for it can all be very stressful. Listen in this week to hear so many ways to make gift giving a lot less stressful. From figuring out what to buy for that person that has everything, how many gifts to get and how to wrap it, I cover it all in this episode. Be sure to listen now and get a head start on all of your gi...
40: Hosting In Out of the Box Locations
November 02, 2021 11:10 - 37 minutes - 23.5 MBThis week, we have guests back and Amanda from Rusty Chic Decor is here! We're talking all about how to host parties in odd locations, like on a boat or in the forest. Plus so much more like how she got into celebrations, how to host frugally, celebrating holidays with lots of family, and nurturing relationships that are made on social media. You can find out more about Amanda on Instagram @rustychicdecor and get her homemade party decorations on Etsy here. Be sure to read the ful...
39: 5 Elements to a Beautiful Charcuterie Board
September 30, 2021 13:57 - 21 minutes - 18.5 MBWho doesn't love a grazing board or charcuterie board? This episode I'm sharing all about how to build a beautiful charcuterie board. You'll learn my 5 elements to a beautiful board and get all of my tips and tricks to what to include on the board and how to arrange it. This is definitely an episode to listen to as we approach hosting season! Get your own charcuterie checklist guide by clicking here! Download your shopping list style checklist to help you plan, shop for, and build a...
38: Celebrating an Anniversary
September 21, 2021 15:16 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBI'm celebrating my wedding anniversary and the 6th birthday of The Daily Hostess blog. This week on the podcast I'm sharing how we celebrate our anniversary with fun gifts for each other. Plus there are a lot of ideas to help you incorporate traditions into your anniversary celebration and if you are hosting an anniversary party I've got you covered to. Listen in to hear ideas on anniversary party themes, activities, and decorations. Happy anniversary to you if you have one coming up...
37: 10 Hosting Guidelines for Any Party
September 16, 2021 12:31 - 24 minutes - 20.9 MBListen in to hear these 10 Hosting Guidelines that are the foundation to hosting a stress free party that you actually enjoy! So many good tips here to help you prepare ahead of time, spend less money, and use less stuff when you're hosting. With hosting season and the holidays coming up now is the time to brush up on the simple things you can do to make hosting easier. Follow me on Instagram @thedailyhostess for more tips. Links from the episode: Get your Party Planning Worksheet...
36: DITY Moves and Being the New Girl with Mallory The DITY Mama
July 08, 2021 08:31 - 28 minutes - 44.6 MBThis week we continue our conversation about moving with the help of Mallory from The DITY Mama. Mallory is a 13 year Army wife and has moved over 10 times! She is an expert on moving herself, the moving process, how to pack, and how to get settled once you've arrived. She is here to help your moving process go smoother and be less stressful! Follow her on Instagram @mamas_onthe_move and get all of her amazing moving resources at www.theditymama.com We also talk about how to build ...
35: Celebrating a Move
June 28, 2021 13:58 - 25 minutes - 24.2 MBDo you have a move coming up this summer? Do you know someone who has recently moved? This is the episode for anyone that's moved or is planning to. I walk you through how to celebrate a move and make it more fun along the way so that it's not so stressful or dreadful having to pack up and say goodbye. Get ideas to celebrate through packing, saying goodbye, and settling in to your new home and neighborhood. If you want to know my secrets to connecting with your community quickly def...
34: Hosting a Summer Backyard BBQ
June 16, 2021 16:19 - 23 minutes - 23.2 MBNothing screams summer more than a backyard BBQ. Join me this week as we talk all about how to have the best backyard bbq from food and drinks to keeping people comfortable and entertained. Join in the conversation all about that popular summer weekend activity the backyard bbq. See behind the scenes of the podcast by following along on Instagram @thedailyhostess Or screenshot the episode and post to your social media tagging us @thedailyhostess so we can reply and say thanks for liste...
33: Prioritizing Celebrations in Life with Amy Hawthorne
May 19, 2021 07:31 - 40 minutes - 26 MBThis week I get to talk to Amy Hawthorne from The Ever Co about our parallel stories from active duty military to party girls. All throughout Amy shares how focusing on the right priorities in life, celebrations, and holidays makes all the difference. Plus her party company The Ever Co is all about celebrating every day like a holiday. Amy shares how she helps families do it the entire year, without going overboard and how their company gives back to other military families. If you l...
32: Simplifying How to Celebrate Spring
April 12, 2021 12:19 - 22 minutes - 33 MBIs spring in the air where you live? Are you ready to start hosting again now that it's nicer outside and restrictions are being lifted? Then this spring hosting guide episode is perfect for you. In the episode I walk you through how to simplify your party planning this spring. I give you lots of ideas for your spring gatherings when it comes to food, decor, and activities. Focusing just on those three areas will simplify your process and make your gathering much more enjoyable. The...
31: Being Honest About Hosting with Michaela Rosales
March 24, 2021 14:59 - 52 minutes - 54.2 MBIn this episode I talk with life coach and fellow military spouse Michaela Rosales about being honest when it comes to hosting in our homes again. We've gone a long time without doing it and getting in the right mindset again is really important. She also shares her perspective of moving 13 times as a military spouse and how those transitions have affected her. This is a great conversation to give you encouragement and a confidence boost to host again and take on just about anything y...
30: Getting Your Home Ready to Host
March 02, 2021 23:40 - 25 minutes - 33 MBAre you ready to start having people over to your house again? Me too! Unfortunately we aren’t allowed to yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start getting ready to host again. Join me on this episode as we discuss getting your house ready to host again. And stay tuned through the entire episode for a checklist that’s going to help you focus on getting your house ready. We're talking about cleaning and disinfecting your home, but in a way that doesn't have you cleaning your entire house...
Ep 29- Organizing Your Life to Help You Celebrate
February 16, 2021 23:20 - 38 minutes - 43.1 MBWho else is ready to host again? Who needs to get their life together a little bit first? My guest this week, Amy Wiley, from Suburban Soiree is so organized when it comes to preparing for her parties. She's got a seasonal planner, binder, and a lot of ideas of how to make memories and celebrate with your family and friends. We talk all about hosting, kids parties, and how to make deep connections with your friends through supper club. I loved hearing how touching it is for Amy to ...
28: How International Experience Can Help You Host with Ashley Miller
January 28, 2021 00:35 - 57 minutes - 57 MBDo you have experience with living or being overseas? Most of us in the military do. My friend Ashley has been working with, supporting, and a part of international families her entire life. She has learned so much from many different cultures about how to make people feel welcome and at ease when hosting. Ashley is sharing all of her secrets with you today. I love what she says about using the five senses when hosting a party. Plus, her view on how people from all over the world are...
27: Making Friends While Traveling the World with Amy Rutherford
January 19, 2021 01:13 - 55 minutes - 56.4 MBWant to dream about traveling the world? Then listen in as I talk with Amy Rutherford from Go With Less who is a traveling nomad living all over the world. And the best part is she has so much advice for us on how to make friends in a new place and stay connected to them as you continue to travel. This was such a fun conversation learning from someone that has been entertaining and hosting people and parties longer than me. Hearing her journey from large city gatherings to more intimat...
26: Gathering Goals and New Connections in 2021
January 06, 2021 23:26 - 32 minutes - 37.4 MB**Join the Friend Challenge later this month by signing up at www.subscribepage.com/friendchallenge ** We're kicking off the year with a podcast that reflects on the lack of gathering in 2020, how that made us feel, and how we can do better in 2021. I encourage you to set some gathering goals for the year and share what my goals are with you. I also challenge you to join me in expanding our social circles, reconnecting with old friends, and being brave to offer an invitation in this ...
25: Spending the Holidays Separated from Family
December 15, 2020 09:48 - 51 minutes - 53.2 MBHappy Holidays from Conversations with the Hostess. I know this year may look a lot different from your normal holiday traditions and plans. So I wanted to help you navigate spending your 2020 holidays separated from family, either because you can't travel or you're staying apart for safety reasons. I couldn't think of anyone better than my good friend, and fellow military spouse, Devon McCuan to join me in this conversation. Devon has spent the majority of her adult life separated f...
24: Prioritizing Holiday Planning for Less Stress and More Intention
December 01, 2020 09:28 - 31 minutes - 35.5 MBThe holidays can definitely be a stressful time with all the events, gifts, traditions. It can all be overwhelming......if you don't plan for it properly. In today's episode I'm walking you through a holiday planning worksheet that will help you to set your holiday season priorities so that you can be more intentional this holiday season and reduce the amount of time you feel overwhelmed with everything you want to do. Plus this holiday season may look a lot different if you're not tr...
23: How To Build a Deep Family Connection with The Busy Bee
November 23, 2020 21:50 - 51 minutes - 51.6 MBThis episode is perfect for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday! Shannon and Jenna from The Busy Bee spill so many of their #hostfulhacks that will be immediate lighbulb moments for you wondering why you haven’t incorporated them into your gatherings yet. They both share their hosting journey from when it started as little girls watching their grandmother’s host and entertain. You can hear how important family is to them. Plus how the memories made around the dinner table, gathered togeth...
22: Inspiring and Empowering Military Kids with Daena Vandre and Abi Ray
November 10, 2020 11:03 - 40 minutes - 42.8 MBIf you are a military spouse or part of a military family, listen in today to two amazing military spouses that are inspiring and empowering other military families. Abi and Daena have created Legacy Magazine and Legacy Magazine Kids to help those that are in a military lifestyle feel connected to others that may be going through similar challenges and ways to help them cope with those challenges. We talk about how the magazine helps those that read it and those that contribute to it. ...
21: Turning a Big Thanksgiving Dinner into a Small Gathering
November 03, 2020 11:29Worried about how you're going to celebrate Thanksgiving this year if you can't gather with your big group of family and friends? Don't worry! I've got so many ideas on how to turn that traditional big Thanksgiving celebration into a smaller gathering that will be just as much fun, delicious, and memorable. Listen in to hear those ideas and get permission to keep it super simple and just stay home if that's what you want to do. See the show notes here with a list of all of these T...
21: Turning a Big Thanksgiving Dinner into a Small Gathering
November 03, 2020 11:29Worried about how you're going to celebrate Thanksgiving this year if you can't gather with your big group of family and friends? Don't worry! I've got so many ideas on how to turn that traditional big Thanksgiving celebration into a smaller gathering that will be just as much fun, delicious, and memorable. Listen in to hear those ideas and get permission to keep it super simple and just stay home if that's what you want to do. See the show notes here with a list of all of these T...
20: Using Halloween to Create Neighborhood Community
October 27, 2020 08:30 - 17 minutes - 21.5 MBHappy Halloween! This week I'm giving you lots of ways to create a feeling of togetherness and community within your neighborhood by using Halloween as the catalyst. During the pandemic this year, most people aren't trick or treating in the traditional sense, so these ideas will have your neighborhood still doing things together as a community while at a safe distance. Listen in to incorporate these ideas into your Halloween plans and hear the crucial step to making sure you're not ce...
19: How Your Mom Tribe Can Help You Build Your Business with Nicole McKinley
October 19, 2020 16:48 - 51 minutes - 51.3 MBThis week's episode is for any mom out there that has ever desired connection and community with other mommas. My guest, Nicole McKinley talks all about how it took a little bit of bravery to create her mom tribe, and how that tribe helped to launch her business. She has great advice for anyone wanting to start a business, side hustle, or Etsy shop. We also talk all about parties from enjoying your own party, celebrating in a pandemic, using a small space to entertain, and the balance tha...
18: Hosting within your Comfort Zone with Tiffany Wagner
October 13, 2020 16:27 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBThis week I talked with my friend Tiffany Wagner about her moving journey and finding a place that feels like home. Just take the best parts of all the places you live to find the perfect location! She also shared how her hospitality background has influenced how she lives her life and hosts now. Tiffany gave us great advice for using your kids to help you build your community while teaching them how to give back. And if you need encouragement to host in your home within your comfort lev...
18: Hosting within your Comfort Zone with Tiffany Wagner
October 13, 2020 16:27This week I talked with my friend Tiffany Wagner about her moving journey and finding a place that feels like home. Just take the best parts of all the places you live to find the perfect location! She also shared how her hospitality background has influenced how she lives her life and hosts now. Tiffany gave us great advice for using your kids to help you build your community while teaching them how to give back. And if you need encouragement to host in your home within your comfort lev...
17: Nurturing and Honoring Your Community
October 05, 2020 15:29 - 59 minutes - 63.8 MBIf you are in need of some encouragement then you should definitely listen to today's episode! Margaret Becker shares her story of change. From continuous moves with the military as a child to now doing it today as a military spouse, she shares valuable advice about the benefits of a military lifestyle. As a nurse, Margaret has an innate ability to be caring and nurturing. Listen in as she gives you permission to be yourself in whatever community you're building, without feeling any ...
16: Hosting Teenagers, Their Friends, But Probably Not Their Parents
September 28, 2020 11:27 - 44 minutes - 44.9 MBListen in to hear Sarah’s story of how she entered this crazy world of being a military spouse and the one interesting tool that she’s used over and over again to get through new town loneliness after moving. Plus how that tool has helped her to meet people. You can hear how her willingness to be open to new opportunities has led her to amazing places and people throughout her life. Sarah also shares her advice on raising teenagers and how hosting them and their friends can help to kee...
15: A Look Back on 5 Years of Blogging
September 23, 2020 15:11 - 24 minutes - 27.3 MBThis week is pretty special! I'm celebrating five years of blogging. I look back at 5 things I've learned over the last 5 years and share them with you. This episode is great if you want to hear a little bit about how I got started blogging and how I've grown over the years. And if you're thinking of joining the blogging space listen in to hear just how difficult it can be sometimes. Plus there are a lot of tips for celebrating in a stress free way so you can focus on building your c...
15: A Look Back on 5 Years of Blogging
September 23, 2020 15:11This week is pretty special! I'm celebrating five years of blogging. I look back at 5 things I've learned over the last 5 years and share them with you. This episode is great if you want to hear a little bit about how I got started blogging and how I've grown over the years. And if you're thinking of joining the blogging space listen in to hear just how difficult it can be sometimes. Plus there are a lot of tips for celebrating in a stress free way so you can focus on building your c...
14: Executing Party Prep Before Party Day
September 14, 2020 13:22 - 24 minutes - 27.8 MBThis week is another mini-episode that will be focusing on the party planning process and you'll get a peak at Amy's process for all of her parties from dreaming it up to executing it so that you can enjoy party day. In this mini-episode I'm talking about how to execute all of the things you need to do leading up to party day in a logical, stress free way so that party day can go smoothly and be an enjoyable experience. Plus you'll hear easy actionable ways to get your party to do li...
14: Party Planning Process Mini-Series Executing Party Prep
September 14, 2020 13:22 - 24 minutes - 27.8 MBThis week is another mini-episode that will be focusing on the party planning process and you'll get a peak at Amy's process for all of her parties from dreaming it up to executing it so that you can enjoy party day. In this mini-episode I'm talking about how to execute all of the things you need to do leading up to party day in a logical, stress free way so that party day can go smoothly and be an enjoyable experience. Plus you'll hear easy actionable ways to get your party to do li...
13: Party Planning Process Mini-Series Dreaming Up Your Party
August 20, 2020 07:28 - 12 minutes - 15.6 MBA new format for the podcast with really tangible ways to help you p;an for your next party! Several mini-episodes will be focusing on the party planning process and you'll get a peak at Amy's process for all of her parties from dreaming it up to executing it so that you can enjoy party day. In this first mini-episode I'm talking about dreaming up the party and getting all of your ideas organized. Listen in to hear what I recommend to use for all of those ideas! Don't forget to leave ...
12: Being a Brave Gluten Free Party Guest
August 03, 2020 09:51 - 57 minutes - 60.4 MBThis week's episode is with my good friend, and blogging community builder Jenny Finke from Good For You Gluten Free. We talk about how running a blogging community has changed during COVID and what makes the community so special. Jenny also shares her journey and knowledge on going gluten free. She also gives great advice on how there are multiple levels of bravery needed when navigating hosting and parties when you're gluten free. It's a great episode to listen in on and learn from eve...
11: How to Get Over your Fear of Hosting
July 27, 2020 15:36 - 35 minutes - 47.3 MBDo you ever fear inviting people into your home for a party or gathering because you're worried your home won't live up to some ideal standard? Or do you not invite others because you don't know how to cook or think your home is too messy? Maybe a pursuit of perfection is holding you back from taking the leap and inviting others into your community. If any of those reasons resonate with you then I encourage you to CLICK PLAY to hear really tangible ways to break through those fears and al...
10: Do You Have a Fierce Community?
July 20, 2020 06:35In this week's episode I talk with Kayty of Gather Intentional Living about how her time abroad in Thailand has shaped the way she intentionally gathers people. Now Kayty is using all she learned by leading with vulnerability to teach others how to intentionally gather people through virtual and in person classes to hone their hosting skills. This conversation was filled with sweet ways to build a fierce community through authenticity, vulnerability, and grace. Listen to hear all we talke...
10: Do You Have a Fierce Community?
July 20, 2020 06:35In this week's episode I talk with Kayty of Gather Intentional Living about how her time abroad in Thailand has shaped the way she intentionally gathers people. Now Kayty is using all she learned by leading with vulnerability to teach others how to intentionally gather people through virtual and in person classes to hone their hosting skills. This conversation was filled with sweet ways to build a fierce community through authenticity, vulnerability, and grace. Listen to hear all we talke...
10: Do You Have a Fierce Community?
July 20, 2020 06:35In this week's episode I talk with Kayty of Gather Intentional Living about how her time abroad in Thailand has shaped the way she intentionally gathers people. Now Kayty is using all she learned by leading with vulnerability to teach others how to intentionally gather people through virtual and in person classes to hone their hosting skills. This conversation was filled with sweet ways to build a fierce community through authenticity, vulnerability, and grace. Listen to hear all we talke...