This week’s episode of Conversations with the Hostess is pretty special. I really love the guest this week…….because I’m married to him! It was such a fun time to record this podcast together and I think the conversation turned out really great.
On this episode we went back through all of the places we’ve lived and reminisced about the parties and gatherings we hosted there. We talked about fun memories from each event. The things we could have done a lot better. Plus we dropped some pretty good tips of things we did well that you could incorporate into your parties.
Listen today to hear our journey and all the parties we’ve thrown since we started entertaining.
What I’m Binge-ing
This week I wanted to let you know that just because something sounds complicated, it might not be. I’m binge-ing chocolate ganache.
I made this cake recipe twice in the last few weeks and it calls for chocolate ganache. Turns out it super easy to make. You’ll see me adding ganache to just about everything from now on.
Our Hosting Journey
Missouri
- We started our journey with a commissioning party for my husband. We talked about not having much decor or any sort of activity, and the weather didn’t work in our favor. Looking back we can see lots of things we would have done differently, but we mostly remember getting to talk and visit with so many of our family members.
- And after looking through (non-digital) pictures, turns out I did have a little decor on the tables.
Hawaii
- At this point in our lives we were deploying a lot and so were our friends. So most get togethers were quickly planned without over the top party themes.
- Although we did throw a few really fun theme parties. See below for our outfits during the “Golf Pros, and Tennis Hoes” themed party.
San Diego
Living in San Diego for five years gave us more roots to be able to expand and perfect our hosting skills. Our party pad house didn’t hurt either! So many good parties during that timeframe.
- Our Wine Party had the perfect amount of people at 15-20 so that you could have a connected, meaningful conversation with everyone.
My first attempts at charcuterie boards were lacking a lot!
The HUGE Cinco de Mayo party we threw will go down as one of the best parties ever. Thanks to a made to order taco vendor and a margarita machine! Here’s a look at our photo backdrop area. 
- Marcus’ 30th birthday was also pretty epic with a party bus, rooftop cabana, and late night snacks. You definitely want to listen to the episode so you know what we’re talking about when we say “pocket toothbrush!”
Colorado
- Once we moved to Colorado and bought our own house, we wanted to get to know our neighbors. So we threw a really big housewarming party. But we failed to forget one key element to feeding a lot of people at a party. And here’s that hummus appetizer I’m going to need to make again. I can’t find the recipe, but it’s roasted garlic hummus with some chopped up fresh veggies on top and you dip in pita bread. Super yummy!
- We also hosted Easter brunch almost every year we lived in Colorado. Brunch is such a great thing to host because it opens up a lot of options for things people can bring to share.
- And finally our going away party when moving from Colorado to England was pretty epic, thanks to this amazing food truck. Listen to the episode to hear all about what they served. So interesting and so yummy!
Our amazing realtor/friend who helped us get the food truck. If you know anyone buying or selling a house in Colorado give her a call here!
- My guest, Marcus Long, also said his favorite party to host was this Bourbon and BBQ party, so I had to include a picture for it as well.
Where are you on your hosting journey?
Wasn’t that such a fun episode to reminisce and talk through? No matter where you are on your hosting journey, freshman, JV, Varsity, if you are making meaningful, lasting connections with those that you’re hosting, you’re doing it right!
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