A Weekend in Atlanta with Frances Valentine & the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative
Every once in a while, an invitation lands in your inbox that makes you stop and think: Is this really happening? That was exactly how I felt when I was invited to Atlanta to celebrate the launch of the Frances Valentine Mary Tyler Moore collection and its partnership...
Heirloom Bisquick Velvet Crumb Cake: The Easiest Breakfast You’ll Ever Make for Guests
I love to share heirloom recipes, especially when they tell a story. My sister, Paula, was fifteen when I was born. Most of my childhood was spent either on her hip or by her side. She took me everywhere. People who didn’t know our family often assumed I was her...
Cinnamon Toasted Pumpkin Bread – Semi Homemade
I associate fall with baking, especially pumpkin-flavored treats. Even though it's still over 100 degrees here in North Texas, I am not letting the weather stop me from dipping my toe into fall. I love to load up my cart of seasonal flavors at Trader Joe's. I have...
Five Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like Fall Without Decorating for Fall
Fall doesn't have to arrive in a storage bin. I love fall as much as anyone, but I've never believed that welcoming a new season means completely redecorating my house. In fact, some of my favorite ways to make my home feel like fall don't involve a pumpkin, a...
The One Thing I Want You to Organize Before You Host Again
I’m teaching something at Get Organized HQ that I’ve never taught before—and I think every woman who loves to host needs to know about it. If you've ever opened a closet and thought, “Where in the world am I going to put all of this?” …this is for you. I'm thrilled to...
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.She taught me how to prepare fabulous food, entertain guests with style and design a traditional home with a pop of color and a splash of animal print. Share my fondness of blending Mother’s mid-century style with a modern spin.
Mrs. Twist Takes on Instagram
Derek Thompson wrote an article recently titled "The Death of the American Host," highlighting a quiet cultural shift. In 1975, 42% of Americans had friends over to their homes at least once a month. Today, that number has collapsed to just 12%, and the share of people who never host has tripled.
We still love our friends and crave connection as deeply as ever. Somewhere along the way, though, we began treating our living rooms like showrooms and gathering like a high-stakes performance. When having people over came to mean a Pinterest board party and multi-course perfection, we quietly locked our own doors from the inside.
In 40 years of opening my home, I have learned what guests actually carry with them. They remember your laughter, a warm welcome at the door, and the ease of being folded into an ordinary evening.
Real hospitality is simply opening the door and letting someone belong.
If this speaks to you I`m here to help. Reserve your free House Call and we will help you set a date to open your door.
Comment HOST and I`ll send you the link.
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Somewhere in time the "dinner party" concept defined hospitality. But the sit-down dinner is the black diamond of entertaining.
It takes menu timing, grocery runs, hot pots, and hours on your feet. If you tell yourself that is the only way to gather, of course you talk yourself out of it.
Start with the low-stress ladder instead:
Morning coffee on the porch with a bakery treat (45 minutes, no cooking)
Wine and a simple cheese board (self-serve, zero stove work)
Dessert and decaf at 8:00 PM after people have eaten elsewhere
One pot of soup and a loaf of warm bread
The full dinner party
Hospitality was never about how long you stood over the stove. It is about how warmly you make someone feel at your table.
Comment COTTAGE to learn more about my private Cottage Coaching sessions, and let`s get you hosting with ease.
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SAVE this for your next fall gathering.
Comment SIP and I`ll send you ALL the goodies:
🍎My YouTube Hostess Office Hours series on how to make this sip
🍎An adorable printable recipe card you can display on your beverage cart
Handing guests a drink the minute they walk through the front door sets the tone right away. It frees you from playing bartender all evening, and serving a mocktail makes sure every guest feels welcomed from their first step inside.
And this Sparkling Cider & Maple Mocktail is so good anytime YOU want a party for yourself.😊
What`s a hosting question I can help you with? Tell me below👇
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SAVE this reminder before your next dinner party. Comment HOST and I`ll send you my FREE Dinner Party Planner.
I know the deep love that goes into standing over a hot stove all afternoon. Pouring so much effort into every detail, making sure everything is warm and ready. Cooking for people is pure hospitality.
But, when that doorbell rings, the cooking part is done.
Your guests came to be with you. They want to hear your laugh, sit across from your face, and feel welcomed the second they walk through your front door. An empty living room while you stay trapped at the burners cheats both of you out of the gathering.
Give yourself permission to turn the heat to low fifteen minutes before they arrive. Take off your apron. Wash your hands. Pour yourself something cool and meet them at the door unhurried.
The meal is a wonderful gift, but your presence is the whole reason you opened your home.
What is the hardest thing for you to step away from before guests arrive? I want to know more 👇👇
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