It’s October 1st — the start of what I like to call hosting season. From now through the holidays, it feels like there are a million opportunities to open our doors… and a million ways to overcomplicate it.

If the thought of hosting makes your shoulders tense (even while you’re excited, too), this episode is for you. I’m sharing gentle permission slips, practical tips, and mindset shifts to help you gather your people without turning it into a performance.

We’ll talk about why you’re hosting in the first place, how to make it easier on yourself (spoiler: pizza counts), and why you should always say yes when someone offers to bring dessert. And if hosting just isn’t your thing? I’ve got encouragement for you, too — because being a thoughtful guest matters just as much.

What you’ll hear in this episode:
💛 Why your “why” matters more than your menu
🧀 Simple staples to keep on hand (plus my favorite freezer hacks)
🍕 Why you don’t always need a full meal to host well
🙋 How to take the help when it’s offered (yes, paper plates count)
🕯️ Why atmosphere beats aesthetics every time
🎁 Tips for being a great guest (especially if hosting stresses you out)
👯 Small vs. large gatherings: how to scale help, not stress