Bacon Potato Soup and Chicken Soup … Comfort in a bowl! Dear Friends, There's something about fall that makes us want to gather people around our table, isn't there? The cooler air, the changing leaves, the holidays on the horizon... it all whispers, "bring people together." But here's what I'm hearing from so many of you ... "I want to have friends over before the holidays get crazy, but where do I even start?" "Everyone...

Let me help! Preparing in advance makes it simple and easy. From the guest bedroom and bath to coffee and cocktails, to meal prep and activities, my Hosting Overnight Houseguests covers it all. With my step-by-step approach we will ensure you're ready for overnight guests or extended visits during the holidays with family and friends. I hope you will join me for the 30 Days to Effortless Entertaining workshop beginning tomorrow...

Let’s jazz up traditional chili! It's time to put a new spin on chili! We've all had traditional ground beef chili, chicken chili, and white bean chili but, have you had Short Ribs Chili?! I developed this recipe to make the most of my Saucy Short Ribs Chili recipe I gave you last week. It is absolutely divine!!! Of course like any good stew or soup, it can be prepared in advance and will actually taste better if you do. Served...

Be sure to make extra for the seconds your guests will want! “Lawdashion” is our endearing nickname for our good and generous friend, Donna Lawhon. While not a star on the big stage, she's a superstar among friends. She is a superb cook and host, and sports a shelf full of golf trophies! I serve her Pork Tenderloin to rave reviews and guests always ask for more. See the Full Menu with Recipes, GamePlan, and Shopping List below,...

Another winning dish shared by a good friend and great cook! The Chicken and Sausage Maque Choux is one of my all time favorites! Hester has served it for years and I have loved every bite. After enjoying once again this summer, I asked for the recipe and Hester generously agreed to share with our EE community. It is easy to prepare ahead so you are enjoying a cocktail with your guests instead of standing over the stove. I know you...

... put this recipe on repeat! Leslie and JR are beloved friends. As we often say, we've known each other longer than we haven't! JR and I love to cook together and I always learn so much from him. When he shared his Bolognese recipe, I knew I had struck gold, and even better when he agreed to share it with our EE community. Ever since sharing it the first time, countless EE followers and friends have commented on how much they...

Elegantly delicious and effortless! The Baked Pasta Casserole Menu below has been a crowd pleaser in our group of friends for decades. You can easily substitute a high-quality gluten-free pasta such as Jovial. I also recommend using European pastas — they are typically made with non GMO wheat, which is so much better for all of us. Stay tuned this week for a recipe every day, perfect for your fall dinner parties. Choosing menus...

Perfect for fall dinner parties! Dear Friends, The air is cooler and at Grandfather the leaves are changing and falling! Time to host cozy dinners and holiday parties, which always brings to mind my near dinner party disaster. How would you feel if the plumbers were arriving as your Christmas party guests were arriving? Yes, you read that right. Me — the person who has spoken to nearly 5,000 women about entertaining was in my bathrobe...

Watch today’s Instagram post! Join me at the historic Truitt House for a unique day of learning Thursday, October 9th REGISTER HERE!  Dear Friends, I want to share the most exciting news! The beautiful, historic Truitt House in Suffolk, VA is hosting a full day Effortless Entertaining workshop! Join me! How many times have you said, “We should have people over,” only to sigh and decide it's too much work? If this sounds...

  Dear Friends, Can you feel it? That crisp hint in the air that whispers of cozy dinners, holiday celebrations, and all the beautiful gatherings that make fall and winter special? If you’re like many of my friends, this thought brings both excitement AND a little flutter of anxiety. You want to open your home to the people you love, but maybe you're feeling ... Overwhelmed by where to even start Worried about everything...