Our Favorite Parties of 2018
Gatherings Podcast
Chrystina and Jessica talk about their top 5 parties from 2018.
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Kids Parties and Kids at Parties with Andy Shaw
Gatherings Podcast
Chrystina and Jessica chat with Andy Shaw of Instafather.com abou thosting parties, hosting a kid at an adult party, bringing kids to parties, and more. In this episode, there are a lot of great little tips for navigating the waters with little ones, whether they are yours or not.
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Brunch is Hell with Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam
Gatherings Podcast
In Episode 9 of Season 2, we had the opportunity to speak with Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam, the authors of Brunch is Hell, and creators of the Dinner Party Download. This was such a fun episode to record where we discussed everything from dinner parties to playlists to icebreaker jokes. Brendan and Rico shared the title they originally wanted to give their book and their most memorable dinner parties.
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Networking at Parties with Sean Hand
Gatherings Podcast
Chrystina and Jessica speak with Sean Hand about networking, more specifically how to transfer the networking skills of the office to dinner parties, weddings, and more. In this episode, Sean shares a lot of great stories and tips on how to prepare for an event ahead of time. Not only that, but we talk about how to best utilize your plus ones at an event (and/or be the best plus one you can be).
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Keeping Parties Simple with Ali Rosen
Gatherings Podcast
Chrystina and Jessica speak with Ali Rosen from Potluck with Ali about keeping things simple while entertaining. The conversation takes a few turns, but there are some great tips throughout about avoiding party tension, setting yourself up for success, pre-party preparation tips, and tips to keep things simple.
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Minimalism in Party Planning with Jennifer Coyle
Gatherings Podcast
Chrystina and Jessica talk with Jennifer Coyle from Hello Brio about minimalism and party planning. We cover everything from food and drink to table settings, paper products, and more. We also have a detailed discussed about some of our favorite sustainable kitchen items.
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How to Start a Conference with Chrystina Noel
Gatherings Podcast
Jessica interviews Chrystina about starting a conference. Chrystina started a blogger community called PHLbloggers in Philadelphia in September 2014. Since then, it has grown to a community of 350 members with an annual conference called The Blog Connect. This past April was year three. Jessica gets inside Chrystina's head about where the idea came from, how to handle the logistics, and tips she's learned along the way.
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The Logistics of Hosting (and Attending) Potlucks with Kristin Donnelly
Gatherings Podcast
For Episode 4, we had the chance to chat with Kristin Donnelly, the author of the Modern Potluck cookbook, and her newest cookbook, Cauliflower. Throughout this episode we talk about Kristin's past career as a Food & Wine magazine food editor, the logistics of hosting potlucks, potluck tips for guests, and more. We definitely all hit it off and ended up on a few tangents including Pyrex outlet stores and pig roasts.
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10 Overlooked Last Minute Party Items with Madeline
Gatherings Podcast
Chrystina and Jessica talk with Madeline from Where Is The Damn Corkscrew about her list of 10 overlooked last minute party items.
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Imposter Syndrome when Hosting Parties with Ana
Gatherings Podcast
Chrystina and Jessica chat with Ana from Rosemary and Rye about the imposter syndrome that occurs (even after years!) when we are hosting parties.
info_outlineIn Episode 7, we had the opportunity to speak with Ali Rosen from Potluck with Ali about keeping things simple while entertaining. The conversation takes a few turns, but there are some great tips throughout about avoiding party tension, setting yourself up for success, pre-party preparation tips, and tips to keep things simple. You'll also hear about that time Ali cooked for a bunch of fancy chefs, another version of the bakers vs. cooks debate, and a breakdown of prioritizing relationships for staying in touch. We're excited for you to take a listen!
Ali Rosen is the founder and host of Potluck with Ali Rosen, a television show, and website dedicated to sharing the best and brightest in food. Potluck airs on NYC Life and its videos have appeared on HuffPost, Edible, and People. She is also the author of Bring It!: Tried and True Recipes for Potlucks and Entertaining. Ali was named as one of Forbes Magazine's 30 Under 30 for Food & Drink. She has also written for sites including Bon Appétit, Epicurious, Fodor's, and Refinery 29. Potluck was nominated for an Emmy as well as two IACP awards and Thrillist said Ali had one of the coolest jobs in food (she agrees). She is from Charleston, South Carolina, but currently lives in New York City.
- Meet Ali Rosen
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- How Jessica found out about Ali
- How she got into food & entertaining
- The metaphor (& literal definition) of "potluck"
- Jessica and Ali bond over hating baking
- What Ali brings to potlucks
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- Recipe testing
- The "this might not be good"self-deprecating tactic
- Cooks vs. bakers
- Party tension
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- If you are calm (as the host), it's going to be a great party
- Jessica's friend's gender reveal party story
- Surprise parties
- Removing as many potential obstacles as possible
- Setting yourself up for success
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- Helping people help themselves
- Spending money on party help
- Finding party help
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- Facebook it
- Local colleges
- Care.com
- Urbansitter
- Task rabbit
- Spending money where it serves you best
- Pre-party preparation tips
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- Plan hour-by-hour (and using excel)
- Have dishes that are all served at room temperature
- Do as much ahead of time as possible
- Tips to keep things simple
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- Buying pre-cut things
- Buy pre-peeled garlic (not pre-minced)
- Have the right equipment on hand (strawberry huller)
- Buy things pre-made
- That time Ali cooked for a bunch of fancy chefs
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- Ask for help
- Take it back to your roots
- Make sure you feel comfortable
- Advice for nervous hosts:
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- Have fun.
- If you look over a recipe and it looks daunting to you, skip it.
- Cook something that you love and you're excited about.
- What's going on in your kitchen?
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- Jessica: Grilling
- Ali: Summer produce (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
- Chrystina: Clean floors
- What are you planning right now?
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- Chrystina: Living that travel life
- Ali: Rhode Island blueberry pies
- Jessica: Husband's birthday, camping trips
- How are you staying in touch?
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- Chrystina's blog post: Balancing staying in touch and self-care
- Doubling down on close friends
- Prioritizing friendships
- Social media blackouts
- Community Made podcast episode: Prioritizing relationships
- If they wanted to keep in touch with you, they could be
- What are you into right now?
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- Chrystina: TJMaxx shopping sprees
- Ali: Crop tops
- Jessica: Revamping blogs & painting murals
- Find us online:
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- Ali Rosen
- Gatherings Podcast
- Chrystina Noel
- Sweet Love & Ginger