There’s a little notebook that lives on my kitchen counter — it’s splattered with flour, coffee rings, and notes about everything from table settings to what my mother used to serve when company came over. Over the years, it’s become my personal Hostess Journal — a mix of ideas, stories, and reminders that hospitality doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
Now, I’m inviting you into that journal.
Every Saturday morning on my YouTube channel, I’ll be sharing a new episode of The Hostess Journal — short, heartfelt videos meant to inspire you before you open your doors, light a candle, or set a table. Think of it as our weekly coffee chat — a friendly voice reminding you that hosting isn’t about performance, it’s about connection.
Here’s what you can expect each week:
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Stories & Sentiment: reflections on the lessons my mother taught me — with a modern twist for today’s hostess.
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Practical Tips: from how to make a fall stovetop potpourri to stocking your powder room with thoughtful touches.
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Hostess History: the charm and backstory of the pieces we love — salt cellars, milk glass, hostess sets, and more.
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Treasure Hunts: what to look for at estate sales and antique markets to build your own “party pantry.”
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Melissa’s Picks: my favorite cookbooks, entertaining guides, and kitchen helpers that make life (and hosting) easier.
Why I Created It
So many of you have shared how intimidating hosting can feel — as if it requires the perfect home or a ten-course menu. I wanted to create a place that reminds you: hospitality is simply making people feel loved, seen, and welcome.
The Hostess Journal is that place — equal parts inspiration, practicality, and old-fashioned encouragement. It’s a gentle reminder that the art of gathering is still alive and well… and often begins with something as simple as setting out the good napkins on a Tuesday night.
Watch the First Episode This Saturday
The very first episode will be LIVE on my YouTube channel this Saturday — grab a cup of something warm, pull up a chair, and let’s start this new chapter together. Subscribe to my channel here (once you are on my channel, be sure to hit the SUBSCRIBE button so you don’t miss an episode).
As I like to say: it’s not about perfection, it’s about presence. Join me each Saturday for short, soulful sentiments designed to inspire you! Here’s to creating homes and moments that tell our stories — one hostess journal entry at a time.
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.
