{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"69. How To Host In Your Home (Nobody Cares If Your House Isn\u2019t Perfect!) With Becca Cousins of @hostinyourhome","description":"Join us on our Substack, AKA&amp;nbsp;The Foodletter! &amp;nbsp; In this episode, Brooke sits down with Becca Cousins, the creator behind &quot;Host In Your Home,&quot; to explore the joys, challenges, and transformational power of hosting. Becca shares her journey from casual gatherings to becoming a seasoned host known for creating memorable experiences. They discuss why hosting matters, overcoming common barriers like perfectionism, tips for planning, and how hosting is about bringing people together, not impressing them with a flawless space. If you\u2019ve ever wanted to host a dinner party but didn\u2019t know where to start, this episode is for you.   Key Takeaways  [02:00] The evolution of hosting post-pandemic:&amp;nbsp;More people are embracing home gatherings and creating meaningful connections through dinner parties. [03:39] Becca\u2019s early experiences:&amp;nbsp;Growing up with a simple yet welcoming hosting environment influenced her approach to making guests feel at home. [10:00] Overcoming perfectionism:&amp;nbsp;Hosting is about connection, not perfection. It's okay if your home isn't \u201cpicture perfect.\u201d [19:08] Tips for planning with a partner:&amp;nbsp;Communicate clear expectations to avoid stress during the hosting process. [27:13] Engaging children during events:&amp;nbsp;Structured activities can help keep kids entertained, making it easier for parents to enjoy themselves. [32:07] Essential prep tip:&amp;nbsp;Always start with an empty trash can, dishwasher, and dish rack to minimize cleanup chaos. [40:18] Simplifying menus for more enjoyment:&amp;nbsp;Balance complex dishes with simple, make-ahead options to maximize time with guests.  &amp;nbsp; Notable Quotes  (14:46)&amp;nbsp;\u201cPeople don't want to be friends with perfect people.\u201d - Becca Cousins (27:13)&amp;nbsp;\u201cHave a structured activity for kids. It allows parents to relax and enjoy the moment.\u201d - Becca Cousins (40:37)&amp;nbsp;\u201cIf the host is relaxed, the guests are too. No one cares if the gravy isn\u2019t perfect; it\u2019s about the moment.\u201d - Brooke Eliason  &amp;nbsp; Resources  Visit Becca\u2019s website at&amp;nbsp;Host in Your Home Follow Host In Your Home on&amp;nbsp;Instagram Follow Female Foodie on&amp;nbsp;Instagram  ","author_name":"That Was Delicious","author_url":"https:\/\/www.femalefoodie.com\/podcast\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/34204275\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/34204275"}