MINIMALIST TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY HOSTING! How to host without losing your mind!

[@jenhosmer6879]

This video changed my whole hosting process for the holidays. It was so much less stressful, changed my hosting life!!! Thank you!

[@NatalieBennett]

Oh this makes me sooooo happy!!! Thanks for getting back to us with this feedback! ♥️

[@wendyhowell4119]

Oh Natalie, that was such a fun video to do! You have THE best friends here, they are so kind. Loved hanging out with everyone this morning in the chat. I want to leave this verse right here: Psalm 90:17 "And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us;" Our work can be a reflection of God's beauty! 😊

[@AlwaysAnna77]

Thank you for the verse and for your advice and encouragement. Best wishes for you and your website. I'm excited about it ☺️

[@NatalieBennett]

Love you, mama! Thanks for all you shared with us!

[@johannabennetts64]

Oh goodness, you ladies are singing my song 😂 before my husband and I were married, I threw him an open house when he graduated from chiropractic college. My future mother-in-law found my table diagram in the kitchen and thought it was so weird she had to show her sister. I’m glad she still let her son marry me despite my nerdiness 🤓 And I’m glad I’m not alone! God has greatly blessed your family with a beautiful legacy, and it is an inspiration. 💛💛

[@jenniferwright8355]

Here is a sad example, I kept my other comment happy. My mother was a hoarder, even when we still lived in apartments. Boxes and boxes of decor, gifts, serving dishes, etc. They were never used. They were for "someday" which never came. She passed away in 2021, and we had to get rid of her storage lockers full of stuff. She never was able to hostess the way she wanted, or to bring the happiness that she believed would go with it. Friends, by the time we can afford to have all of the stuff, our children are away and our family has passed on. Enjoy the NOW. 😀❤👍

[@karaclark7610]

I always get so excited when your mom joins one of your videos. She is kind, humble, and intelligent with a vast amount of wisdom! Thank you for sharing her knowledge and joy with us! ☺️

[@micheles4635]

As someone who often gets caught up in the need to “keep up” - this video was so refreshing. I have been trying to embrace simplicity and so many influencer content makes me feel like I’m not doing enough.

[@bindibelesky384]

Thank you for sharing about hosting. I don't know exactly why, but I always viewed hosting as a chore, a drag, like someone drew the short straw. It was all complaining and discomfort and i had never really considered or been exposed to your positive perspective on it. I am so grateful for the way this has changed my entire understanding of hosting.

[@ThisMamasHouse]

Love Mama Wendy so much. Been following her for years. Unfortunately my mother is estranged and seeing this beautiful relationship between the two of you, gives me hope for the future with my daughters ❤

[@NatalieBennett]

God is so good and is in the business of reconciliation and healing. I pray for your relationship with your daughters. You’ve already broken the cycle and I’m proud of you! We have experience with estrangement on Weston’s side and it’s heartbreaking. Not our choice at all and we pray every day God will fully restore relationships and bring people closer to Him!

[@ThisMamasHouse]

@@NatalieBennett Amen! 🙏🏼

[@annewhittemore3771]

Same! I’m hoping for our 3rd child to be a girl, but I realized the other day that I feel nervous about being the mom in the mother-daughter relationship. I don’t feel like I have a clear picture of what it can look like. But if it is a girl this time I’m sure I’ll realize it’s totally different and natural when it’s your own kid! I have been shocked at the bond with my boys and I’m sure it will be similar with a girl! Just brings up a lot of feelings!

[@melissaannewilson]

I literally got a bit teary-eyed when you announced your mom’s website. I just adore you both and have such a respect for her. I can’t wait to learn more from her!

[@caseygraham5002]

So did I! 🥺 so exciting!

[@itsclauds7554]

I am 23 and have just started to host my own parties for friends and families! I’ve noticed during hosting there’s SO many things I didn’t think of until it came up in the moment. I really like your ideas of planning, keeping notes, etc and reusing them once you nail it down. People make it look so effortless but now I realize many people put so much time and thought into the process!

[@jennabrott2737]

I just have to say, your mother seems so sweet and she has great advice! I love listening to both of you ❤️

[@irismckay6472]

As a boomer mom, I love watching these kinds of mother-daughter entertaining videos. Entertaining can be a lot of work, even when you've got these great hacks, but at home parties are so important to keeping us all connected. Great video! xxoo

[@nicholemaclean1888]

This was one of the most lovely things I’ve seen on KZbin ❤ I really enjoy your channel any day but your mom is such a lovely, gracious, well spoken woman. Would love to see her again on your channel!

[@carolyn1580]

I SO APPRECIATE your kind reminders this time of year especially that peace and being content with what you have, are the MOST beautiful ‘decorations’. 😉

[@DansonforJoy]

“But does it smell like paper?” 😂 Your mom and I are kindred spirits. 🥰

[@elizabethreighley8483]

I love it when you do collaborations with your mama, she is the second mom all of us need in our lives 🥰🤩

[@jennburk]

I just love your mom! She has such a sweet and kind spirit. I like to get my kids involved by having them greet guests at the door with enthusiasm ☺️

[@ginamommy]

I really needed this. I am the youngest in my family and everyone has done their years of hosting and we just moved a few years ago into a bigger house. So it seems that now the hosting (of everything) has fallen to me. No one on my side or my husbands side wants to host anymore and I have a really bad attitude about it. I was extremely stressed on Thanksgiving. It all turned out in the end but I wasn’t happy. My daughter said I was “volun-told” to have Thanksgiving and Christmas. I really need to have a change of heart because I was very grumpy. Thanks for not just giving tips but also for talking about that aspect of it too. Your mom is so sweet! Thanks for the video.

[@xchurricane]

I adore these mom chats! It's so hard every year around the holidays now that my mom is no longer here, but I feel welcomed in your little family with these chats. Thank you! ❤️

[@pattea1949]

Natalie, I"M YOUR MOTHER but probably more than 25 years older! She is doing, and has done for years, the very same things as i have found vital to host a special meal with family and friends and guests. You have a great role model and i know you have already followed in her footsteps. Blessings! Thankful for you both!

[@tanyadelainey3310]

I love it when your mom is in the videos. She is such a sweet lady.

[@marissakenworthy1302]

This is just the sweetest video!!! Taking note of all the things you guys shared for this year and the years to come!🙌🏻

[@PlantsandPaints]

I have 0 interest in hosting but I love both of You. I'm gonna by applying Your notebook advice into other areas of my life.

[@selinarodgers7848]

I loved every bit of this video. The peace and calm that you and your Mom exude is beyond words. Thank you for this, it is appreciated.

[@sherisheats8139]

I agree with your Mom. I write down everything. Daily, monthly, seasonal.

[@byebyebingeing]

This was a very helpful video on hosting as we are having everyone over for Thanksgiving. We're excited to have others in our home and bless them with food & fellowship! :) It all comes from the heart.

[@asmaa_vlog_85]

When I get a notification that you have uploaded a video, my happy time begins 📸❣️🍊♥️🥳😘🥰🤩❤️

[@katiee5903]

Same here ❤I just love her 😍

[@Lavika00]

You are such a beautiful positive vibe!!! I will always remember “feeling blessed, not stressed “. It’s just the perspective, and life feels so much more joyous.

[@madelinelajoie9127]

I always love watching the videos of you chatting with your mom. My mom was never in my life and still isn’t till this day. I wish so much that I had a relationship similar to this, but I realize I at least can cultivate a strong bond with my own daughter so she never feels the same way. So that when she’s older we have a great connection like this! 🤍 loved the video!

[@ameliasfrugallife]

Your mum is the sweetest! 🌻💛🌻

[@ChaoticAeris]

My side of the family is small, and no one hosts holiday gatherings or other parties anymore. My husbands side has get togethers all the time during Spring to Fall and then holidays as well. I cannot handle party planning. I've tried with my young children's birthdays and New Years, and it is always a mess. I'm nervous and uncomfortable the entire time aside from the few moments I'm tucked in a corner by myself! Props to all the confident people out there hosting like a boss!

[@glendawalker3056]

I love the fact that you put guests first. That perspective is bound to be a success. 🙂

[@courtneysweat8213]

I really appreciated you and your mom doing this video. I have hosted many times. But never have thought to keep a notebook. That is one thing that will definitely be going on my list to start doing this year. I'm excited to check out your mom's website once it fully launches.

[@Maria-mq9te]

Can you explain what notes you use on your tablet? Looked really cool to use. Do you prefer it from a physical notebook? Thank you ❤

[@SherrieYvetteWilkins]

I loved mom’s, “but it smell like paper!” In reference to your iPad “notebook.” This is so special Natalie & Momma. Thanks for sharing❤

[@Miriam-qb4cr]

Natalie, such a good video!! Your mum is inspiring and I have great respect for her. Your remendations are great. I host every year since I got married. I’ve got many children. My parents live in a apartment in the city and It’s difficult to park. My sister is single and come for the holidays and my uncles and aunts live next to me as I live in the suburbs. It’s a huge work, I sometimes apologized about it in the past. COVID-19 changed it all. For the first time in two years I’m hosting my whole family again and I feel blessed. Thank you for your tips. It’s a great new, your mom’s website. I’ll be there!!! Sending love and Hugs from Madrid, Spain ❤🌹

[@HannahMitchell-Art]

Having a notebook is a great idea! Not just for home, but I can really use this idea to track the events where I work.

[@ClaireDeLune2848]

I love the takeaway message you shared about serving your guests simply being about blessing them with good food and company. I live in a studio apartment, in a foreign country, and this will be my 4th year hosting Thanksgiving at my place. I don't have a table for everyone to sit at, so we sit picnic-style on the floor. It is what it is! I still make the food myself because I love feeding people home cooked meals, but otherwise it's a very simple affair. It's a wonderful event that I look forward to every year though!

[@MandyMC2]

So impressive, I love your views and loving souls. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the impressions. For 1 week I've been watching your and your videos in a loop and I've learned so much. I have already used a lot of it and I have rethought a few points as far as my apartment is concerned. I'm in the process of making everything nicer and more loving and it's so much fun and brings me joy. Thank you dear Natalie and Mom. Kindly regards from germany, Mandy 🍀❤️

[@JerrTheHooman]

This is so helpful. I live a minimalist lifestyle in general , so likewise, my Thanksgiving dinner is going to be the same. I'm super nervous. It's my first time, I feel like my house is too small and I'm not a good enough cook but I'm trying to stay positive and believe it'll work out

[@MarySmith-zn5dz]

You were both a pleasure to watch together. I always thought I was the only one who kept notes like this for holiday entertaining. Thank you for the Bible verse! God bless your new website.

[@shatimar9069]

I LUV everything about this whole video. Thanks Ladies. Amd what Beautiful Memories between you to being made each time.

[@beatej9510]

You (both) are such a bleessing. Thank you for sharing your wisdom once again.

[@kay7602]

I am hosting a Thanksgiving potluck at my church, this video has blessed me so much 🥹 I wish I had this kind of mother-daughter relationship.

[@beachlover4413]

Natalie, your mom is beautiful! And just so sweet. I wish I had that relationship with my daughter. I did at one time but she got married and HE doesn't like me. So, we have drifted apart and I hardly see my two little grandkids (3 and 5) even though we live 10 minutes apart. It is heartbreaking. But It is really nice to see you two together, please do more!! #homegrownonpurpose

[@dinky..]

I loved this!! Biggest takeaways for me zi think are to enjoy it (it's not about being perfect!) and practically, to take notes and clear off work surfaces before starting on a big day of cooking (why have I never thought of that!! I enjoyed watching and listening to you both SO MUCH. THANK YOU 💕❤ Also, really looking forward to home grown on purpose 💕⭐🙏

[@Mickey-gy8pl]

What a great idea to clear the counters off in a small space to make room. Such an easy solution and I never would have thought of it. I am hosting in a very small space this year and this tip is going to be extremely useful. 🍂🦃

[@louiselumsden8646]

That was my favourite tip too! It such an easy and obvious thing to do but in all my years of hosting I’ve never thought to do that. I have quite a small kitchen (UK houses usually do!) and this will make a huge difference when I’m cooking Christmas dinner! ☺️

[@susanshanks2407]

I thought clearing the counters were a brilliant idea, I do something like that but never the big items.

[@jarednorton912]

As a fellow homesteader and Christian mama, I'm so excited for your Mom's website. 💗 I love your content, Natalie, and I'm sure that I will love your Mom's as well. I'm not on Instagram, so I'm glad to have an outlet to follow her, too. -Sara #homegrownonpurpose

[@michellewanner3921]

I remember how stressed out my mom was hosting holidays. She needed everything perfect. The food was always phenomenal but she never seemed to enjoy it. Now the hosting goes to us kids (my parents are in their 80s) and the theme family makes the food taste better and everyone is required to help in some capacity. #homegrownonpurpose

[@cancrew9774]

i do all this, it's great stuff and makes things so easy !

[@ericajobethemultiplycoach5247]

This is awesome. It makes me miss my mom so very much. ❤

[@elisachavez2083]

This video is on perfect time, so I don’t feel overwhelmed with holidays. Thank you so much for the advice ☺️

[@morgan.mccrea]

Ummmmm I am literally SWOONING over this video! Your hosting content has always been my favorite, followed closely by the chats with your mom 🥰 congratulations Wendy!! Can’t wait to see your little corner of the world get a little bit wider!

[@jenniferlundquist1712]

I love the notebook idea, I wish I thought of this years ago

[@elizabethlobdell8090]

I am SO excited for your mom! And I think these are my favorite videos you put out. This gave me such a great perspective on what it means to be a good hostess, especially since I am hosting my family for Christmas!

[@jenniferwright8355]

#homegrownonpurpose This was awesome! I was raised to hostess without making your guests stressed. Not everyone follows this these days, I am older. 🤪 It is about enjoying time with other people, NOT the decor, or the most expensive china. Save the dishes for the next day. Relax and enjoy the holidays this year!!! 😀

[@TheImperfectReader]

Me...thinking about my relationship goals w my mom.

[@jeanniesmith3156]

Love your mother/daughter videos. Keep them coming.

[@pamb2868]

I used to do Thanksgiving for my family. And it just got to be too much for me. So now, we got out to eat. It was my husband’s idea. He saw how stressed I would be. We moved to a smaller house. And it’s just not big enough for my family. I only have two daughters, but my oldest daughter has seven kids. And then their spouses. There isn’t enough room for everyone to sit. I used to host for my husband’s family years ago. And we had a kids table because we only had six chairs that would fit at our table. So the kids had no where to sit. I do cook for Christmas. But my daughter and most of her kids are vegetarian. So I just make two of the same recipes, one with meat, the other without. My oldest granddaughter and my youngest daughter live in another state. And I think they’re both coming for Thanksgiving. So that’s just more people in my little house. I’m hoping to move to a slightly bigger house some day. Not huge, just bigger than where I live now.

[@tarastone4417]

love the content with mom! My husband and I love having guests and hosting, we have a very small apartment size house. we manage to pack people in still. I've learned tricks over the years and we just enjoy our company.

[@tarastone4417]

I also love how Wendy mentioned spouses being a team when hosting! My husband and I always work together when having guests and I love it.

[@emilyklim8687]

I absolutely love all the videos you do with your mom! Thanks to both of you!!!

[@Tspfulloflove]

I love this!! Thank you so much Natalie and mom who is so adorable btw! Please make more videos like this one! I really need them. This helped a ton!! Can you please do a video on something like a timeline of when to do what. How far in advance can you do something even with food so it stays fresh but you’re not stressing out last minute. When to grocery shop, when to set, when to dress, when to plate… what can be done in Advance and what should be done closer…. Any more tips and tricks please please. What goes on behind the scenes of hosting. Thank you!!

[@mamatries9837]

Love when Momma Wendy is on!! You guys just light up around each other❤️ and so excited for her site!!

[@ariyaelle]

Thank you for the tips as always! This was really helpful, especially when starting with the essentials and hosting 101. Excited for your mom’s new website! Appreciate you taking us along with your thought process.

[@doublea6252]

ALSO!!! Alongside the notebook, keep a list of costs!! $$$ It will not be exact from year to year, but it will give you a more realistic idea of what you spent! (Bonus: I set aside $ each month in an envelope for hospitality we use throughout the year to have company over AND for the food we will need over the holidays...knowing what we spent in the past helps you divide that number by 12 to save a little each month!)💛 Hosting can be so fun!! And I love thrifting for items I need for hoating!

[@NatalieBennett]

This is such a great tip!!!

[@villiansedit]

I really need more of the hosting content! Thank you for tips, great video 👍🏼

[@pamelamaurer2076]

Omg!!! I do the same thing in terms of a notebook!! I have a folder and I also do the recap. Super helpful!!

[@beccacarson116]

I have been following your mom for a little over a year now and I am so excited for more content from her! ❤

[@bethmartin6270]

Love the tip to go back into the notebook and write down what worked and what didn't! I've kept notes from prior years' events but had not thought to add that! Excited to see the content on the new site! #homegrownonpurpose

[@paytongeorge1]

I started tearing up when your mom shared the verse from Psalm 90! These videos with your mom are really such a treasure. 🤍

[@authenticallyamber99]

Priceless! ❤ You and your mom are so sweet! I’m sure you both truly bless your guests! 😃 Buffet style works best for our family too!

[@melissahuntsman1799]

You and your mom are beautiful, and have such a great relationship. Thank you for sharing all your wisdom! Congrats to your mom on her website🎉

[@bethhoppes6388]

Great video. We host Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve every year. I totally agree with buffet style for larger groups. If it is a smaller group we will do family style. Love having people over. I appreciate the notebook idea.

[@mmL16]

You’re my absolute favorite creator on KZbin, hands down!!!!

[@lisahawryluk5067]

Thank you for this wonderful video, and I am so excited for your mom's website!

[@sarahoram9616]

I loved this so much! There is so much wisdom from those who came before us. The heart of the matter was an important reminder for me! ❤

[@sallyb4699]

Oh my what wonderful ideas! Clearing the worksurface in the kitchen.....where have I been.. never thought of that. This year it will double my workspace, thank you both so much! Looking forward to the new website next year 💕xx

[@NatalieBennett]

You are so welcome!❤❤❤

[@cathymcmullen2265]

Your mom is adorable

[@thesilverdoe2847]

This is so wholesome! ❤ Just seeing you with your mom! Enjoy it!! I wish I had a video like this with my mom! (She passed away from COVID) Also, I can relate to, “It doesn’t smell like paper!!” 💕💕💕 God bless you and your family!! ❤

[@817Yankees]

I loved this video! First of all whenever your mom is on your channel I get so excited because she is so sweet and knowledgeable! It was so great to hear some tips that I hope to use one day when I have my own place and can host. And I'm so excited for your moms website!

[@LD-fw9yj]

I love your Mom's, "but does it smell like paper?" ;) Im totally with her there! Great ideas, encouraging video! Happy Holidays and God bless you ladies. ❤️

[@hannahbentson9374]

Congrats Wendy on your new website!! You have so much wisdom to share in the most gracious way. Can’t wait! 🧡

[@hannahbentson9374]

#homegrownonpurpose signed up for your moms website so fast! 😘

[@killielila]

love it ... notebook ... i have a gorgous Cath Kidson planner that is my brain for Nov n Dec ... my filofax is for rest of year ... planner geek

[@ashleybeeson7647]

This is all such great information !!! Thanks so so much ! I just started hosting Christmas so this was so helpful !

[@melanieschulz550]

Such an awesome idea for a video! I’ve always struggled with feeling stressed when hosting- you guys had some really useful tips!!

[@kittenmixer812]

Such good ideas! Love when you do videos together!

[@kima260]

Hi Natalie, Loved the chatting with you and your beautiful mother. Thank you both!!!! Watching from Michigan…Kim

[@anneaton921]

OMG!!! I love your mom!!! Great video!!! I wish her great success on her new website!!!🥰

[@saraanne9127]

Love this so much!! I love your channel and am so excited for your mom’s site 😍

[@eliciapieper6673]

Love this video and your mama's notebook. Would love to see more hosting videos. Thank you!

[@FunkyKmonkey]

Love this video! So excited to work with my hands and let the beauty of the Lord shine in my small home this holiday season❤ thanks for giving me the nudge I needed to host and enjoy the space I’m in at the moment ❤ can’t wait for #homegrownonpurpose🎉

[@lindamcdermott9980]

This was so interesting and insightful. The holidays are different this year in our family, two have moved into smaller spaces, I will be hosting in my very small space and so excited. Like your mom, I have notes from years past…. They need updating this year. The adult grandchildren go to their significant friends. It will be the youngest, 14, my two daughters and I. Menu planning is my current project. I’ve decluttered a lot of serveware , so that is another thing to plan. Thank you so much for this chat. Good luck to your mom for her upcoming KZbin. She is just as beautiful as you, you could be twins!

[@mayracalderon5598]

Great video! I always enjoy seeing your Mom as a guest in your channel. You two look like sisters! Love your tips and tricks, and I am buying a notebook for sure! Cantcwait to see your Moms new website in early 2023! God bless you always!

[@brittanys.7191]

We’ve never used chafing dishes but we utilize crock pots on warm and my oven has a warming drawer. So far we’ve always been able to pull it off 😉 when we warm tortillas in crock pots I just moist towels to emit moisture to keep them from drying out 😉 we do a lot of taco bars over here lol

[@NatalieBennett]

We do too!!!

[@curlycurly004u]

so sweet the two of you!!! Good advise!

[@samanthaherrera3755]

I know I'm late to the party but this video is timely for me right now. We're hosting a Thanksgiving breakfast for my in-laws (not my choice) and I was being so crabby and displeased about it. Wondering when I'll have time to shampoo the carpets and scrub all the cabinets and polish the fridge and then I realized that I don't really care. They're coming to my home because they love us and they love our children, not because I have freshly shampooed carpets. Thank you for reminding me to be grateful this season, even in the things I don't choose.

[@bethhoppes6388]

So I commented already but totally agree with your family assisting. My daughter who is now 22 could make the prettiest veggie trays and charcuterie boards. My sons would pitch in by picking up and cleaning. The hubby fries the turkey and makes his Mom’s sweet potato biscuits.

[@annewhittemore3771]

Can we get a video one day on kids birthday parties and get aaaaall the nitty gritty thoughts of what works? That’s another thing that I am so confused by! ESP with a smallish house and a kid born in February. 😅

[@rtoutlook]

Wendy having a website is the best news. I’m a huge Natalie fan, but I’m closer in age to Wendy so naturally I’ll find plenty interesting reads on there too. Can’t wait. ❤️

[@sam.hai2754]

Excited I could join this morning.