EXTREME DECLUTTERING MY HOUSE! *mental health has entered the chat* |Messy To Minimal Hostessware Ep

[@angela_flute52689]

I love the "blessed vs. impressed" mindset.

[@morningsidewithkelley]

As a person who loves to host as well, I love the sentiment of blessing and not impressing the guests. I will keep that on repeat in my mind. I tend to strive for perfection while hosting because I love the details in things, but often find I'm stressing out way too much. I've been getting better at not sweating the small stuff, but it definitely takes work for me. Thank you Natalie, and thank you to your lovely Mama!

[@lilyshapiro1697]

I'd love to see a video where you walk through one of your menus and talk about the ins and outs-like what you feel like is something you can that can wait to be warmed later etc. I know you've talked before about your menus but I guess what I mean is I would love to hear about how you schedule it out, why, what things you feel like are still good but made a few days prior etc. I guess like the logistics of your menus?

[@NatalieBennett]

Sure! I’ve made something similar to this as part of a Get It All Done with me video a couple years ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ-VeKd6rbtkgK8feature=shared I’d also like to make a video going more in depth! Hopefully I’ll be able to soon!

[@lilyshapiro1697]

@@NatalieBennett ❤️❤️ I thought I had remembered something similar! You're the best

[@heatherdressler6603]

I get excited on Tuesdays when I realize it's "Natalie day." :-) You have done such a great job creating community with your channel. It's so nice get a project done with a friend as I'm watching or if I'm tired just sit and be blessed be your great content, peaceful videos, and cheerful attitude.

[@NatalieBennett]

Oh this comment warmed my heart so much! I LOVE this community. You all are the best! 🥹

[@hannahhensley8497]

Tuesday is my FAVORITE day

[@aturner047]

I'm the same as this, and the week that you don't post I'm sad

[@lisapoulsen5452]

One thing I do to avoid getting stressed about prep is making a to do list with approximate times!! I start with the time I want to serve everything and work backwards from that. I make as much a couple days early as possible. Easy pumpkin pie recipe (everything in a blender and voila!!) goes in a mason jar in the fridge, etc.🥰🇨🇦

[@NatalieBennett]

Yesssss!!! My mom and I shared this in our Hosting 101 video!

[@CherylSpang]

I think a long piece of stained wood would make an amazing topper for your buffet 😊

[@kims914]

I thought the exact same thing. Maybe to match her beautiful table.

[@carolyn1580]

Agree!

[@saragress2344]

I throw the linens in the dryer and use wrinkle release. I try to decorate the tables a day or more in advance so I can focus on food. Housing birthdays for our kids, I'll take turns with my best friend and her kids during the party running the refills and clean up so the hostess can engage with her party guests. It's such a blessing!

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

I'm not much of a hostess. It does stress me out. I like to have impromptu get-together. We do have friends over each Saturday where she brings the food and we provide the setting we live out in the country with lots of space to walk, and they live in the city so this is there get away place. Nothing fancy - paper plates a must. They feel so comfortable that they know where to get drinks, silverware, and serving spoons. She even likes to wash up the dirty dishes. That's my idea of hostessing. No decorations or fancy food. We do host Thanksgiving for friends. No family in the area, except of course our son who will join us if he doesn't have plans with his friends.

[@NatalieBennett]

That’s ok! Everyone has a different personality and desire for hosting! ❤️

[@jayembee7067]

I love friends like that and am glad I have some too as mobility is an issue for me. Mind you I used to host a lot in my younger days as we too had the setting for large gatherings. Blessings to all. ❤️from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@kr6484]

​@jayembee7067 blessings to you as well ❤may the Father bless you and keep you. And whatever you are going through, you will get through. Just trust in Him and all will be well ❤

[@janicerepass6996]

The third storage cabinet along with the artwork and the sconces really make for a beautiful buffet area!

[@TheAlexSerpe]

Natalie, words cannot describe how much you inspire me as a Christian woman, wanting to start a homestead and turn to God and happiness over pain. I’ve been watching your videos since you had Hailey and now as I’m soon to be married I rediscovered your videos and I’m finding myself watching your vids to help with stress, anguish over life, and you have no idea how much you help me disconnect from the crazy of this world. Not to mention, me and my fiancé have made a lot of money lately off Facebook Marketplace due to your inspiration to declutter and get rid of things, we will be closer to affording a home bc of you❤️

[@Chell1496]

I like the phrase-Happy Spouse, Happy House 🥰 lots of info packed into this nice video for hosting. Thanks Natalie!

[@NatalieBennett]

That’s a great one!

[@sunnygem21]

That's great, I must remember that phrase!

[@mirjamvancooten1192]

I would use that lazy Susan as a decor item. In the middle of the table or like what you have in your kitchen, with a vase and some decorations. Love the wood!

[@michelleanderson8449]

This is exactly what I needed this morning. I’ve been very sick but I need to deep clean my house this morning, so I was scrolling my feed to find some motivation and this notification came through in that exact moment. I can always count on you, Natalie. I feel like you’re my inspirational speaker/therapist/friend/sister all in one person. Thank you 💕

[@NatalieBennett]

Awww get better soon! 🫶

[@andreeailie9053]

I still can believe that September is almost over and we only have two months until the holidays season 😮😮 Just yesterday it was June and children were at home 🏡 Great idea to start decluttering and re organizing things so early ❤❤❤ Thanks Natalie 💖

[@LilCraftyNook]

I know right?? (My kids are grown but yeh…)

[@mirandakh17]

Books & blankets are definitely 2 things I overlook & keep lots of! ❤

[@barbb.7028]

We do a fare amount of hosting also. Yes, it is work but the bond created between our guests and us is priceless. I'm a simple kind of gal when it comes to table decor, etc. I have some but rarely use it. I feel our guests feel more welcome when I keep things on the simple side. Your cabinets are such great storage and I think the candle sconces and picture is very pretty. I respect and admire you for all that you are. I'm thankful God created you and that you are willing to share your life and your family with us.

[@user-3l1]

Great inspiration, I just moved to a place 3 times smaller and had to declutter a lot of things, change furniture for smaller ones... I still find things that I can declutter as I organize the new apartment 📦📦

[@megand576]

Love buying my hostess items from the thrift store! Giant glass serving trays, beautiful glass bowls for dips, vases for flowers- I love it! Plus, if it breaks, no biggie as it was cheaper!

[@beelastra4901]

Love that! "Focus on blessing them, not impressing them!" We LOVE hosting and our parents would always host big parties as we grew up! No matter how big or small our houses, we still manage to host and bless our friends and family! I agree on the plain white servingware being sooo versatile! Although, i must say i have a large shallow bowl that has a lovely christmas scene painted in the middle that i use it throughout the year 😅

[@debbiepalmer1094]

I'd love to see videos of you decorating the table for hosting, you always do such a beautiful job. x

[@katyrichardson9046]

Love the idea of bless your guests vs impress your guests! Such a wonderful thing to remember. ❤

[@daisybuchanan5378]

I deal with linen napkins by air drying them. I shake them when I take them out of the wash, drape them in a clothes drying rack, and they come out beautifully. Works well with clothes too.

[@terryruiz7417]

There is a difference between entertaining and hospitality....an important thing to understand.

[@ponchotheunicorn5288]

Your intro gave me big feels. Because i have the 4 holidays standing between us meeting our baby boy! It's helping the pregnancy fly by but it's also making me realize HOW MUCH I HAVE TO DO!!! Decluttering, deep cleaning, organizing, decorating, AND nursery prep and design. I need to get in gear!

[@alexandriavr6665]

Me to! Our boy is due right after the holidays and I'm so excited that people are putting up fall and Christmas videos, it means it's getting close 😆

[@mika72.-Bois]

In the southern hemisphere; Christmas & holidays are on a different timing & vibe. 1) The 🏫 school year starts late January or the first week of February. 2) Long summer holidays are December/January. 3) Christmas 🎄 & New Years Eve 🎆🎇 are warm/hot! 🥵 & in summer! 🏖 🏕 🏝

[@jnichols7886]

Natalie! I’m SO happy for you that you found a pair of jeans that don’t cause you pain! 🙌🙌 They look adorable on you! 🥰

[@jeannine-tf1nx]

I used to have different dishes for holidays. A few years ago I went to all white. Plates and all serveware. Best decision. Works for every holiday. I accent the holiday with my table linens. Great place to start an all white collection is thrift stores. In my area there is a lot of Pfaltzgraff at thrift stores.

[@cathywhitney5974]

Happy wife, content hubby, loved children make a very happy home. It’s about the whole family. Never about one . Love your serving ideas. Most of all love how you open your home to host large gatherings.

[@SonyaBarnesOnMove]

Love the sconces! Hostess ware organization really does help, especially with planning and prepping since you have what you need and use.

[@susanmakiha9838]

The wooden tongs are good if you have to get toast out of a toaster without electrocuting yourself 😊

[@JessicaWarner-t4j]

I just bought my family and extended families Christmas presents the last two days. It was the first time I did it so early and OMGoodness. You know how many things are on sale in September? It was like God just whispered to me "it's time," I took a look online, and BAM it was seamless. Very proud of my selections and have that checked off!

[@rabbitila7685]

Homegoods and At Home have good items as well. You are definitely my type of minimalist.

[@laurarysedorph7200]

I needed this so much. I need to prepare my home and mindset for the holidays now as well. We have so much happening between now and then it will definitely be here before I know it. Thank you

[@ladyhawk2562]

Would love to see how you setup your table and buffet and what types of things you like to serve!

[@catherineross7776]

We use one of those divided dishes when we are making tacos - one section for lettuce, one for grated cheese, one for diced tomato, one for mince and the centre for salsa or guac. Easy!

[@edencaouette3881]

I love the nesting tiered trays!! Do you happen to have a link for them?

[@daisybuchanan5378]

In my 20s I learned from a friend that less is more when entertaining. Fewer dishes, streamlined menu, etc. it’s served me well.

[@amahler7]

Looks amazing! Maybe cut a long piece of wood as a “tabletop” of sorts to make it look more built in!

[@rebeccahaeren9902]

I love how open and honest you are in your videos, thank you ❤

[@smellthelemons]

The Zooboomafoo closet!! Ugh that brings me back. I loved that show. Thanks for the little trip down memory lane lol.

[@bethpowell43]

Love the declutter videos, gets me motivated! The huge lazy Suzan is good for the middle of the table for family gatherings-salt and pepper, salad dressings, anything that needs passed around…it’s a great function for

[@Claudia-sm9te]

I like impressing my guests, for me it is about showing them love by providing a meal that was well thought out, planned, used my cooking skills and treated them to to something good and special. Like, they are worthy of all the time and effort that took. I love seeing my loved ones around my dinner table enjoying the food I made for them.

[@NatalieBennett]

This goes very much along with the point I was making. It sounds to me like all of these things you do to “impress” your guests are actually blessing them. And like I said- it’s TOTALLY ok to serve the nice food, set up the lovely decor and be a bit fancy! Sounds like your heart is in the right place, my friend 🫶

[@Claudia-sm9te]

@@NatalieBennett I am not a religious person so the lingo is a little foreign. Neither is english my first language. But I had a feeling we were meaning the same things. Hosting as a love language

[@findingaway5512]

Yeah..... I love Fall. It is always busy with kids back. October is a good month with fall fun and the sudden smack Christmas stuff! 😮

[@sopjoplop23]

That disposable silverware,napkins, plates basket is amazing!

[@katiehamilton3915]

"It's like the stinkin Zaboomafoo closet" My 90s kids heart DIED XD and then the chocolate orange wrapper?! :D day = made thank you for being relatable!

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Lovely chatty vlog😊. Funny what you declutter, I use every time.😂 I use my wood lazy Susan for sauces and condiments or ingredients for eg self made wraps, rice rolls, tacos, etc on a table.. they all stay together and people can turn it to get what they need. I use my 3 tear glass plates for nibbles, treats, afternoon tea during the holidays, birthdays and celebrations.. we love it. You are a "cosy minimalist"😊.. just not an "extreme minimalist".. but most people aren't extreme minimalists...and wouldn't want to be!. ..and as you always say "and that's ok!"😊

[@SoWhatImASlytherin]

ZOBOOMAFOO CLOSET!!! epic reference. I need this inspo this week.

[@connierush4563]

Looks fantastic! Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. Remaining stress-free does translate to your guests. ❤❤❤

[@claireb3578]

You made me feel in this video Natalie that despite my limitations of energy and mobility, perhaps I could actually host...starting small and remembering to focus on bless not impress guests. Thank you so much 💗 I decluttered a lot of hosting items by donating but with the knowing that if I need them in future what I need will appear

[@eydiegarcelon8889]

I love all of these videos. The tips, tricks, ideas, the motivation, etc. I do absolutely LOVE to entertain, but now, some limitations after an injury.... so simplifying is KEY!!! Thank you Natalie 💜

[@BriannaNorman-pf5tj]

I love the chocolate orange on the platter idea they are always a crowd pleaser ❤

[@meagangassler6722]

So agree with white serving pieces!

[@TheresaRasmussen-c5i]

Do you have a link for those serving risers for your food that you use that are wooden metal?

[@gigicathy7030]

?? Where did you get your gravy boat and what kind is it?? Thank you for the kindness, and motivation you provide us all.

[@susanlawson5926]

I’m so glad U got the additional cabinet! Nothing I hate more is to have less room and start stacking items on top of each other 😮 I have to move everything to get to something else, I know it’s trivial but it frustrates me SO I am all for additional cabinet. 🎉

[@veronicabush9844]

Lovely and very helpful video. I love that you always seem so happy ❤❤❤❤

[@darlaford2593]

I learned real fast to buy none wrinklie and water proof frabic table clothes. Its been a life saver. Love this video Natalie ❤

[@hannahbentson9374]

I love the holidays! We’ve been so sick that it’s nice to just relax and watch you work lol. Someday soon I’ll have the energy to clean my house. 🤞🏼

[@CardsbyMaaike]

being organized and prepped always pays off. stews and or slowcooker meals can be done in the morning, prepping the veg to go in the crockpot could be done the evening before, oven dishes like shepherds pie, lasagna , moussaka of whatever you like, can be done in the morning afternoon and just bake an hour before guest arrive, when I watch home make over or house hunting shows I always giggle at we like to entertain, we need a big kitchen, but noone wants to see you cut up steaks or the pile of dishes in an open kitchen..trust me ;-) been there done that. Nathalie you've done well with the decluttering and whatever works for you is the best way for you. I have a ting for little meusli bowls and I decluttered many, but still have many, cos they're pretty and I can use them as individual soup boalw, icecream, meusli, dips, sauces, cut up veggies, just cos it's meant for soup on the label doesn't mean you have to use them as a soup bowl, might put cat food in it if I want to, basically I trying to say: your house, your rules, do what makes you happy

[@kalfaro58]

Thank you for another wonderful video and content! Your channel has always been very inspirational to me and has changed the way I think about hosting and overall looking at my home, it's been a blessing ❤

[@MsK_in_CA]

For those just starting to purchase serve ware and want some festive seasonal items. Nora Fleming has a line of basic white serve ware with changeable charms. They have every theme you could imagine. I think something like that might be nice for a wedding registry.

[@InsideCenterDani]

A tip I’ll share for hosting a big meal is to place the serving dishes with their serving tools on the table/buffet and to put a small piece of paper in the dish to show what food item will go there. You might realize you forgot about a dish for cranberries or whatever. And it allows others to help. Ex. Can you put the rolls in their bowl? Which bowl? The one that says rolls!

[@NatalieBennett]

This is such a great tip! This has come in handy for the weddings I’ve done!

[@katmccoy34]

Always love your declutter videos!!

[@nikkys3168]

Love this so much🥰 this will be my first holiday season hosting the whole fam (it’s our babies first holiday season❤️) so I will def be watching your hosting for the holidays videos🥰

[@daisybuchanan5378]

The buffet area with the new cabinet looks beautiful !

[@erinsnead4560]

Oh man I just found this -- I love it! That hostess basket for paper products is a dream! I'm definitely going to be on the hunt for one for our summer cookouts! :) I love the entire vibe of this hostess video -- I can't wait to watch the video with your mom!

[@lisam5744]

Do with what you got...I love that. I was considering getting a new under the sink storage, but heard that expression in my mind and reused something I already had on hand. It's not new and snazzy, but it didn't cost me any money. 🥳

[@NatalieBennett]

Yess!!!!!! That money is still in the bank and your sink is organized! #winwin

[@ilanapeters4239]

It's always interesting to see a different perspective on holidays than what I'm used to! I'm Jewish and so it's right NOW our major holiday season (we just had one last week, we'll be having another next week and then there's a week-long holiday starting in two weeks) so for me, this was motivating to find the courage to simplify my holiday season. As for keeping food warm, I never even thought of that being an issue because as religious Jews, every Shabbat we have two hot meals that are made in advance - and we don't use candles or ovens or microwaves to heat them up. We use what we "platas" (a hot plate that gets pretty warm but is only has one heat setting to avoid accidentally cooking the food) and a "shabbat timer" (a 24-hour timer that you set for the plata to be on for the two or three hours you want it on for each meal and otherwise the plata is off). I never even thought of getting all the food hot at once being an issue because this is the norm in my community!

[@NatalieBennett]

Yes! My countertop warmer has a Shabbat timer on it!

[@Tipywos]

I really love the Nora Fleming Hostess ware. All simple basic white but you can interchange the "charms" or minis for each holiday, season event etc. Weddings birthdays, st Patty's, valentines sports you name it theres a mini to match.

[@AliceStanley-i5w]

Hey Natalie. I was a real lazy bump today. But excuse i am on my period so i don't even feel bad about it. But your video and the previous one got me up to clean the kitchen and make ketchup from my garden tomatoes and steamed cabbage from my garden. Thank you for your motivation Natalie.

[@GLOWwithJennifer]

Designer/decorator here…I would totally leave some of those wooden pieces out on top of your buffet as deco until you need them. The round tiered for example would be so cute!

[@NatalieBennett]

Thanks for the tip!

[@AliceStanley-i5w]

In our church we have Thanksgiving on October 1st. Because we decorate with mostly our own harfest and by the time real Thanksgiving comes by everything is canned already lol we also have a big feast in church so this helps to cut down the cost as we are using a lot of harvest to prepare the meal

[@mrsstrople]

I'm a minimalist in everything except books. I have a small bookshelf and even though I declutter my collection, j find some charm to the crammed little shelves.

[@angiebrownharris8078]

Zaboomafoo! I have not thought about that in years!

[@LeanneDickeyThibodeau]

Would you mind telling me where you got your dining table and chairs? Loved this video. Very helpful.

[@mariahartisch9514]

My favorite serving dishes are the family's simple white pizza plates. They work for everything from cakes to sushi to Christmas roasts and dumplings...

[@whitney5581]

Yes only a couple more week s until thanksgiving here in 🇨🇦 We typically don’t host, but love to bring what we can to help out!!

[@emilysmith2784]

Oh I love those tiered wood and metal pieces. Might keep an eye out for some like that. We never host other people, ever 😂 we were actually considering getting rid of some of our plates as we never reach the ones at the bottom, I started rotating them so they don’t get dusty but I don’t know why, I should just donate them. We do however do what we in NE England call a ‘choosy tea’ quite often. Which is basically a table filled with snack foods and afternoon tea type food which you just pick at from brunch to supper so a lot of the serve wear we have comes with lids. Great for leftovers in the fridge afterwards too, for when our eyes are bigger than our stomachs 😅

[@asianangel5400]

such an encouraging and helpful advice today. Enjoy the rest of your summer and by all means have fun hosting and making memories with your family and friends.

[@lindafabiano3312]

I love watching your videos, they are so calming and inspiring. Can I ask where did you get your padded/quilted storage bags from for your dinnerware & flatware?

[@whittneybaldwin2267]

Not ready for the holidays yet, but as a family who celebrates a liturgical church year we prepare early for Advent and the 12 Days of Christmas. I have a liturgical book that I have different things in for the year. It helps knowing what we need to do for each thing.

[@kims914]

This turned out so well. I love the sconces!!

[@karlavedder3139]

I always look forward to your videos. You have me cleaning cabinets now lol !

[@jenniferlumia9892]

I just want to start by saying how much i love your videos. Im looking forward to see all of your fall and holiday stuff. Makes this florida girl remember there is hope for some cool weather.

[@adunne1104]

This buffet is such a great idea. Why have I never thought of buying this furniture piece 😂 Our kitchen is so small, our dining room has super old corner cabinets that don’t fit much. This would be such a great solution. I’m pretty minimalist and still feel like we’re busting at the seams.

[@NatalieBennett]

When you enjoy hosting, it’s OK to prioritize for extra things to serve your guests and practice hospitality! Don’t let the minimalist trolls tell you otherwise! 😉

[@nancyblackwell9818]

The little wooden tongs that you were going to declutter…I think they are for taking toast out of a toaster so that you’re not sticking a metal knife or fork or something in there to grab your toast if it doesn’t pop up far enough. 🍞

[@vitaactiva_official]

The majority of my hosters ware is clear glass. I think its even more versatile than white Love your videos Natalie and enjoyed your tips!

[@karenstairs8273]

I took a picture of what my cabinet looked like with everything neatly in it. It helped my family figure out my "Jenga" way of storing everything. LOL

[@SauerPatchGardening]

I have some little tongs like the wooden ones you decluttered and I use them for relishes and charcuterie boards. I love mine! Lol. Just shows we are all different and I actually wish I had more. 😂 I also use all white serving dishes with splashes of things for whatever event I'm hosting. I have a beautiful pumpkin tray, a red crystal Christmas dish etc... and white looks great even if the pieces were bought separately, or years apart.

[@Shannonmurray1504]

If it becomes more of a permanent fixture, I’d recommend making a wood top to put on top, to make it look more built in and hides the fact it’s more than one cabinet. We’ve done this before! ❤

[@NatalieBennett]

Yes! This is such a great idea!

[@MakeupCleaningAndCats]

I loved your outfit and the little candles! We usually host with paper plates and make people microwave their food haha. I feel better about it since we found compostable plates. Haven’t hosted in a while, have been craving to do so, but dreading the work. Thanks for the motivation!

[@kima260]

Hi Natalie, Can’t believe 🍂 autumn begins on Saturday. Your place is looking great! Keep up the good work!🙌🏻 Watching from Michigan…Kim

[@jenineheller8054]

Just in regards to the tongs…those ones are for taking hot toast out of the toaster! Game changer for us with GF bread that is tiny or my kids getting English muffins out so they don’t get burnt 😊 love your videos!

[@bbbkkk222]

I have seen others add a countertop piece from ikea on top of things like this. It would bring all 3 together and make an easier surface to clean after using as a buffet!

[@annw1395]

Those little wooden tongs are toaster tongs -- for getting toast, English muffins, waffles out of the toaster in a safe, non-metal way, and without burning your fingers I keep mine on the drawer under my toaster, and use them every day.

[@CULady]

Thanks for this video!! So blessed to have you prompt me to add this to my list! I have 2 areas I need to declutter and organize!❤ God Bless you Natalie 🙏 ❤️

[@maggieschuttler1726]

I love your videos and really look forward to them each week!!

[@staceyepperson6315]

I remember that video with your mom! I think it was the one where she suggested getting a notebook to plan and then have notes to look back at, I took her advice! I got myself a notebook just for party planning, so helpful to see my to-do lists and I go back after the party to make notes to myself of what did or did not work 😂

[@szmartin]

Love watching your home decor updates! Everything looks great 🎉

[@shittletonmiddleton]

This is perfect, I’m probably gonna start binging your videos at this point because I’m due with my second daughter beginning of December so we aren’t hosting anything but I am in full on nesting mode!