A SWIFTIE STYLE SOIRÉE

Join Michelle Mize and special guest Maddie as they break down how to host the ultimate Taylor Swift-inspired soirée! After being inspired by the Eras Tour movie, these two party planning enthusiasts combined forces to create an unforgettable evening where each guest embodied a different Taylor Swift era.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How thoughtfully matching each guest to their perfect "era" created instant investment and excitement
• Creative ways to incorporate themed cocktails, decor, and personal touches
• Tips for balancing perfectionist planning with genuine connection
• Behind-the-scenes stories of what worked (and what they'd do differently!)

Plus, listeners get access to FREE Swiftie Soirée templates to host their own era-inspired gathering! Whether you're a longtime Swiftie or new to Taylor's music, this episode shows how themed gatherings can bring together unlikely groups and create lasting memories.

Tune in to learn how to host for connection, not perfection, and get inspired to plan your own magical evening! 🎵✨

Transcript

Hey y'all, welcome to Suppers and Soirees where we talk about hosting for connection and not perfection. My name is Michelle Mize. I'm your host and the founder of Sun Cookery. Okay, today's episode is going to be a lot of fun. I'm excited to have a guest on again this week.

And she is a long time family friend, really an adjunct member of our family. I've known her for a very long time. I don't even want to say how long. But Maddie is joining us today to talk about an event that her and I, I would say we co hosted it together. I don't think I gave you the official title. Did I?

No, I was more of a guest. But you helped me with planning and some of the ideation and the creativity and the execution. So anyway, well, that's what we're going to talk about and you're going to be so excited to see what or hear about our theme for this event. But before we do that, Maddie, please introduce yourself to 

everyone.

Um, I'm Maddie. I was born and raised here in Wisconsin. I'm a Wisconsin girl. Um, uh, yeah.  

And, well, can I tell how I know you? Sure. Is that okay? Sure, sure. Okay, great. So, I've known you since you've been in the 8th grade. Yes. And you are not in the 8th grade anymore. No, I'm not. Let's just be clear. That was quite a while ago. 

You are a college graduate. Yes. You have a home. You have a job.  Yes, yes.  Again, I don't want to say how old you are because then that's going to say how old I am.  No, so, Maddie, I've known you for a long time. Take care. Bye. You are a fixture in our household. You started out, um, babysitting our youngest, my daughter and was the perfect fit, but then you evolved when you were in your senior year in college, you started interning for my husband's company and I was doing their marketing at the time.

And so we've worked together in a business capacity. And then you got on board with me that I guess it was about. So, I don't know, a year into SunCookery being founded and supported me for about six months, nine months. Yeah. Just, just jumped into the entrepreneurial space with me to help me out and just be that person to help me execute on some ideas and things.

And so, you know SunCookery very well, and I know that you know hosting. I know that you like to host. Yes. We had a lot of conversations about that. Yes.  So, um, yeah, I think everyone needs to know that our relationship goes a little deeper than just this random guest. Yes.  So, we know each other really well, right?

Yes. Okay, so, um, the reason why I brought Maddie on is because I mentioned that you co hosted an event with me. And, um, that event was focused around, it was really the inspiration was that I took my daughter Maggie. To go see the Taylor Swift era's movie and me being of a certain age had not fully Embraced or even understood how amazing Taylor Swift's  music and just her creativity I was blown away and I think you and I were talking 

Yeah one day 

and I said gosh, how fun would it be to do a party that was like inspired by Taylor?

Mm 

hmm, 

and that's what got our wheels in motion, right? Yeah. Yeah. Am I, keep me on track? Yes. Right. Yes. That's why we decided to do it. So anyway, that's why you're here. And I'm so grateful that you wanted to come on and share your perspective of how we co hosted this event, all the little bits and pieces and parts.

And so before we dive into that. So people can really get a sense of you as a host as they're listening. We do a segment called P's and C's. Mind your P's and C's. The P is for perfection. The C is for connection. Okay, so when you're hosting and there's different elements to any kind of an event. Ready, right?

Whether it's small or  large or somewhere in between. Okay, so you just tell us where you fall on that spectrum. Are you more about connection, more about perfection, alright? So, let's talk about just the basic invitation. When you're ready to do something, you're ready to host, how are you when it comes to an invite?

Sure, um, definitely more connection side. Um, I think maybe just like my generation, we I don't do a lot of like printed, um, invitations most between me and my friends and family. It usually starts with a text or a call. You know, what are you guys doing? It can be kind of last minute. What are you guys doing this weekend?

Um, there's a lot of that and it's usually quick, casual and quick and, um, just about getting together. So, yeah.  Yeah. More connection. Okay. Just connection. Okay. Love it. Okay. 

What about, um, when it comes to your tabletop, I always say tabletop because that's all we see all the time on social media is what's the table look like, but what about just the general setting or decor or, you know, the creative elements of an event?

Where do you fall on that scale?  

Um,  I think that my friends and family would definitely say towards perfection. 

Okay. 

Um, I like to create a little space for my events, whether it's like, um, been thought out, you know, and it's like a well planned in advance event, or if it's just like girlfriends coming over, I like, um, to have it all like set up for us and, you know, like, carve out a little nook.

Yes, yes, where are we going to be? Is it summer? Are we going to be outside? Let's like clean up the patio and put up little candles and the pillows, you know, get it all ready, or are we going to be inside, or? Um, maybe we're just having a drink or two and then we're going out, but I think that, um, you can really  set the vibe and get everybody kind of in the mood for whatever's going on by, um,  

Creating that 

space.

Yes, creating that space and that's something that I personally enjoy about hosting too. I know some people maybe don't love that part, but I personally enjoy it. Yeah, 

so 

you're 

a perfectionist about that and to you that is really an important component of hosting. Yes. Okay, okay, love that. Well, you mentioned drinks a minute ago, um, talk to me about the food and drink component of hosting.

Are you a perfectionist or are you just like, Um, let's make the connection. How do you facilitate that part? 

Um, I think mostly perfection. I grew up, my dad  did a lot of cooking. He was very good at cooking. Um, and I was like interested in being in that space with him since I was a little kid. It's something that I enjoy.

Um, I think that there can be certain moments where it's more just about that connection. Maybe you're just gonna  Get some pre made stuff from the grocery store, just like, put out the crackers and the fruit or whatever. But, I do really enjoy that, like, food and drink, like, things that go together. Create a little menu, even if it's simple things.

And, um, yeah, definitely perfection for me.  Okay. Well, that's why we worked all together.  

All of your perfection, perfectionistic tendencies line up right about where I do,  except I do still like a good printed invite. Yeah. Um, sorry. I like the snail mail. Um, okay. What about music, entertainment,  uh, just general  conversation starting opportunities? 

Sure. Um. Do you let 

things flow or do you kind of think about that a little more? Sure. 

Um,  you know, I don't do a lot of, like, conversation starter sort of things, so, um, probably, I guess,  where, where would that fall on the scale of connection or perfection? 

You're, I think you're more about connection than you're just gonna let it happen.

Yes. 

I think a perfectionist would be like, We're doing this. Yeah. That's a good question. We haven't had a guest ask this. What does it mean? Well, I, I guess, Yeah, you're right. When I'm thinking about entertainment or getting people to You know, to like kind of set the, the, what's the word I'm looking for?

Set the tone of an event. Mm hmm. Sometimes, depending on the size of the event though, I would, I would argue that you might want to think that through. Yeah. Just, you know. Yeah. Or if it's people that have never met. Yes. I think it's easier to be just connection when it's the same group of people.

Everybody knows each other. But when you're bringing other people that don't have A lot in common, sometimes you might need to nudge them in the right direction with the conversation starter, or maybe even just the seating chart, or, you know. Yeah, yeah, definitely. 

Always music, though, too. Okay, 

always music.

Every, 

every event, I think you need a little bit, just like low, you know, something low.  

Background noise. Yeah. That 

kind of thing. Yeah. 

Okay, okay, great. Um, I think we covered everything. Oh, no, no, no, there's one more thing.  I love asking this question. Okay, so you're having people over at your home and are you someone who's like everything is perfectly placed behind the scenes or meaning would you give someone a house tour?

At an event. Would you be like, yeah, go check out my whole house? Oh, where are you at? 

Oh, yeah perfection 

really said 

yes Okay, as long as I mean you have time to you know, the events coming up then. Oh, yeah You're gonna have your house in order. Get it all ready. Yes. I see, I love that too. Oh my god, you 

wonder why we like each other.

Yes, do it all, absolutely.  You're not shoving everything in the closet and then shutting the door. No, no, you can look in the closet.  Now I have to do that with Max's room That right? My 17 year old. I have, I don't even try. I have to shut the door. Do not go in Max's room.  Yeah. Okay. Okay. Well, thanks for doing that.

Yeah. Okay. I think that gives everyone a good picture of Maddie and how you tackle things. 

 Okay. Okay. So Maddie, we are here today to talk about the event, our Swifty Soiree  that came together, and you were a co host. Okay? I don't think we acknowledged that. I did not acknowledge that on the actual event. But because you were working with me for Suncookery, and helping me out, and I was brainstorming with you a lot of the ideas, you truly helped me execute it, and helped build the event.

The free templates. Yes. That we are giving to everyone. Mm-hmm . Um, who's connected with us on Instagram or on our email list and make sure y'all join. Yeah. Because we've got free Swifty Soay templates to walk you through this very event that we're talking about today on the podcast, right? Yes. Yes. So this is kind of fun because you can be in the hot seat because not only were you an unofficial cohost, Uhhuh, you were a guest.

Yes. And you brought a friend Uhhuh, who I knew a little bit, but not super well, right? Yeah. And you met a couple of my friends. Yes, yeah, I think I briefly met a couple of them before, but I hadn't really, you know, spent a lot of time with them. So, yeah, it was really like, you brought us all together. The event really did bring us all, a mixed group of people all together.

And that was a lot of fun. Yes, it was a lot of fun to have different backgrounds and just oh, yeah Yeah, I love this kind of events when you bring people together and you make then you learn sometimes I felt like where I felt like I learned stuff about my two girlfriends Yes, I'm listening to what you and Aaron were talking about your girlfriend.

Yeah That was a fun component, yeah  Now that I'm thinking back on all that. Yeah, it was a good Surprise. Anyway, okay, so let's dig into the whole set up planning invitations, you know, and you can kind of like tell me what you remember about it and maybe your opinion on it. I can't wait. Give us a little critique.

But no, really give everyone that's listening your perspective. As a co host, but also as a guest. Sure. Like all the little things that you remember. Yeah. Okay. So we did have to get pretty diligent on the invitation. Mm hmm. Because there was a specific goal for the Swifty Soiree. Yes. Which was? So we matched each guest with an era and I remember putting in quite a bit of thought and time into matching each person with their era because you really wanted Then to like kind of already embody that era a little bit, you know, like you wanted them to be able to have fun with it.

And I think that by matching them with something that you kind of felt like was already their vibe, then you were like setting them up for success. So we spent quite a bit of time deciding who would be who. Right, and we did that because we wanted, we decided this was going to be a guest contribution.

event. Yes. So they were going to contribute a drink of their choice. Yes, a cocktail or yeah, non alcoholic of their choice. And they had to, um, also wear, come dressed as your era. Right. Um, that's right. That was the whole point. We decided this was going to be an interactive gathering. Yes. Swifty soiree. The guest contributes and engages.

And I, as the host, offered to open up my home and do the decor. And music, per se. Or in food. Yes. So I said I would do food. A little bite to go. You did, um, something sweet was, um, popcorn with white, was it white chocolate?  Yes. Yes. Very good. Right before Christmas, so very, like, on brand. Um, some salty roasted nuts, and then I think there were, like, crackers and cheese.

A little charcuterie board. Okay. Um, so we had a little bite with each drink. And did you think, as a guest,  and it was only small bites because we didn't intend for it at dinner or anything. It was just like, come over for a cocktail, something to soiree. Um, did you think the food worked? Because I remember being a little nervous, not nervous because I'm not, I don't know, I'm not really nervous.

Um, but I remember wanting to have something savory. sweet, salty, and something maybe that everyone can appreciate. Yeah. But did you think that worked as a guest? Because we didn't know what was coming in the door when it came to everyone bringing their drinks. Yes, yes. So I think that all in all, it turned out perfectly.

Um, there was a good variety of things, something for everybody. Um, I remember you were very like Passionate about, um, matching the drink with the correct, um, small bite, like, based on that drink. Which,  as a foodie, as a foodie, right? Like, I totally know that's you, but I don't know that, like,  my sweet friend Erin, she never would have even noticed if it was, like, the correct matching.

Um, but all in all, it was, like, a good  It was a good little snack, you know, like when you're having drinks, you definitely want like a little bite. Um, we don't need everyone getting lit. Yeah. Right. Right. Yeah.  Yes. Yeah. And I, sometimes I think that that's, um, one of my favorite ways to do, especially like a kind of girlfriends gathering, um, because we were all able to sit around in the living room and you could have your drink.

We talked about our era, do our, you know, you get to present your cocktail. And then you were all sitting around, you could just have your drink and have a little, you know, a little snack and, um, keep the conversation, the connection going. Yeah. And you know what? You're right. I mean, you're calling out my perfectionist tendency around the food, but you're right on the day of when I was pulling the recipes, you know, the, the small bites together. 

I think I realized just having, I think this is a great tip for people. I think realizing just having something sweet. Having something, uh, savory and kind of, I think the charcuterie board is a classic that somebody's going to find something on a decent charcuterie board. And, and it really, I would say it was one of the more simple things I've done.

Um,  okay, good. Well, I'm glad that you thought it worked as a guest because you're right. I was a little annoyed that I was like, I really need to know what everyone's bringing to drink, right? Yeah. But we didn't know. We did not force that on our guests. We literally really wanted them to show up.  in their era.

Yes. And see what inspired them. And that's really what made it a lot of fun. Yeah. Wouldn't you say? Yeah. Um, okay. So let's talk about the decor  as a guest.  Um, do you remember how, you know, without me walking everyone through it as a guest, tell me what was your reaction when you saw the decor and how it was set up?

Yes, absolutely. I remember you set the most beautiful tablescape in the dining room. So we didn't. Um, actually, as we've mentioned, we just had little bites, so we didn't end up eating at the table, but um, each place setting for each person was set for their era. So I had 1989, I had a little 1989 themed place setting, but then I could actually go and make my cocktail there, because as we mentioned, everybody was bringing their cocktails, so you were like, From making your cocktail, it was your era, and it was your time to shine.

And, yeah, the D'Cruz Did you, did that make you nervous, or were you okay as a guest? No, no! Like, to put the spotlight on you, like, y'all went in there, you found your spot. Yeah. One at a time. Yes, one at a time, we made them. No, I think that, um, you know, it was a small, it was a small gathering. It was only, what, one, two, three, four, like, five of us.

Five of us, yeah. So, no, it, it was not, like, overwhelming. It was just, like  Beautiful. It was really one of the most beautiful, um, tablescapes I feel like I've ever seen. It was so beautiful. This will be the part where I get to do a plug for the  SunCookery Foundation box. Yes. Yes. Because that's what I used.

Yeah. I used the elements from that. Yeah. And then Maggie and I, my daughter, we went out and literally shopped at secondhand stores. Yeah, you thrifted. Yeah, I thrifted for pieces and ornaments and color schemes and just variation. I did not spend much at all. I think I spent under,  I really think I spent under 50.

I had the foundations box and then I think I, I budgeted to myself because I can go a little over the top.  That's not what we're about or not about perfection or spending but I do like a good tabletop setting. Yeah. And I knew I wanted that to be a space where y'all can get yourself together and give you the spotlight when you brought your drink into the living room.

Yeah. And it was fun. It didn't feel like you were the star of a concert. Yes. It was. Yes. That's what I'm saying is that it just like put you into that like,  this is beautiful. I'm going to make my cocktail here and I'm going to get to show everybody. Like it just kind of put you in that  mindset, I guess.

Yeah. And it was so beautiful. And as a guest, you weren't uncomfortable. It was fun. Okay. I need everyone to hear that. Yes. Do enjoy. Being a part of things. Yes. Everyone contributed. I that event wouldn't have been what it was without every single guest showing up and really owning it. Yeah. So I think going back to what you said originally, how much time you and I spent.

Connecting the era with the guest was kind of crucial. Yeah, if you're gonna if you're gonna do something like this Yes, you want to make sure everyone's coming to play. Yes. Yeah. Yeah it you get them kind of invested I guess yeah, get the guests invested in what they're doing which makes it more if everybody's more into it It's just gonna turn out better and be more fun.

So yeah, okay, so good. All right, you remembered that  and  I'm sorry. What was everyone wearing? You're already naturally talking about it. Oh, yes. Yes. Um,  Okay, sorry, we'll pick up. So then our guests started to arrive because you came early. You came early. Like I said, you were the unofficial co host.  Now officially acknowledged. 

But you came over and helped me prep the food and just, I think I already have the decor set up, but you helped me prep food and start to pull the elements. Yeah, just do a little bit. Yeah, I helped you.  Just do a little bit of prep. Um, yeah, and then everybody started to arrive and this was one of the most fun parts.

So we asked everybody to, um, come dressed as their era. And so, it was so fun to see everybody walk through the door. Oh my gosh, Sarah, was Sarah red? She was red, yes. She owned it. She really did, she went all out. She wore the hat, the shirt, like she had the whole look. And, yeah. She did the shorts and the boots, I'm pretty sure.

Yeah, she went all the way, head to toe. Yes, the t shirt, I can't remember what the t shirt said, the t shirt. And the hat. Now, at concerts, that's like a big thing. Uh, I think a little kid usually gets the hat, the red hat. Um. Yeah, she was a great one. Yeah. Yeah. Yours was great. Yeah. Your outfit was great. You were 1989.

Yes, and so, oh, I guess that's something that we had to kind of  So now she's doing Taylor's version of all of her albums. And so, um, when we were signing, we specified that I was 1989 Taylor's version. Um, which is very like beachy and like, um,  Like light blues. And so, yeah, I guess I wore, I wore this, um, my, uh, Wisconsin winter version of like beachy and blues. 

I know, but it was great because we took a photo afterwards, which we're going to share with everyone too, when we release the podcast. That was a lot of fun. Yeah. I mean, I'm wearing my midnights right now. I was midnight. Yes. Yeah. And I got into that. Yeah. The whole thing was so fun. Yeah. Okay. So yeah, you're right.

And when the guests arrived, love seeing that. I think as a host, the one thing I  Well, I love the intro, but it was, everyone had walked in and they had their bags of stuff. Yeah. I kind of felt bad about that because it looked like everyone was lugging in their groceries, but they had to. Yeah. Because they brought the fixings for their drink.

Right. But I think that that also kind of speaks to like, they were invested. Like, everybody went all out. Yeah. They wanted to bring all their stuff to make their, yeah, things. Yeah.  So we gathered in the living room, everyone, you know, we had, I had the, we had the Taylor music going and then like you said, everyone sat, found their space.

We, I don't even know if I had an order or did I, do we have an order or do we just kind of let it flow? I know you started, um, as the official host, you started, you started with your drink, um, which was a lavender haze, right? Oh, right, right. A lavender haze cocktail. Um.  Yes, and so you brought that out and I don't remember which song you picked, but I don't remember either.

Okay, my dog Maggie, I think helped with music. Yes. Cause I mean, as you know, we were talking about Swifties, you know, I really wasn't a Swifty until after the movie. So I was kind of learning, I was learning as I was going and I was leaning on you a lot. Yeah. That's why you were in charge of doing the assignments.

Yeah. And like helped me figure this out. Yeah, and Maggie. Maggie was very, she's probably the biggest swifty of us all. She was very helpful. She was vocal. Yeah. There is one thing that I realized I missed that I wish I would have. I don't, I think I thought about it, but I didn't have time to do it. I thought it would have been cool to do, um, some kind of a bracelet  for everyone.

I don't think, I'm trying to remember, I don't think I knew about it. From the movie, or maybe I did and I just didn't have the time. Yeah, that would have been a nice, fun touch that our listeners or anyone out there in the Sunkook world could do. Yes. That would be cute for the table setting, or how about a cute way to invite people?

Yeah, oh my gosh. If you got your era on a bracelet with your invitation, that would mean mailing something to my younger generation. Yes. You have to get a stamp and an envelope and mail a bracelet.  I don't know if that will work.  That would be so cute. Yeah, it would be fun. Okay, look at us with all these ideas.

Should we just keep brainstorming? Let's make it better. Let's do it again.  Well, and I think that that's part of what  is fun about this event. And we're going to share those templates. But, um, you could make your own menu. You could do your own version. Even if it's for, you know, like Maggie and her friends could do a version of it.

Not with cocktails, obviously, but they could make little treats or make little mocktails, you know, and get each person involved. Um, even we, I know, Betsy brought a mocktail instead of a cocktail, you know, like it's a very  While you have your little assignment and you have your kind of era and theme to go by, you can be sort of flexible within that and make it work for you and your group.

Yeah, no, that's a great idea. And I think putting it on repeat this to me This is the kind of event especially when it comes to music. This one was obviously driven by a major Phenomenon in our generation. Yeah, you know in multiple generations cover. I mean, come on. She's a phenom Yeah, this is that's the kind of thing that could be an annual thing.

Yeah an annual reason to get together Especially for true Swifties. Yeah and lovers of Taytay  I mean what yeah, this is a great one to put on repeat. Yeah  Because it's already done. And then each, I don't know, you could elevate it. You could, I don't know, do it differently. You could go all the way. Maybe it's a dinner inspired by one era.

That could be fun. What if an entire sit down dinner? Was inspired by one era. Yeah, because who had evermore didn't someone have evermore? Um, Erin my friend had evermore That's right, because I really got into doing her tablescape because of the just the the elements Yeah, I was looking for some wood. Was it woodlands?

Yes, that's evermore theme. Yeah, well, we're gonna share pictures Yeah with with the we write a blog for every podcast. So for those for everyone that's Um, following us on our newsletters or connected to us. They'll see all those pictures. Lots of fun pictures. Yeah, um, well, awesome. Um, gosh, Maddie, what  I'm, I want to ask you so much more, but first tell me what was your,  what was, is there anything we like to talk about, kind of whine about it, like what's something that, um,  stresses you out or what's irritating about, you know, like what or what's getting in your way.

Really? That's what we want to know. Was there anything as a guest and as a unofficial co host,  was there anything that, um,  was a mental block for you or something that you made you hesitate when we first started talking about this event? Or as a guest, was there anything that you were like? No, I would have done this.

Like, just go ahead and whine about it. Just tell us. Well, tell us the truth. I guess should we Talk about our biggest, um,  . Yes. Our biggest, I don't remember mistake. Yes. And it was, it was not your mistake, it was all of the guests mistake. Oh gosh. What you sent us, um, the invites and it was cocktail attire. 

Oh. And none of us came in. Yeah. We, we just had focused on, I think we all got  a little like wrapped up and carried away with our, like,  excitement about our era. And we were just focused on being our era. Um,  and we didn't focus on reading through your invitation and realizing that yeah, it was supposed to be cocktail.

And that's okay. Sure. Yes. And it all turned out perfectly. Like, it was great. It was still great. Well, now you sound like me whining about it. That would be something I would whine about. Like, see, I went to the trouble of a thorough, detailed email. I set expectations and no one read it. Well, I think it was like, especially for Erin and I, that was kind of a lesson that we learned.

Like, we don't get a lot, as I mentioned, we don't get a lot of, um, more like official kind of, Invites, unless it's for like a wedding or something really big. So for like this kind of more like intimate kind of Event we weren't used to getting these invites and then after we were like, oh, yeah, we should have read that Like that was hello  Yeah, we should have read that and then we could have done that wait wait back up for one second because I'm pretty sure it Was digital too.

I'm pretty sure I texted the invite. Yes. So even though it can't let's just call this out Okay, so while you're whining I'm gonna whine. Yeah, I  Halfway I made it  digital based invitation and y'all still didn't read it. Yes. Yes. Our attention spans. I have learned I'll never make the mistake again, you know, like, yeah. 

Well, it did work out. Yes. It did work out. Yes. Okay. So, let's end on a positive note. What do you, what was your favorite part  of the event? Like, what sits in your heart or when, I mean, you've said, you've shared some things today but like, is there one thing that you're like, gosh, yeah, this, this, this I remember or this, was a surprise or this touched me or anything like that.

Yeah. I mean, as much fun as it was to do your era and bring your cocktails. I don't want to say I was surprised, but like I really enjoyed how it was such a mixed group of women age and how we knew each other and all of that. But it was It was truly one of the most fun nights. Like, it really brought us all together.

And I think we had, we all had a great time. Everybody left feeling like that was like such a fun evening we had spent together. Regardless of like, all of the dressing up and the cocktails. Just the connection and how it, Taylor Swift I guess. Thank you to Taylor Swift. I know. Brought us all together like that.

Oh, that's so nice. That makes me very happy. And that proves my point. Yeah.  Hosting should be for connection, not perfection. Even though there were some perfectionist pieces along the way, right? But you know what else I think, as you're saying this out loud, this is something I want people to hear over and over and over again from SunCookery, from Suppers and Soirees, however you're connected to us, is that And it's okay to like be a perfectionist about the thing that lights you up.

Yeah. Right? If you're the host. If, like you had mentioned, you're really into the food. You're really into decor. If that's what lights you up and that's your big contribution, that's actually you sharing a part of you. Yeah. So your guests get to know you and you're not trying and you're not trying to be the bell of the ball necessarily.

You're just putting your heart into it and that's what is giving you the. Don't you think it's what's giving you the energy to like push through the other challenges of hosting right? And I feel like if more people would tackle it that way and it becomes fun and not like an overwhelming set of tasks Yeah, and then I felt like it was it was more fun working with you on this You handled some of the logistical details of the assignments and the creativity behind the templates.

I mean, we kind of went back and forth, but you were executing on some of those things that I get hung up on. Yeah. And that's the kind of stuff that I can get in my own way. And you helped me, you brought to me a more relaxed tone to it, I will say. So see, thank you. Good. Thank you. I had a great time too. I don't want to do it again.

Okay. And I did do. Um, Oh, I wanted to do this as the host since my guests contributed. I did a little giveaway or everyone got a take home. Sorry, I did a take home gift. A couple of recipe cards, right? Yeah, did we? We actually all wrote our recipes. Well, for our cocktails while we were here, I think so that we could all share them and we're sharing those in the template download.

Yes, they'll get all of our cocktail recipes and they were all very good cocktails. Um, and then I think you. We included a little chocolate that like matched our era as well. A little sweet to take home. Yep, so you remembered. Yes, yes, of course I remembered.  That was a last minute add on because I was like, I'm so big about hostess gifts.

Yeah. And in this case, I, first of all, let me tell everyone listening, I was not expecting a hostess gift. Because I asked everyone to contribute something. That was the gift in my mind. That was the contribution. You know, I That was the most fun. Yeah, and then but as a host who had all of her guests contributing I did want to have it give a take home Yeah and so I felt like the exchange of the recipes and then I found chocolate bars that matched your era and tried to wrap them up Pretty and Maggie helped me do that.

My daughter helped me do that. Yeah, um  That was important to me as a host. So I think I just want to leave that with everyone too, that even as a host, if you're setting up an event like that or contributions are had, then I wanted to make sure I showed my appreciation. Yeah. So, yeah.  Gosh, Maddie, well, thank you.

This was so fun to read. I loved reliving it. Uh huh. Okay, now I want to do it again. Uh huh. Yes. Okay, now I wish we would have done it this year. We should have. Because I can't fit it in now.  Before, before December 31st.  So maybe I'll do it in January. Mm hmm. That would be fun. It would be very fun. Okay. Um, Great.

Well, I think that's gonna wrap us up. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you for having me. No, suffers and sorrows. Oh, no. Yes.  Yes. Sunday supper. Sunday supper. I mean, sorry. Yeah. Yes. Okay. Actually, we're, we can't wrap up just yet. Okay. I'd like to ask everyone. So first of all, let me tell you the full definition, right? We call it suppers and stories for a reason.

A supper can be a basic hosted  Dinner with the family or your loved one or your neighbors, right? Just dinner, something simple. And the soiree obviously can be well, way more thought out and intricate. It can be huge. It can be small. And then there's all the kind of hosted events in the middle, right? But just on a regular basis, we feel like supper is something that's very accessible for everyone.

Having a regular, regular supper in, I grew up in the South, so we had Sunday suppers and that, that kind of became a thing, right? Or that is the thing. What's your, your version of Sunday Supper? Do you, do you have one?  That's a good question.  Um,  Not  really, I guess. We get together weekly with a group of friends to play trivia, but that's an out, that's not a hosted event, I guess. 

But you get together, you're, You're, yeah, you've got a weekly. Yes. So maybe you could convert that into Yes, some kind of a small supper. That's what I'm thinking something to  Yeah, make it a little bit  More about the connection. I guess we do we meet weekly, but we're focused on our trivia, I guess. Yeah, it would be nice to Make that a little bit more about  Actually seeing each other every week.

Yeah Okay, just a thought. I always love to ask the question because I think it's interesting. Well, it's interesting to know that that's y'all's that you do have something regular. Yeah, but you're just going outside to do it. Um, I just have a huge, you know, philosophy that I think people share the best of themselves in their own home.

I think it's their comfort zone. And so you get to know people at a deeper level when they host at home. And for something like that, y'all could rotate your. Your suppers. Yeah, and everyone. Yeah, everyone gets a chance. And yeah, anyway, just an idea. Yeah, I'll leave you with that 

All right, Maddie, I'm really appreciative. Thank you. Yeah, my my extended daughter. I don't know it's I'd like to say sister  Too much of an age gap.  No, no  And then Everyone, thank you for listening. Um, I'm Michelle Mize, your host of Suppers and Soirees and the founder of Sun Cookery. Uh, please, we are excited to spread the word of how important it is to host at home and to host for perfection. 

No, we are so excited. to share our passion for hosting at home. We really want to revive that art of hospitality. Um, we want you to focus on hosting for connection and not perfection. So please, it is Up to you guys out there to share our message, share our podcast, connect with us on Instagram, um, send us emails, please, um, give us reviews, all the things that it takes in today's digital lifestyle to get our word out really starts with y'all.

Um, I could talk about this stuff. I do plan to talk about this stuff weekly right now is the pace we're working at. So I hope that you all are finding these helpful and inspiring, and I hope you do your own Swifty Soiree. very, very soon. Um, and don't forget to find our template download. So you need to find us on instagram or you need to jump on our email newsletter list and we will be sending out the link to a downloads.

Um, so that you can do your own swifty story and we've done all Maddie. has done all the work for you. I will officially name her the official co host and she has put together these amazing templates that you guys can use and work from. So thank you so much, uh, look forward to talking to y'all next week on suppers and soirees.

Have a great week y'all.