Hosting Holidays with Heart: Tips from Maria Sansone

On today's episode of the "Helping Families Be Happy" podcast, host Christopher Robbins, co-founder of Familius Publishing, husband, father of nine, author, fisherman, backpacker, and aspirational musician based in the Central Valley of California, talks to Maria Sansone. She is a well-known broadcaster with a genuine and authentic approach to her work. She is currently the host of NBC 10 Boston's premier lifestyle show, "The Hub," and is also the host of the Edward R. Murrow award-winning "Mom to Mom with Maria Sansone" TV show and podcast. 

 

Episode Highlights

• 02.16: Christopher, expresses curiosity about Maria Sansone's Slam Dunk contest, sparking a conversation about her early achievements and broadcasting career.
• 2.30: Maria describes how she was a basketball enthusiast but was always the shortest person in the league. She also explains that the Slam Dunk contest she participated in wasn't standard because they lowered the rim to accommodate her 5-foot-1 height.
• 03.14: Maria describes her unique dunk, putting the ball between her legs, around her back, hanging on the rim, and running around the gym with her tongue out, which garnered a wild response from the crowd.
• 03.44: Maria explains that a local reporter from her hometown (Erie, PA) interviewed her after the event and was surprised at her knowledge of basketball, leading to her appearances on local news segments.
• 06.42: Maria expresses her satisfaction in knowing that her book is helping people simplify their dinner preparation and make it an enjoyable experience.
• 07.10: Christopher then transitions to discussing hosting for the holidays and asks Maria how to approach creating a simple menu for holiday gatherings without feeling stressed about the cooking.
• 08.06: Maria mentions that for Thanksgiving, the menu doesn't have to change dramatically each year. She recommends focusing on a few well-prepared sides so that everyone can enjoy all elements of the meal, including the turkey.
• 08.51: Maria encourages hosts to have a plan, write it down, and do their shopping ahead of time to alleviate the overwhelming aspects of hosting, allowing them to enjoy the holiday with their guests.
• 09.55: Christopher introduces the topic of involving guests in holiday preparations and questions whether it's acceptable to ask them for help.
• 11.02: Maria shares examples of tasks she delegates, such as dessert, children's activities, paper plates and napkins, and setting up cocktails. She believes that guests often want to help, so when they ask what they can bring, it's a great opportunity to give them specific tasks.
• 13.54: Maria agrees and reinforces that being present and enjoying the company of one's guests is the primary goal of hosting.
• 14.06: Christopher appreciates Maria bringing up the topic of paper plates. He discusses how some people may feel concerned about not having the finest China and reassures that it's perfectly okay to use paper plates.
• 15.07: Maria concludes by noting that guests primarily focus on the quality of the food and the enjoyment of the event, rather than the type of tableware used. She notes the environmental concerns with paper plates but highlights their convenience for large events where having enough traditional plates may not be feasible. 
• 16.19: Maria shares that her family enjoys talent shows as a post-dinner activity, where family members showcase their talents, making for memorable and entertaining moments.
• 17.58: Maria encourages the listeners not to be too hard on themselves and not to strive for perfection, as the moments that deviate from the script often lead to cherished memories.
• 19.45: Maria adds that after the event, she strings up the notes as part of her fall decor, serving as a reminder of the things they are thankful for throughout the season.
• 20.04: Christopher expresses gratitude for Maria's wonderful ideas and emphasizes the significance of gratitude in enhancing the holiday experience.

3 Key Points

1. Maria announces her new book titled "Ohh, What's for Dinner? No Fuss Weeknight Recipes," a compilation of her favorite entrees. The book offers efficient recipes suitable for busy weeknights, making it easier for people to put a satisfying meal on the table.
2. Maria encourages putting family and friends to work, whether it's making cocktails, overseeing shoe removal, or handling other tasks. Delegating responsibilities and strategically arranging food and drinks can make hosting a more enjoyable experience for both the host and guests.
3. Maria highlights a special Thanksgiving tradition to make people feel comfortable and encourage gratitude. She provides small sheets of paper for guests to anonymously write down something they're thankful for during appetizers.

Tweetable Quotes

• “Delegating not only eases the burden on the host but also makes guests feel good about contributing.” - Maria
• “If the hosts are having fun and are relaxed, it tends to make the entire gathering more enjoyable.” - Maria

Resources Mentioned

• Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Apple
• https://www.instagram.com/mariasansone/?hl=en
• Podcast Editing