Summary

We finally did it.

After years of talking online through Instagram, texts, Zoom, and podcast recording, Brittany and Melissa finally meet in real life. And it was every bit as fun, funny, and heartwarming as you'd expect!

In this bonus episode, we're sharing stories from our weekend together, from first hugs and home tours to good food, meaningful conversations, and all the little moments that made us feel like we'd been friends forever.

Along the way, we chat about hospitality, making people feel at home, decorating with the things you love, and why authentic connection matters so much in a world that often stays behind a screen.

Think of this episode as a cozy catch-up with friends. Pull up a chair and join us.

Highlights:

• Email us thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gamil.com!

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters
00:00 Meeting in Real Life: A Special Episode

03:03 The Journey of Friendship: From Online to Offline

05:58 First Impressions and Surprises

08:06 Culinary Adventures: Boiled Peanuts and More

11:02 On Brand Moments: Hosting and Personal Touches

13:59 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Each Other

17:12 Current Obsessions: Gardening and Home Improvements

36:00 Porch Talk: Melissa & Brittany Edition

Summary

In the Season 3 Finale of The Sentimental Twist, hosts Melissa and Brittany share an interview with guest Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute. Lizzie talks about her great-grandmother’s legacy and shares timeless etiquette principles, modern adaptations, and practical tips for hosting and social interactions. The conversation leads to how consideration, respect, and honesty shape gracious behavior across generations and cultures. Melissa and Brittany also discuss their takeaways and personal stories, along with tips for being a gracious host and a gracious guest.

Highlights:

• Guest Lizzie Post
  • Emily Post Institute website
  • Instagram
  • Podcast Awesome Etiquette
• Melissa’s Reality TV Show Debut: Netflix’s The Million Dollar Secret
• Brittany’s Bless It: Janet’s Honeycomb Collection Waitlist
• Melissa’s Bless It: Holidays Jewelry
• Work with Brittany: Details Here
• Email us thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com for a chance to win the Mind Your Manners game!

Takeaways

• The Emily Post Institute believes that modern etiquette considers both principles and manners
• Principles of etiquette are consideration, respect, and honesty. They stand the test of time and can cross cultural boundaries.
• Manners are time sensitive, vary from culture to culture, and can look different for different social groups. You have to learn the proper manners for the situations you are in.
• Being a great guest means arriving with awareness, bringing positive energy, and engaging thoughtfully with others rather than simply showing up.
• Being a great host requires quiet attentiveness like reading the room, guiding the flow, and anticipating needs without drawing attention to it.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:
Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Season 3 Finale of The Sentimental Twist!

02:36 Guest Interview with Lizzie Post from The Emily Post Institute

50:55 Unspoken Etiquette of Being a Guest

56:38 Unspoken Etiquette of Being a Host

01:07:34 Porch Talk Speed Round

01:24:39 Reader Email: Hosting Challenges and Solutions

01:33:52 Bless It, We Had to Share It

01:43:31 A Toast to Sentiment: Hospitality

01:45:33 Until next season...

Summary

In this episode, hosts Melissa and Brittany share an interview with Lydia Menzies, a hospitality and hosting expert. Lydia shares her journey from childhood traditions to building a thriving Supper Club community. Discover practical tips for creating memorable gatherings, personalized touches, and the importance of hosting with intention. Lydia shares insights on creating memorable supper clubs, the power of storytelling through objects, and how to host with intention and care. Brittany and Melissa discuss takeaway from the interview, community building, and the importance of hospitality in everyday life.

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Highlights:

• Guest Lydia Menzies:
  • website
  • Instagram
  • book
  • Supper Club membership
• Melissa’s Reality TV Show Debut: Netflix’s The Million Dollar Secret
• Brittany’s Bless It: The Heart-Shaped Tin book
• Melissa’s Bless It: L’Oreal Infallible Finishing Spray
• Work with Brittany: Brittany is now offering consulting for home and lifestyle creators who want to grow beyond social media and build a more sustainable, owned business. Details Here

Takeaways

• You can bring guests into your gathering by involving them in thoughtful ways and considering their needs, preferences, and season of life before they arrive.
• The most meaningful gatherings are not about impressing your guests, but about helping them feel seen, included, and genuinely cared for.
• Small, intentional details like a favorite dish, a kind note, or thoughtful seating often have a greater impact than one big, elaborate element.
• Letting go of perfection allows you to create a more relaxed, welcoming environment where real connection can take center stage.
• Creating a beautiful environment for others is worth the effort when it reflects love, care, and intention rather than a desire to impress.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

38:53 Guest Interview: Lydia Menzies & The Supper Club

40:58 Our Hosting Takeaways from Lydia's Interview

50:17 Porch Talk Speed Round

01:02:02 What's New with the Ladies of TST?

01:17:27 Bless It, We Had to Share It

01:22:26 A Toast to Sentiment: Hospitality & Caring for Others