Got guests coming over and already spiraling about the state of your home, your cooking, your everything? Take a deep breath. You’ve got this. And with a few sneaky-good tricks, you’re about to host like a total legend—without breaking a sweat or losing your mind.

1. Kick Things Off with a Snack or Sip
First impressions matter. So instead of scrambling to finish the chicken while your guests awkwardly hover by the fridge, hand them something—anything—the moment they walk in. Think: a cute little cheese board, some olives you found in the back of the fridge (but fancy now they’re glistening a ramekin), or even a piece of chocolate from your pantry served with confidence. 

Feeling bold? Go full mixologist with a house cocktail. A martini never disappoints. Bonus points if you name it something ridiculous, like “Please Leave by 10” or “Just Here for the Snacks.”

2. Set Out Your Serving Dishes Before the Chaos
Let’s be real: Rooting through your cabinets for the right bowl while your sauce is boiling over is not the vibe. So do your future self a favor and lay out every serving platter, bowl, and weird little spoon ahead of time.

You’ll look wildly organized, your table will feel intentionally full, and when it’s go time, you just scoop and serve like a total pro. Plus, now you know whether you're missing a dish and can pivot to that backup bunny platter with zero shame.

3. The Centerpiece That Says, “I’ve Got My Life Together”
Centerpieces can be anything—flowers, candles, a random conversation-starter you picked up at a flea market. Now plop it right in the middle of the table so it feels like a thing.

Just don’t go too tall or your guests will be bobbing and weaving to make eye contact all night. Keep it cute, keep it low, and bonus points if it sparks conversation (yes, even if it’s a bowling trophy…especially if it’s a bowling trophy).

4. Light It Up, Baby
If you want your dinner party to go from “nice” to “please invite me back,” the secret is candlelight. Candles make everything look intentional, cozy, and just a little bit magical.

Skip the scented ones—we want to smell dinner, not a vanilla-frosted lumberjack—and go for unscented tapers or a bunch of tea lights. Scatter them around the table and bam, you’re now hosting an “intimate, elevated evening” instead of “pasta night with Carol and Jim.” Pro Tip: Keep the flames away from dried flowers or paper items. Nobody wants firemen to show up before dessert.

5. Cook What You Know (and Crush)
Listen, now is not the time to attempt Beef Wellington for the first time. Stick with your signature dish—the one you could make in your sleep. Your famous lasagna. Your grandma’s meatballs. That chicken thing your cousin keeps requesting at every gathering.

You’ll feel way more confident, the food will be better, and you won’t have to fake-smile through a kitchen meltdown. Trust me, only your best friend Fran will notice you julienned the carrots. Everyone else cares that dinner is delicious and you’re relaxed enough to hang out.

Let’s Wrap This Up, Host Extraordinaire
So there you have it: Five easy, doable, totally-not-intimidating ways to host a dinner party screaming, “Well! Don’t you have it all together!” (even if you don’t). From a warm welcome to your just-right lighting, it’s the little touches that turn a meal into a memory.

Now go fluff those throw pillows, light a few candles, and get the cheese plate ready. Your guests are about to have the best night ever…and it’s all thanks to you.​

You’re enjoying a family or public gathering when the inevitable happens: A curious person approaches and asks an intrusive question about you, your family, or a mutual acquaintance. How do you respond firmly, but politely? Here are some ideal responses:

"Why do you ask?"
This direct question puts the intrusive questioner on the spot. They may sputter, act indignant—even offended…but they won’t want to tell you why they’re asking. And that works in your favor.

"I don’t discuss that."
Said with a forced and patient smile, it puts a full stop to further questioning. You haven’t qualified the statement, ala “…with casual friends.” Or “…with strangers.” Or “…with anyone outside the family.” Qualifying a statement opens it up to argument. The questioner’s quick response might be, “But I’m not a stranger!” Four strong words simply and effectively ends the discussion attempt.

"I’m afraid that’s private information."
Keep that tolerant smile on your face when you say it, and possibly add a “you understand” nod. Then go silent. If the questioner wants to argue, simply say “Please excuse me,” and walk away.

"I don’t share that information."
Expect some blowback, like “But it’s ME! You know I can keep a secret!” Just repeat the phrase as a mantra. Then excuse yourself and exit.

"That’s not for me to say."
Expect an immediate response of, “Then who can I ask?” Be ready with, “I really can’t tell you.” And you won’t tell them…because you’re walking away with a tolerant smile.

"That’s not my story to tell."
This response is particularly good with gossipers wanting inside information about someone you both know. The question is not about you, so it’s not your story. Expect, “But you know something, right?” Add, “You’ll have to ask them”…neither confirming nor denying what you do or don’t know. Smile politely and move on.

One thing you should NEVER do is raise your voice and demand, “How dare you??” Because the truth is: People dare. People are impertinent—on purpose. People feel they have a right to know. You won’t embarrass these people, but you will embarrass yourself…and you can almost guarantee that exchange will be widely shared.

Do you need to know how to handle other awkward situations at gatherings? Check out the video below.

In today's gig economy, the allure of side hustles is stronger than ever, promising extra income and the flexibility to work on your own terms. However, not all side gigs are created equal, and some may end up costing you more in time, effort, and resources than they are worth. Here are three ventures that might not be the lucrative opportunities they appear to be:

Drop-off catering.
Unless you live in a wealthy area—where clients will pay $5/cookie or $50/person for meals—it’s not worth the time/effort to shop, prep, cook/bake and deliver food items. Food ingredients and fuel are too pricey in a high-inflation economy, and you wind up making less than $2/hour for your efforts.

Music for weddings.
On top of the Bridezilla potential, most wedding parties expect musicians to (1) meet to discuss music options, (2) constantly change the ceremony set list on a whim, (3) attend the rehearsal, (4) accompany an amateur singer, and (5) do all this for less than $100…because brides/grooms only want to pay for the actual ceremony—not the consults, prep, and rehearsal. And it’s very difficult to get paid on a timely basis, if at all.

Custom art.
The average consumer has no idea how much time/effort goes into custom artwork. They shop at discount stores for prints (not actual paintings or illustrations) or lightweight sculptures (not actual wood, ivory or marble), so they scoff at the high price. It takes artists days/weeks to complete one custom piece, and they need to be paid for that time/material investment. The term “starving artist” is on-point for a reason.

I have been stacking side hustles to make a full-time income for over two decades and I share a comprehensive list of side hustle ideas that actually WILL make you money in my #1 bestselling book QUEEN OF THE SIDE HUSTLE.  Find a side gig you love, start hustling, then rake in the dough. Who knows? You might just get to kiss the corporate world goodbye! 

If you have even an occasional gardener on your gift list, supplying the right item can inspire a deeper, more satisfying outdoor experience. I know I appreciate a thoughtful gardening gift, and never failed with handing one over. 

I’ve personally tested every product I’m about to recommend, and some of them had breakthrough benefits.

​Consider these options:

Best planting tool:
​Radius Garden’s Rootslayer 22011 shovel 

Serious gardeners/landscapers probably already have a favorite tool—one regularly stashed in their aprons, pockets, wheelbarrows or gripped tightly in their gloved hands. I thought I did, until I gave this 5-pound marvel a try on a full-southern-sun, high-humidity, 100° day, and OH MY WORD…it was a real game-changer.

The multi-purpose, jagged-edge design not only rips through roots, it also plows through compacted clay and dirt, easily trenches for planting, and saws the soil contents with precision…eliminating the need for a separate hatchet, saw, spade, or smooth-sided shovel. And, hello carbon-steel teeth. Whoa! I mean, the tool designers call it an “assassin shovel” for a reason, folks.

Radius Garden sells a series of Root Slayer products—trowel, soil knife, edger, mini-digger, drain spade, weeder, post hole digger—and most of them will wind up in my tool stash, I assure you. But start off your gardener/landscaper with the 22011, and inspire their inner ground assassin…which would look great on the gift tag, right?

Best power tool: 
​Zeeksaw’s Mini, Cordless, Super Handheld Chainsaw 

This little battery-powered saw is a wonder! Its 6” blade cuts clean through those dead tree limbs too thick for a typical lopper and too small for a full-sized chainsaw.  It’s lightweight (less than 2 lbs!), powerful, and suitable for right- and left-handers.

A major plus is the portable toolbox holding everything you need—saw, batteries, charger, gloves, safety glasses, oil vessel…they’ve thought of everything. Their motto of “tree-pruning made easy” is spot on.

Tap into your gardener’s inner lumberjack with this mini-tool. It’s the most user-friendly chainsaw I’ve ever powered up!

Best water timer: 
​Aqua Joe’s AJ-ET2Z Easy 2-Zone Electronic Timer 

When it’s peak watering season, the last thing I want to do is run out into 100° heat and move hoses—and that’s why I set two zones in my backyard garden oasis with the Aqua Joe timer.

This no-fuss system connects right to the outdoor tap, handles two separate hoses, and offers 13 preset programs. BUT, you can set your own watering duration and frequency to customize particular zones. Either way, it’s a “set it and forget it” beauty to let you sleep in, stay cool, and enjoy your gardens from air-conditioned comfort. And that’s an irrigation win!

Best yard waste container: 
​Fiskars’ Kangaroo Collapsible Garden Bag with Heavy Duty Hardshell Bottom 

This 30-gallon reusable container is an upgrade from Fiskars’ previous model, with the hardshell bottom a significant improvement. I mean, I’ve bumped this garden bag over sharp rocks, tree roots, clumps of clay, and garden utensils without noticeable damage. I’ve left it outside in pouring rain, and the drain holes have done their job. Bonus: The fabric is mildew-resistant!

When gardening season is over, I clean it out, collapse it back to a 22” disc, and store it away for an early spring. It’s simply ideal for yard waste. Buy it!

Best hand/nail saver: 
​Gardena’s Latex Gardening Gloves 

I’ve tested a LOT of gardening gloves over the years and always return to Gardena’s brand. The latex-coated palm and fingers make them water-resistant, if not waterproof. Bonus: The latex stops most thorns from a painful stab.

I enjoy the color variety in the five pairs, the stretchability, and endurance—even through a few machine washes! Great product for the price.

Best foot/pedicure saver: 
​DKSUKO’s Waterproof Garden Shoe 

Truth bomb: You will never, EVER see me in a Croc. Not even privately. They are a trip-hazard for klutzy gardeners like me, and I find them…less than attractive. However, the flip-flop got me into so much gardening trouble I had to find another option. Hello, garden clog!

I found the DKSUKO brand surprisingly comfortable for a rubber shoe. They’re lightweight, non-slip, basically waterproof (except the heel), and offer some needed support.  They’re easy to clean and come in a variety of fun designs. Pro Tip: Order at least a half-size larger than your normal shoe size for the best fit.

Best no-fail, easy-to-use plant fertilizer: 
​Miracle-Gro’s 1013202 Watering Can Singles 

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve recommended these pre-measured fertilizer packets to self-described “lazy gardeners.” Plants need to be “fed” just like any growing thing, but they’re often starved due to fertilizer-to-water ratios, measuring utensils, math skills, trifocals to read the tiny print, etc.

All those excuses go out the window with these convenient packets. If you have a watering can—or even a gallon jug—you simply dump the packet’s ingredients into the bottom, fill it with water, and feed your potted plants or 10 square feet of garden space every 1-2 weeks. No measurements or guessing or messes or excuses. Let the feeding begin!

Best garden sign: 
Whitehall Products’ "The Kiss of The Sun" Garden Sign 

I gifted this sign to a fellow gardener, but loved it so much I bought one for myself! I appreciate Dorothy Frances Gurney’s classy, poetic sentiment in such a sturdy, well-made piece of garden art. It brings a wonderful sense of sophistication amongst my hydrangeas. 

The green-and-gold plaque boasts an alumi-shield, all-weather coating for harsh weather that—so far!—withstands the tests of time and environmental elements. Gift a touch of meaningful sentiment in your gardeners’ landscapes with this beloved poem. Beautiful!

Best nature calendar: 
National Audubon Society’s Birds Calendar 2025  

A dear friend gifted me this delightful calendar many years ago, and now I gift myself with it each year! Every morning, I look forward to discovering a new bird from anywhere in the world—many I never knew existed. I appreciate the common and scientific names, the up-close, full-color photos, and the ability to use the reverse side as notepaper. Bonus: No binoculars required!

Best outdoor furniture saver: 
​VARIETYFACE’s Waterproof Patio Chair Covers 

​I stumbled across these chair covers online and opted for the lightweight fabric over heavy canvas. Boy, was I delighted with the water-resistant, UV-resistant material!

These covers have powered through heavy rain/snow, blowing cement/stone dust, gusting wind, and brutal southern sun. No fading, discoloration or cracking! A true delight is the adjustable hem cords for a custom fit because—hello!—patio chairs are so varied in size. Bonus: Buckle straps keep the covers securely in place when the wind picks up. Lightweight covers + dry furniture = patio win.

Do you have an entrepreneur on your gift wish list? A friend or family member who has mad skills in a service or product outside of the regular 9-5 job? With a little gift ingenuity, you could help get that go-getter started on a side-hustling path! And then you’d have the thrill of knowing their success started with your thoughtfulness. SCORE!!

I’ve personally tested every product I’m about to recommend, and some of them had breakthrough benefits. Consider these options:

Best garden/landscape tool: Radius Garden’s Rootslayer 22011 shovel

Serious gardeners/landscapers pondering a side hustle will need tools. And they probably already have a favorite—one regularly stashed in their aprons, pockets, wheelbarrows or gripped tightly in their gloved hands. I thought I did, until I gave this 5-pound marvel a try on a full-southern-sun, high-humidity, 100° day, and OH MY WORD…it was a real game-changer.

The multi-purpose, jagged-edge design not only rips through roots, it also plows through compacted clay and dirt, easily trenches for planting, and saws the soil contents with precision…eliminating the need for a separate hatchet, saw, spade, or smooth-sided shovel. And, hello carbon-steel teeth. Whoa! I mean, the tool designers call it an “assassin shovel” for a reason, folks.

Radius Garden sells a series of Root Slayer products—trowel, soil knife, edger, mini-digger, drain spade, weeder, post hole digger—and most of them will wind up in my tool stash, I assure you. But start off your gardener/landscaper with the 22011, and inspire their inner ground assassin itching to rake in some dough. 

Best charcuterie board: 
Home Beets’ Square Acacia Wood Cutting Board with Handle​

Anyone considering a catering side gig needs to learn how to design and fill a show-stopping charcuterie board. We’ve come a looooooong way from simply slapping meat and cheese onto a well-used, wooden cutting board that’s weathered stains, bleach, and—possibly—tapped a few bottoms. I feel you, frustrated moms!

Charcuteries start with the board. It’s the foundation of a variety of feasts—bowls of olives and nuts, jars of wafer rolls, plates of chocolate, rivers of cured meats, chunks of cheese, a sprinkling of fruit—with the wood grain gradually revealed as guests graze. And that’s why this board is my go-to. It’s large enough (17” x 13”) and sturdy enough (1/2” thick) to bear the sweet-and-savory load, with a non-slip handle perfect for transporting the finished product.

And the square design fits every charcuterie theme (all the rage!), ranging from FALLcuteries to fruit-and-chocolate to s’mores to holiday to breads-and-butters. Think of board design this way: If average cooks could put together a stunning board, why would they hire a caterer? They wouldn’t. So, get your budding caterer on the must-call list with this board.

Best recording microphone: FIFINE USB Metal Condenser 

If you have an emerging podcaster, YouTuber, audio-book reader, online-course teacher, singer or interviewer on your gift list, a professional recording microphone is a must. This one’s sleek, sturdy and affordable. It looks very high-end. And you know what other feature on this microphone wins the day? It’s plug and play.

Now, this means nothing to you savvy electronics geniuses who never melt down when equipment or applications go haywire. But I’m a vortex of electronics despair. Bizarre equipment failures are almost routine. I can stare into a camera lens and the battery dies. So finding this FIFINE microphone that simply plugs into my laptop’s USB port was exhilarating.

Bonus: It stands on a little tripod, ignores background noise, and features a 5.9’ cable. You’ll be a gifting hero, credited with getting your side-hustler’s voice out there, loud and professionally clear.

Best massage instrument: OLsky Deep-Tissue Massage Gun 

Maybe you know a masseuse or massage therapist who completed training, got the license, but never followed through on joining a salon. And the dream drifted away. Maybe becoming a concierge massager—one who goes to clients’ homes—could generate interest and earn some money on the side.

Help kick-start that side-hustle dream with OLsky’s portable, rechargeable gun. I have this massage tool, and let me tell you: It’s awesome! With 9 massage heads and 30 speed levels, you can drill away leg, arm, back, torso and neck pain like a pro. OR…you could hand it over to an actual pro and let the inspiration roll.

And check this: Professional salons use this gun for an up-charge! Every time! 

Best handyman ladder: HBTower Step Ladder with Handrails 

Virtually everyone I know is looking for a reliable on-the-side handyman—usually for fairly simple tasks, like installing a chandelier, changing a beeping smoke alarm, painting, hanging art. You know—tasks requiring a sturdy ladder.

The HBTower step ladder is what my personal, live-in, spousal handyman uses, and it’s available in 3-, 4-, and 5-step versions with an attachable tool bag. It’s collapsible, fairly light-weight, and transportable in a car/SUV vs. a truck.

Perhaps you know a very handy man—or woman—who just needs a ladder to start a side hustle. Make it happen.

Best laundry device: 
​BLACK+DECKER Vitessa Advanced Steam Iron, ICR2020

Do you know someone with incredible ironing skills? We’re talking sharp creases, a light touch with delicate fabrics, pleat perfection, crisp cuffs. Help exploit those skills with a serious tool, because being a concierge “presser”—one who travels to homes and irons, or a take-home ironer can earn some serious on-the-side cash. 

I did a lot of research before I settled on BLACK+DECKER’s Vitessa ICR2020. While I appreciated features like the SmartSteam technology, stainless-steel soleplate, and automatic shut-off, it was the tangle-free RETRACTABLE CHORD that sold me. I love to let that thing rip!

Ironing is a heavily under-appreciated skill…until you’re desperate for a smooth collar. Inspire the talented ironer in your life with this tool. Then hand off a ruffled blouse for a test run.

Best bartender gadget: TINANA 2.5 Inch Silicone Ice Ball Maker 

Soooooo many parties I’ve catered or attended needed a bartender. Why? Because no guest wants to stand in a haphazard line to self-pour some room-temp sparkling wine into a plastic tumbler. If you know a hard worker with personality who just happens to have a liquor license, inspire that worker with TINANA’s ice ball maker.

This gadget makes 12, 2.5” ice spheres at one time, in stackable trays, inside—wait for it—a portable large-capacity ice bin. Why is that important? Well, large ice cubes melt slowly in signature cocktails, keep drinks seriously cold, and look super-cool.

Which makes the bartender super-cool. Which garners generous tips. Been there…saw it happen.

Best cleaning device: Bissell Little Green Cleaners 

Do you know a house cleaner looking for a niche side hustle? You should introduce them to the wonder of Bissell, offering a variety of affordable, portable carpet and upholstery cleaners any industrious worker can use: Cordless SmartMix, Multi-Purpose, Max Pet, Pro Portable, HydroSteam. 

But anyone could start with the petite Little Green model for home and auto carpets, and most furniture. I used this little marvel on a petsitting client’s rug, and her words to me were: “You should clean rugs professionally!!” Tempting…

I like how this little sucker is transportable in a car/SUV, weighs a little less than 10 lbs, includes Bissell’s Spot & Stain formula with Febreze Freshness and features exclusive tools. Niche hustle + happy customers = wads of cash.

Best driving tool: Ivation’s Plug-In Electric Cooler & Warmer 

Some side hustles require serious time in a vehicle with little pause for personal pit-stops. Think: meals, snacks, beverages, medications. For those gig workers, consider gifting Ivation’s 27-quart (25 L) portable thermoelectric fridge with a 12-volt car adapter. It’s a travel marvel!

With a flip of a switch, you can maintain drinks at an icy-cold 40°F OR hot food at a toasty 130°F. Let’s hear it for dual-function! Bonus: It’s quiet, safe, and weighs a little over 10 lbs. I give it 5 stars for convenience and ingenuity.

Best book:
"Queen of the Side Hustle: Unleashing Your Potential for Extra Income"

Shameless plug alert! Anyone considering a side hustle could use a little help getting started, am I right? Yes, I am…because I’ve been hustling for years in a variety of occupations, and I’m currently stacking SIX of those on a weekly basis. And I wrote a book to help other hustlers become a cash machine like me.

In 10 short, chatty chapters, side hustlers learn how to monetize their downtime the RIGHT way—finding their niche, honing their skills, managing their time, increasing their value…all whilst hurdling over obstacles like marketing and contracts and taxes and difficult clients. You know: Those little irritants making even the most-determined gig worker want to quit. Let’s not quit. Let’s make some cold, hard cash!

Bonus: Each chatty chapter has accompanying, downloadable worksheets to inspire action. Available in print, digital and audio versions.

You may not like the taste of vinegar, but you might appreciate the versatility of this fermented grain alcohol. It’s natural, it’s affordable, and it solves many, many homestead problems. Let’s explore some common, everyday uses.

Soothe throats.
Grandmothers and theatre people reach for the apple cider vinegar at the first sign of a sore throat. With both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, vinegar is a marvel at coating, soothing, and cutting through the phlegm. Mix 1 tsp with a cup of warm water and sip or gargle up to 3x/day. Add a drizzle of honey to sweeten the deal.

Treat bug bites.
Reduce the itch and burn of insect bites by dabbing apple cider vinegar onto the wound. The natural acidity neutralizes the venom AND disinfects the scratch marks you’ve already added. If you have baking soda on hand, dab it on to completely cover the sting, then add white vinegar to make a paste.

Extend cut flower life.
Kill off bacteria still growing in cut flowers with 2 Tb white vinegar in 1 quart/liter of water. Changing the water every few days also helps lengthen fresh-cut beauty. Bonus: Add 3 Tb sugar to your vinegar-water concoction to help feed the blooms.

Kill weeds.
Young, tender weeds/seedlings are susceptible to a direct spray of household vinegar. The same 5% acetic acid that neutralizes bug venom, also acts as a natural contact herbicide, effective within 24 hours. NOTE: Be selective with your spray, as vinegar kills ANY tender growth…not just weeds.

Trap fruit flies.
Conduct a science experience in your kitchen with a shallow bowl, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and a few drop of dish detergent. Cover with cling wrap, and poke holes into the top for flies to enter, land, and perish. Bonus: Add pieces of banana peel to sweeten the lure.

Restore hair health.
When you run out of conditioner, consider applying an occasional rinse of vitamins B- and C-rich apple cider vinegar instead! A simple 1:1 mixture of water to vinegar can remove dead skin/dandruff from your scalp, reduce itching from psoriasis or eczema, strengthen thinning hair, remove product buildup, and increase shine.
​
Soften laundry.
Replace pricey fabric softener with distilled white vinegar. Adding up to 1 cup to the softener dispenser or final rinse cycle deodorizes, breaks down excess detergent buildup, and leaves your laundry freshly and organically softer. Bonus: Vinegar prevents irritating static cling!