The Sentimental Twist

Brittany | The Sentimental Decorator
  • 5.0 (18)
  • HOME & GARDEN

The Sentimental Twist is a weekly podcast where vintage decor meets heirloom recipes, and every conversation is steeped in Southern charm. Hosted by Brittany Shepard and Melissa Austin-Weeks  – two friends from different generations with one shared love for meaningful spaces and gracious hospitality.  You’ll hear inspiring stories, home styling tips, easy entertaining ideas, and reflections on creating a life (and home) filled with beauty, tradition, and heart. Whether you’re a sentimental soul, a vintage lover, or a curious hostess, you’re in good company here.

  1. APR 30

    Season 3 | Episode 10: Finale + Modern Etiquette with Guest Lizzie Post from The Emily Post Institute

    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 PostEmily 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 mannersPrinciples 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...

    1h 48m

  2. APR 23

    Season 3 | Episode 9: Hospitality as Caring for Others + Guest Interview with Lydia Menzies

    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.  ***Please complete our listener survey: LINK*** 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

    1h 26m

  3. APR 16

    Season 3 | Episode 8: How to Create Meaningful Spaces without Buying New

    Summary In this episode, hosts Melissa and Brittany explore the art of decorating with sentimentality, reimagining your home through storytelling, and the joy of shopping your own space. They talk about practical tips for refreshing your home without spending a dime and learn how to create meaningful moments with what you already have. ***Please complete our listener survey: LINK*** Highlights: Brittany’s Bless It: Rose Dawn Camellia Japonica from NancyThe Storykeepers Circle  Melissa’s Digital Store  Melissa’s Bless It: Heirloom Roses Alexandra Stoddard’s Living a Beautiful Life Takeaways You can redecorate and redesign your home without shopping for new pieces.Shopping your home for decor allows you to freshen spaces without spending a dime.Creating a meaningful home is about showcasing your family stories through your decor.Restyling and repurposing items is a great way to use meaningful things you don’t know what to do with.Seasonal rotation is a fun way to freshen your home when it feels stale.Think creatively when it comes to the organization of your seasons and everyday home decor.Rituals and intentional living make life beautiful and meaningful.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 Sentimental Twist Season 3, Episode 8 04:31 Meaningful Spaces: Decorate Your Home Without Buying New 27:17 Porch Talk Speed Round 41:25 Bless It, We Had to Share It 45:05 A Toast to Sentiment: The Beauty of Everyday Rituals

    50 min

  4. APR 9

    Season 3 | Episode 7: The Art of Letting Go + Guest Interview with Rachel from Happy Arranging

    Summary In this episode, hosts Melissa and Brittany explore what it means to release sentimental items with intention instead of obligation. Through personal stories and practical guidance, they share how to navigate emotional attachments, let go of guilt, and honor your story without holding onto everything. Plus, guest Rachel Weizel from Happy Arranging, author of Trader Joe's Flowers, shares practical tips, creative ideas, and the story behind her beautiful bouquets, all under $35. Perfect for flower enthusiasts and home decorators alike. ***Please complete our listener survey: LINK*** Highlights: Guest Rachel Weizel from Happy Arranging and https://www.happyarranging.com/ .Rachel Book: Trader Joe’s Flowers Brittany’s Bless It: Clear the Sentimental Clutter: 5 Days to Help You Move One Item Out of Limbo Takeaways When decorating with sentimental items, releasing things is sometimes just as important as keeping them. Your home needs space to reflect your life now, not just your past.You can honor the story behind an item without keeping the item itself.Holding onto things out of guilt or obligation often creates more weight than meaning.It’s okay to move slowly when making decisions about sentimental pieces. There’s no need to rush.Sometimes the most thoughtful decision is “not yet.” You can come back to it when you’re ready.The hardest part of creating a meaningful home isn’t styling. It’s deciding what stays and what goes.Whether you’re decorating or arranging flowers, there is no one “right way”—trust what you’re drawn to and let that guide you.You can create stunning bouquets for under $35 using Trader Joe's flowers.Experimenting with everyday items like cereal bowls and teacups can add charm to your arrangements.Using chicken wire helps hold flowers in place and creates more elaborate designs.Understanding color theory, especially the color wheel, enhances floral design.Regularly snipping flower stems and removing leaves prolongs vase life. 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 Sentimental Twist Season 3, Episode 7! 03:40 Sentimental Decorating: Letting Go with Intention 18:21 Guest Interview with Rachel from Happy Arranging 43:09 Porch Talk Speed Round 58:11 Bless It, We Had to Share It! 01:04:19 A Toast to Sentiment

    1h 9m

  5. APR 2

    Season 3 | Episode 6: It's Gardening Season! + Guest Interview with Kelly Radcliff of Lazy Girls Garden Club

    Summary In this episode, Melissa and Brittany talk all things gardening and outdoor hosting! They discuss trading perfection for progress in the garden and learn why zinnias are the happiest shortcut to a generous flower season from guest Kelly Radcliffe of Lazy Girls Garden Club. Kelly also shares her gardening tips, favorite plants, and zone-smart planting basics.  ***Please complete our listener survey: LINK:  Highlights Kelly Radcliff: Lazy Girls Garden Club on Instagram Melissa’s Bless It: Burpee Seed Catalog and Martha Washington's Kitchen Garden Seeds via BurpeesVelveteen Rabbit BookBrittany’s Bless It: Fresh Cut Paper: Faux Boxwood Trellises at Lowe'sTakeaways There is joy in trial-and-error gardening, which is perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.Kelly, Melissa, and Brittany discuss how to create a relaxed, approachable garden that blooms with personalityThere are easy ideas for charming outdoor entertaining, from garden parties to porch moments.Kelly offers practical tips on timing planting, choosing the right plants for your zone, and garden maintenance. 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 Sentimental Twist - Season 3, Episode 6! 02:07 It's Gardening Season! 08:51 Guest Interview Kelly from Lazy Girls Garden Club 42:33 Porch Talk Speed Round 51:34 Gracious Hospitality: Hosting in the Garden 01:01:02 Bless It, We Had to Share It 01:05:45 A Toast to Sentiment: The Velveteen Rabbit

    1h 11m

  6. MAR 26

    Season 3 | Episode 5: A Sentimental Easter + What Makes Something an Heirloom

    Summary In this episode, Melissa and Brittany explore rich traditions, sentimental stories, and creative ideas for celebrating Easter. From childhood memories to tablescaping tips, this episode is a heartfelt journey into the meaning behind our favorite Easter rituals. The hosts also discuss what makes objects and traditions “heirloom-worthy,” whether you have inherited pieces or not! ***Please complete our listener survey: LINK:*** Highlights: The Cake Mix Doctor Cookbook Brittany’s Bless It – Shades for Rechargeable Lamps Stripe Chinoiserie Melissa’s Bless It – Key Lime Shamrock Smash Takeaways It is fun to reminisce on Easter traditions and memories and carry them forward in your own unique way.When setting your Easter table, think creatively about adding in sentimental items with meaning to your pretty table decor.Sentimental heirloom pieces are significant, whether you inherited them or collected them yourself.You can adopt heirlooms from estate sales, vintage shops, thrift stores, and antique malls.The things you use everyday and in special moments are shaping your legacy and are what create nostalgia for your loved ones.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 Sentimental Twist Season 3, Episode 5! 03:14 Easter with a Sentimental Twist 20:32 Sentimental Easter Tablescapes 32:40 Porch Talk Speed Round 42:11 Heirloom Worthy: Creating Sentimental Spaces 51:13 Bless It, We Had to Share 57:35 A Toast to Sentiment: Celebrating Sentiment and Legacy

    1h 2m

  7. MAR 19

    Season 3 | Episode 4: The Year of Whimsy & Prepping as a Hosting Strategy

    Summary In this episode, Melissa and Brittany explore the art of stress-free hosting by using prepping in advance as a strategy. The hosts talk about how planning ahead can transform your gatherings into relaxed, joyful experiences. They also explore the art of infusing everyday life with whimsy, nostalgia, and intentionality, as 2026 has been deemed “The Year of Whimsy.” From decorating tips to self-care rituals, this episode offers practical ideas to bring joy and sentiment into your daily routine. ***Please complete our listener survey: LINK*** Highlights: Melissa’s Hostess Journal on YouTube;Awesome Etiquette Podcast episodePura Fragrance White Tea No. 1Ina’s #1 Entertaining HackIna’s Make Ahead CookbookPulled Pork Nachos RecipesBrittany’s Bless It – Creators to Follow:Robin - MsThisNThat Janet - The Midlife Joyride Elise - Adorn Your Decor Melissa’s Bless It – Faux Hydrangeas: Real Simple’s Year of WhimsyTakeaways Meal prep and planning ahead can be a strategy for stress-free hospitality.2026 is The Year of Whimsy! What does that mean for you?Dopamine decorating is adding joyful colors, patterns, and personal touches into your home decor.Nostalgic rituals have emotional benefits.Analog activities and tech-free zones can create more grounded days.Infuse daily rituals into your life to create joy.How will you “hit the rewind button?”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 Sentimental Twist Season 3, Episode 4! 04:13 Gracious Hospitality: Meal Prep as a Strategy for Hosting with Ease 23:25 Porch Talk Speed Round 37:37 The Year of Whimsy! 51:34 Bless It, We Had to Share It 57:18 Literary Lowdown: What We're Reading and Listening To 01:06:33 A Toast to Sentiment: The Heart of Hospitality and Connection

    1h 11m

  8. MAR 12

    Season 3 | Episode 3: The Power of Small Gatherings

    Summary In this episode, Melissa and Brittany explore the art of intimate hosting, the benefits of smaller gatherings, and practical tips for effortless, meaningful entertaining. Discover how to create connection, reduce stress, and elevate your hospitality game with simple, elegant ideas for every season. Join Brittany and Melissa as they share practical tips, story-driven insights, and meaningful ways to celebrate the sentimentality in your space.  ***Please complete our listener survey: LINK*** Highlights: 100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know (Cookbook) Marry Me Chicken Menu (Full menu and recipes  on page 245 of the cookbook)One Whole Chicken3 Lemons and ½ cup lemon juiceSalt & pepperAssorted herbs - rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsleySpring greens with shaved parmesanWarm breadStrawberry shortcake or lemon icebox pieLemon Squares Recipe@natsnourishments on Instagram Cookbook wth Biscoff Banana Bread: https://rivr.link/tSd-SVoOip@msthisnthat on Instagram for Tomato Basil Soup RecipeBrittany’s Favorite Amazon TulipsKate Bagley Certified Photo Organizer: Photo Myne AppThe Storykeepers CircleTakeaways There are unique benefits in hosting smaller groups.Createing intimate and meaningful connections is an important part of hospitality.What is the difference between hosting and hospitality?It doesn’t take much creativity to create simple, elegant menus for small gatherings.Different seasons support your introverted and extroverted personality dynamics.It is important to create meaningful and cozy spaces in your homeRemembering and telling personal stories through family heirlooms creates a sense of groundedness.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 Sentimental Twist: Season 3, Episode 3 04:28 Gracious Hospitality: Smaller Tables, Longer Conversations 13:56 Gracious Hospitality: Menu Ideas for Intimate Gatherings 29:12 Porch Talk Speed Round 52:23 Winter vs. Summer: Personal Preferences 52:50 Bless It, We Had to Share It 59:44 A Toast to Sentiment: An Irish House Blessing

    1h 7m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

The Sentimental Twist is a weekly podcast where vintage decor meets heirloom recipes, and every conversation is steeped in Southern charm. Hosted by Brittany Shepard and Melissa Austin-Weeks  – two friends from different generations with one shared love for meaningful spaces and gracious hospitality.  You’ll hear inspiring stories, home styling tips, easy entertaining ideas, and reflections on creating a life (and home) filled with beauty, tradition, and heart. Whether you’re a sentimental soul, a vintage lover, or a curious hostess, you’re in good company here.

Information

  • Creator
    Brittany | The Sentimental Decorator
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sentimental Twist
  • Show Website
    The Sentimental Twist

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