Two Porches and A Pour Podcast: Episode #8

The Art of Home Dining Experiences with Guest Karen Emanuelsen

Join me and my Co-Host Wendy McMonigle from WM Design House every Wednesday on our Podcast called “Two Porches and a Pour”.

We live 2000 miles apart from each other and wish we could spend our Wednesdays on each others porch in real life but instead we are doing the next best thing. We are chatting with each other about everything from Life & Love to Design and everything in between.

We are also sharing with you each week what we are sipping from our front porch.

A beautifully set dining table features elegant floral-patterned plates, striped napkins, and white teacups on linen placemats. Centerpieces include fresh herbs, flowers in jars, and a blue floral vase, crafting an inviting ambiance perfect for sharing a delightful meal or hosting a cozy podcast discussion.

What You Will Hear in This Episode:

In this episode of Two Porches and a Pour, hosts Lynn Vogeler and Wendy McMonigle welcome Karen Emanuelson, who shares her journey of hosting dinner experiences in her home with her husband Ken. The conversation explores the creative process behind planning themed dinners, the logistics of hosting, and the dynamics of working with a partner in the kitchen. Karen discusses the importance of guest interaction, the challenges faced during events, and how travel influences her culinary creations. The episode concludes with insights on pricing, guest engagement, and the personal growth that comes from hosting.

Show Notes:

Some of the Things We Referenced:

Menu for July 2025 Experience

Dive into a flavor journey with our Southwest 5-course meal, featuring Shrimp and Scallop Aguachili, Guacamole Tableside, Chicken Tortilla Soup, and more. Savor Blackened Prime Rib while discussing your favorite podcast. Top it off with Peach Mini Pies. 0 per person, BYOB or wine.

CONNECT WITH WENDY:

CONNECT WITH ME:

A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
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I hope you enjoyed this episode of the Two Porches and A Pour Podcast!

A blue background with hand-drawn elements sets the stage. A heart symbol flanked by two lines adds charm, while the text "Lynn xoxo" in cursive whispers a promise to make food prep easier and more delightful.
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.
About the elderly woman: With long gray hair and glasses, she wears a white knit sweater and hoop earrings, her gentle smile radiates warmth against the plain light gray background.

Meet Me

My name is Lynn. I live in the suburbs of Chicago in a 1,300 sq. ft. home with my Handy husband, Keith.

I’m an open book about my life on my blog. You can find out more about me by visiting my About page.

about Me
A dark blue background with a subtle, wavy abstract line pattern running across the center, reminiscent of the flowing creativity often found when living large in a small house.

Featured

  • Logo for "the spruce" featuring a simple outline of a house in light blue with an open door and neutral Halloween decor elements, followed by the text "the spruce" in a stylized gray font.
  • Black and white logo featuring large "ORC" letters above "ONE ROOM CHALLENGE," capturing the bold spirit of the One Room Challenge event.
  • Black text logo reads "Taste of Home" in a serif font on a white background, evoking the warmth of a Farmhouse cottage.
  • A minimalist green line drawing forms the outline of a house, with the words "re design" in bold black text inside the shape—perfect inspiration for your next Saturday Shopping adventure.
  • The image displays the words "BOLD JOURNEY" in large capital letters—"BOLD" in a bold, dark red font and "JOURNEY" in a smaller black font on a white background—capturing the excitement of a Saturday Shopping adventure.
  • The image features the word "WANDER" in large, bold letters, evoking a sense of recollection. Below it, in smaller text, are the phrases: "LIVE WELL | EAT WELL | TRAVEL WELL." The entire text is set against a plain, light background.
  • Hometalk logo featuring a blue house icon to the left of the word "Hometalk" in black, rounded font—perfect inspiration for sharing cozy recipes like Potato Broccoli and Leek Soup.
  • The word "SIMPLIFY" is written in all uppercase letters, with the letter "I" and "L" replaced by the number "1," on a teal rectangular background—perfect inspiration for anyone looking to make a faux topiary and keep things straightforward.
  • Orange logo with a house-shaped icon containing a white fork and spoon, followed by the word "Foodtalk" in bold orange text—your go-to source for tips like how to use Javy Coffee for Spring Coffee Drinks.
  • Boutique Rugs logo featuring a red geometric pattern beside the words "BoutiqueRugs" in bold black and gray text on a white background, perfect for pairing with stylish Peel and Stick Wallpaper in your home decor.
  • Logo with two interlocking heart outlines on the left, followed by the text "LOVE vs DESIGN" in a modern, clean font—perfect for a brand specializing in stylish Peel and Stick Wallpaper.
  • The image shows the text "CANVASREBEL" in a clean, dark blue sans-serif font on a white background, evoking the spirit of Living Large in A Small House with its minimalist yet bold design.
  • Colonial Candle logo featuring a circular emblem with overlapping "C" letters above the brand name "COLONIAL CANDLE" in uppercase serif font—perfect inspiration for cozy moments, like learning how to use Javy Coffee for Spring Coffee Drinks.

You can find last week’s episode HERE

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