behind the blog

how it all began

If you ask me what my “love language” is, it’s feeding people. The best compliment I can receive (besides mom related compliments) isn’t about my career or my outfit or home decor, it’s when someone tells me they haven’t been able to stop thinking about a dish I made or that they’ve been counting down the days until they get to eat at my table again.

I just melt inside when I hear this, as if it’s the first time hearing someone say they think my food is good. I will never ever take those compliments for granted and I certainly never expect them either. I am honored and humbled to make and share food with others that they love as much as I do.

That’s why I created Ready Set Host. I wanted a space to share food that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over. Whether it’s a fun new cocktail for movie night or a weeknight dinner that brings the whole family together, I’m here to help you make every meal feel like a special occasion.

About Me

hi there, i’m Amanda

By day, I’m a Sr. E-commerce Analyst for one of the world’s largest retailers. I wrack my brain looking at data, strategy, excel spreadsheets, customer-behavior and whatnot. It’s a great use of my analytical skills but that itch for creativity gets neglected. That’s why outside of work, you’ll likely find me in the kitchen crafting recipes & writing about them here. My happy place.

In June 2025, my world got a little bigger and a whole lot sweeter with the birth of my daughter. Becoming a mom has shifted my perspective on what “hosting” really means. It’s no longer just about a “picture-perfect” party. It’s about the feeling of home, the smell of a slow-cooked meal, and the joy of gathering the people I love most around one table.

amanda at a glance

mom to the sweetest baby born in 2025 and we have a black lab named cove, i love being a

girl mom

B.S. in fashion merchandising & marketing from

Ball State University

born and raised in a picture-perfect subrub, ever heard of

Naperville, IL

unless I’m with family & friends, I’m a total

Introvert

shows i’m watching on repeat

Friends, Gilmore Girls, & OTH

I really love to

Dance

big lover of wine (sweet & white) and Tea (iced Please), but not together

That’d be weird

married my fav person in 2023 & we’re so blessed to be surrounded by family in

Middle Tennessee

explore the blog

must-read

frequently asked q’s

just in case you were wondering. . .

Ready Set Host was born in 2021 after I graduated college and began my full time career in Corporate America. I haven’t always been able to pour as much into this space as I hoped (as people say, life got in the way) but it’s something I keep coming back to out of pure love and passion.

Worried about clutter and spam flooding your inbox? Me too. That’s why I promise not to over-do it. Who wants multiple emails in a week from the same person? Not me. Opting in to my email list gives you first access to my newest blog posts, hosting tools, resources and special offers!

As of February 2026 there are NO active affiliate links on this site. Any links provided throughout my posts are based on personal recommendations only. I do not receive a commission from the presence of these links on Ready Set Host.

This could change at any time without notice. If Ready Set Host enters a partnership or accepts affiliation with a brand, this site will be updated with various disclaimers located throughout, such as in the privacy policy

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