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Lisa Brown: 'Entertaining 101' a great resource when entertaining

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 11:53 GMT by Joplin Globe
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Lisa Brown’s “Entertaining 101”: A Local Treasure for Home‑Grown Hospitality

When the Joplin Globe’s “Lisa Brown: Entertaining 101 – a Great Resource When Entertaining” ran in early February, it was less a news story and more a celebration of a woman who has turned the simple act of gathering friends and family into a craft. Lisa Brown, a long‑time Joplin resident and former culinary school graduate, has built a reputation around the kitchen, the table, and the joy of bringing people together. Her newest venture, a pocket‑sized handbook titled Entertaining 101, is already on shelves in the local library and on her website, offering a pragmatic, no‑frills approach to hosting that has struck a chord with the community.

A Culinary Journey into Hospitality

Brown’s path to becoming a “hospitality guru” began in a modest family kitchen where she learned to balance flavors and timing. After completing a certificate in culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of America, she spent the next decade working in hotels and restaurants, refining her ability to orchestrate large events. The turning point came when a college friend asked her to host a surprise birthday party in a rented studio loft. Brown’s careful menu planning, décor suggestions, and attention to the little details—such as the right music cue and a thoughtful welcome drink—made the night a hit, prompting her to ask, “What if I could distill this into a guide?”

The idea grew into Entertaining 101, a book that promises to take the guesswork out of any gathering, whether it’s a casual barbecue, a holiday dinner, or a milestone celebration. Brown writes, “Entertaining is an art that anyone can master with a bit of structure and a lot of love.” Her tone is warm and conversational, making it feel less like a textbook and more like a friend’s handwritten recipe card.

The Structure of “Entertaining 101”

The book is organized into five core sections, each designed to address a different phase of the event lifecycle:

1. Planning and Preparation – Checklists for guest lists, budgets, and timelines. Brown stresses the importance of a master list that includes allergies, dietary restrictions, and seating arrangements, which she calls “the event’s backbone.”

2. Menu Design – A selection of “starter‑to‑dessert” templates that cater to a variety of cuisines, complete with suggested wine pairings. The chapter on “Balancing Budget and Flavor” is particularly popular; Brown includes a side note about sourcing local produce for both freshness and supporting the community.

3. Setting the Scene – Tips on lighting, table linens, and decor themes that fit various seasons. She introduces a “Mood Board” exercise that helps hosts visualize their space before they buy anything.

4. The Host’s Role – Strategies for mingling, making introductions, and handling unexpected hiccups. Brown’s anecdote about a runaway soufflé that turned into a toast for the whole group demonstrates her flexibility.

5. Post‑Event Wrap‑Up – A thank‑you note guide, cleanup checklists, and a survey template to gather feedback from guests. Brown notes that “receiving feedback is the best way to grow as an entertainer.”

The book’s layout is visually appealing, featuring photo spreads of sample tables, color-coded planning sheets, and bite‑size recipes that can be printed on A5 cards for guests. Brown’s personal touch is evident in the dedication page, which reads, “To every host who turns a meal into a memory.”

Beyond the Book: Brown’s Services and Community Impact

While Entertaining 101 is a valuable resource on its own, Brown has expanded her influence through a range of consulting and educational services. The article highlights her Event Mastery Workshops, a series of half‑day classes offered in collaboration with the Joplin Chamber of Commerce. These workshops cover everything from “First‑Time Hosting” to “Hosting for Fundraisers.” Brown’s own website (listed in the article as https://lisabrowngourmet.com) offers an online booking portal for private consultations and a subscription to a monthly “Entertaining Insight” newsletter that features new recipes, décor trends, and seasonal hosting tips.

In addition, Brown is a regular contributor to the Joplin Public Library’s “Local Stories” series, where she shares stories about notable community events and how they were brought to life. The Globe article links to a video interview on the library’s YouTube channel, where Brown demonstrates a simple yet elegant three‑course menu that can be prepared in under an hour—perfect for a Sunday potluck.

Where to Find the Book and More

Readers can purchase Entertaining 101 on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Brown-Entertaining-101/dp/B0XXXXXXX) or at the local independent bookstore, “Pages & Places.” The Globe’s article also notes that the book is available for a limited time at the Joplin Book Festival, a yearly event celebrating regional authors and local businesses. Brown’s website offers a free downloadable “Planning Cheat Sheet” in exchange for an email subscription—an attractive add‑on for those looking to start hosting right away.

A Local Hero, A National Resource

The Joplin Globe’s profile on Lisa Brown is, at its core, a celebration of a local entrepreneur who has turned her passion for food and people into a business that serves both the community and beyond. While the book’s practical advice is the centerpiece, it’s her emphasis on genuine connection and thoughtful planning that sets her apart. As Brown herself notes, “Entertaining isn’t about the plates you serve; it’s about the smiles you see when people gather.”

With Entertaining 101 now a staple in the community, Brown’s approach to hospitality is proving that the best gatherings are built on preparation, creativity, and an earnest desire to make others feel at home. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a nervous beginner, Lisa Brown’s guide offers a roadmap that feels less like a set of rules and more like an invitation to create lasting memories.