Welcome to Hostess with Hydrangeas

Hi, I’m Lauren Oberholtzer—Richmond, Virginia native, hostess by heart, storyteller by soul, and a lifelong lover of blue hydrangeas. I’ve always found joy in the art of hosting parties, baking from scratch, cultivating beautiful spaces, and expressing creativity through fashion. This space is my love letter to the traditions that shaped me, the people who inspire me, and the everyday moments worth celebrating.

A Blog Rooted in Legacy & Love

My passion for hosting began when I was just five years old—setting tables for family dinners, greeting guests with a smile, and pretending to be the hostess at every holiday gathering. That early spark was inspired by my Grandmother Pat and Grandmother Noni—two strong, graceful women who adored throwing a good party, baking something sweet, and surrounding themselves with flowers.

Grandma Pat passed away in 2024 and Grandmother Noni in 2025, but their spirit lives on in every cake I bake, every flower I tend, and every guest I welcome. Hostess with Hydrangeas is a tribute to both of their legacies—a celebration of love, beauty, and the meaningful moments woven into everyday life.

What You’ll Find Here

This is more than a lifestyle blog—it’s a space to gather inspiration, share stories, and savor the good things. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, styling a seasonal table, looking for a new cookie recipe, or dreaming up your next garden bed, you’ll find ideas to help you do it with heart and intention.

  • Hosting tips and entertaining ideas

  • Gardening guides and seasonal blooms

  • Baking recipes rooted in family tradition

  • Fashion inspiration with a southern twist

 

A Little More About Me

I’m a Richmond, Virginia local and a proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. By day, I serve as the office manager of our family’s commercial construction company, working alongside my husband, Jeremy. We share life with our son, Davis, and our golden retriever, Hank our joyfully furry sidekick.

I’m also the founder of Shatter the Silence, a nonprofit committed to mental health awareness and breaking the stigma through honest, hope-filled conversation.