The Wilder way to gather: human connection, simple hosting, and starting before you’re “ready” (with Emily Shimwell)

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Written By Andrea Barr

Ep. 101 of All Figured Out Podcast

If you’ve ever delayed inviting friends over because the toys weren’t put away, the menu felt intimidating, or bedtime might derail dinner—this one’s for you. On All Figured Out, I sat down with Emily Shimwell, founder of Dine Wilder, to talk about the kind of hospitality that isn’t about perfection. It’s about people.

Emily has welcomed 540+ guests to long-table dinners in bookstores, cafés, gardens, and unexpected spaces—all designed to make women feel seen, celebrated, and connected. Her philosophy is refreshingly doable for parents: lead with why, keep hosting simple, and let connection be the star of the show.

“Magic happens when curiosity meets connection.” — Emily Shimwell

Why we overcomplicate hosting (and how to stop)

  • Perfection steals the joy. Guests don’t care about symmetrical napkins; they care about feeling welcomed at the door and known at the table.

  • Menu ≠ meaning. Order takeout, plate it beautifully, add a preserve to your cheese board, and call it a night.

  • Expectations matter. Set the tone before the event (especially when you’re mixing friend groups).

Hosting with kids: make it easier on yourself

  • Try brunch. Mornings are lighter on meltdowns and bedtime stress.

  • Give kids a job. Let them tie napkins, pick flowers, or help place name cards.

  • Create exhale moments. Lamps + candles (even in the bathroom) > overhead lights.

Tiny details, big impact

  • Linen napkins (in a simple knot) elevate everything—no ironing needed.

  • Abundance cues: let grapes, crackers, and olives spill off the board.

  • A warm welcome: greet at the door, offer a hug or handshake, take a coat, and remember one detail from their life.

Start before you’re “ready”

Emily launched Dine Wilder fast—and learned even faster. Instead of waiting for the perfect plan, she:

  1. Ran experiments (15+ events in year one), then debriefed with her team.

  2. Leveraged strengths (she hosts and curates; pros handle cooking, photos, and service).

  3. Held the bigger why (combat disconnection with intentionally designed experiences).

FEAST: a day for food, courage, and community

If you’ve wanted a day that blends the practicality of a conference with the soul of a retreat—FEAST is it. Think: four punchy talks, guided connection, abundant food, live music, and the signature Dine Wilder table magic.

Key takeaways

  • Connection beats perfection—every time.

  • You can host beautifully without cooking a thing.

  • Brunch is the secret weapon for parents who still want a social life.

  • Start messy; learn fast. Iteration > hesitation.

Resources & links

About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out

Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.

Connect with Andrea via Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.

Andrea Barr

I am a leadership coach. I Work with motivated individuals who want to achieve their most extraordinary career, goals and life.

http://www.andreabarrcoaching.com
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