Back for seconds, ‘The Hostess’ promises fun
Alyssia Birjalal speaks to Lorna Maseko about season two of her party show, The Hostess
THE cooking and lifestyle show that brings together fine cuisine and creative entertaining is back for a second season.
Guests, celebrities and viewers are schooled as this party-planning culinary guru shares her easy-to-cook recipes and ways of entertaining with us.
Season 1 was such a hit with viewers. What can we expect from season 2?
They can expect fun, interesting and big parties; co-presenter Thabo Bluebird being silly and making me laugh; fun in the kitchen and just something different. We always say it’s not your aver age cooking show and people will be really entertained.
Has the show been revamped? Yes, I think this season we are trying to do parties that are different. So not just your cocktail party or just a dinner party, we are trying to push the envelope with a 1950s party.
We also have a pool party and a gentlemen’s club party which will be tons of fun, with one of the biggest stars in the country.
I’m really looking forward to it and I hope viewers will love it too.
Who are the celebs you work with this season?
So we’ve had Priddy Ugly together with Bontle Modiselle, we’ve had a beach party with Boity Thulo, and other big ones are coming, people won’t expect.
I think the nice thing about the show is that each episode is very different and full of life and we try to cater for everybody as best as possible.
Will the camaraderie between you and your sidekick continue?
The camaraderie between Thabo and I will continue. He adds such a beautiful touch to the show. We both kind of balance each other out. But I think the camaraderie is fun, it’s quirky, it’s not too serious.
I hope viewers see that it’s just entertainment and we are just trying to entertain people and we hope they are.
In terms of the food, what can we expect this season?
The food for this season will change up a bit. My food ethos is rustic but still homely. I never want people who watch the show to think “oh my gosh, I don’t know how to make that” or “where do I even start?”
But the whole point is that you watch the show and think “oh that’s quite easy”. It should be relatable and people should watch and feel like they can make the food.
At the same time, we’re definitely trying to mix things up a little, so we are going to have the rustic, easy-to-make-and-eat food. And then we have some episodes that have really fancy food, but cheating along the way and making it at home.
At the end of the day you want to host a party, you want food that looks fancy in front of your friends, but be able to say ‘it was easy to do’.
Which celebs gave you a hard time and who did you enjoy working with?
I’ve not had anyone give me a hard time. So far everyone loved their parties, the food and the whole celebration. Who doesn’t love being thrown a party to celebrate what they are doing and their lives? That’s what it’s about.
You obviously enjoy food and entertaining, but where did this passion come from?
It definitely came from when I was a contestant on MasterChef SA. That sparked it. From an entertainment perspective, I’ve always loved entertaining people. I was a ballet dancer, and yes, maybe I was entertaining people on the stage, but this time I get to entertain people in different venues and in their homes.
But I have always been this people person. I think the reason I love the show and love doing it is because it encapsulates who I am. I’m a food lover, I love hosting people, so why not create a beautiful show that has my little Thabo to just complete it, and allow people to enjoy a piece of that of my life?
What for you is the best part of being on a show like this?
The fact that I get to be myself. For a long time people saw me on Top Billing and that helped build my brand, but it’s always nice to be able to be crazy in the kitchen, dance and sing. Be able to host amazing parties and guests, and I think that’s pretty cool.
There is nothing more amazing than just being yourself and enjoying that.
What do you think sets this show apart from other foodie/ lifestyle shows?
It’s not your average cooking show, so we don’t just focus on the recipes. There is fun and entertainment alongside making the amazing food. There’s entertainment alongside creating these parties and there hasn’t really been a format of this kind in the country. And to have a second season is absolutely amazing.
It shows people love what we do and the concept works.
Why should viewers tune in? It’s fun, entertaining and interesting. They can learn something from the show, whether it’s having a party on a small budget or trying to impress your friends.
If you’re a foodie, watch. If you love hosting parties, definitely watch, and if you just want to watch for entertainment, watch.
The show caters for all of those things. We can’t wait. Here’s to season 10.
Catch The Hostess with Lorna Maseko on Wednesday at 8.30pm on SABC 3.