Meet Jen
Welcome! I’m Jen Svendsen, the founder and creator behind Midwest Life and Style (MWLS), and I’m so glad you’re here.
A long-time lover of hosting and entertaining, I spent over a decade planning corporate and nonprofit events as part of my professional career.
These days, I’ve traded in office views and a traditional 9-to-5 to share my best party ideas here on the blog, helping make hosting feel more joyful and less stressful for real-life, real homes, and real people just like you.
Whether it’s an elegant holiday dinner, a casual backyard cookout, or a game night in with friends, everything I share is rooted in the belief that the best gatherings aren’t about perfection, but rather about good food, meaningful memories, and the people you share them with.
If you love cooking simple recipes, decorating for the seasons, creating beautiful tablescapes, and tackling affordable DIY projects to celebrate life’s special occasions, you’re in the right place.
As Seen In
I’m grateful that my entertaining ideas, home decor, and DIY projects have been featured in both print and online publications, including:
American Farmhouse Style (Dec 2023/Jan 2024, Dec 2024/Jan 2025)
Country Sampler Farmhouse Style
Family Handyman
Reader Favorites
Finding a new blog can feel a little like walking into a party where you don’t know anyone yet. To help you feel right at home, here are a few reader favorites to start with:
Parties, Entertaining, and Tablescapes
Recipes
Seasonal Decor and Crafts
More About Jen
Midwest Life and Style started as a creative hobby in 2020 and slowly grew into something so much more. In 2024, I leaped and made this little business my full-time focus, and I couldn’t be more grateful to share my love of entertaining with you.
Beyond being a business owner and content creator, I’m also a lifelong Midwesterner, wife, and mom to two amazing daughters. Our family loves living in the heartland for the people, the sense of community, the pace of life, and experiencing all four seasons. Yes, even the snow (but not so much those occasional days when the high hits minus thirty degrees).
When I’m not testing recipes, working on seasonal projects, or writing for MWLS, you’ll usually find me cheering on my girls at sporting events or dance recitals, spending time with my family, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee.
Here are a few more fun facts about me:
● I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Psychology.
● My husband and I have been married for 20 years. We met during an intramural flag football game in college. The connection was immediate, and the rest, as they say, is history.
● Sticky notes are my love language ( I should probably buy stock in them!)
● I love coffee almost as much as I love creamer. Sugar-free caramel macchiato is my go-to…unless it’s Christmas time, and then give me all the peppermint mocha.
● Diet Dr Pepper is my guilty pleasure and is always stocked in our fridge.
● Classic rock from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s will always have my heart.
● My two favorite holidays are Christmas, followed closely by the Fourth of July.
Become a Member of the MWLS Community
If you don’t want to miss new entertaining ideas, recipes, and seasonal inspiration, I’d love for you to join the Midwest Life and Style community and sign up for my newsletter.
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, and TikTok, where I share more simple ideas for celebrating every season and all of life’s special moments. Come say hello!
Have a question or just want to reach out? Drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you.
I couldn’t be more excited that you’re here, and I hope you’ll find endless inspiration for entertaining at home, sprinkled with a dash of “Nebraska nice” and heartfelt Midwestern hospitality.
Once again, welcome to Midwest Life and Style.
