Chi Omega - University of North Carolina

The Perch 4 A Way of Life Welcoming friends and family into your home can be a wonderful way to spend quality time with them and create lasting memories; for some, however, it can be overwhelming. With meals to cook and guests to entertain, hosting others can seem more stressful than enjoyable, and some may be reluctant to take on such an endeavor. DeeDee Dorroll Dalrymple '80 understands that entertaining can be intimidating, which is why she strives to help others through her business, Effortless Entertaining. "Effortless Entertaining began as a way of life," DeeDee shared. "I grew up in a big, lively family that always welcomed others into our home and around our table." DeeDee's business came to fruition with the support of a close friend who, after seeing how easy and fun entertaining was for DeeDee, suggested she write a book to help others do the same. Along with 400 pages of recipes, resources, and "game plans" compiled into Effortless Entertaining – The Guide, DeeDee hosts workshops across the country to inspire others and help them feel more relaxed and excited to entertain. Guiding Other Hosts "Helping others enjoy welcoming family and friends is the real highlight" DeeDee said. "Knowing that Effortless Entertaining is making a difference in their lives is a joy for me." In addition to receiving many appreciative notes, emails, and texts from her readers and workshop attendees, DeeDee has been welcomed by friends, old and new, and embraces the opportunity to meet and reconnect with others along the way. The Graciousness of Chi Omega While DeeDee was exposed to the art of entertainment long before she became a Chi O, her love for it continued as she was embraced by the hospitality of Epsilon Beta. She fondly remembers joining her sisters and their housemother, Mrs. Samuels, for dinner at the Chi O house, enjoying Elsie's wonderful meals and conversation. "The Chi O home, girls, and housemother made our very big university feel small and personal," DeeDee shared. "Everything about the house was warm and welcoming. It truly felt like my home away from home!" DeeDee's Chi Omega sisters remain some of her closest friends today; they were in her wedding and are godmothers to her children. She gets together with them often, along with fellow Chi O's from other classes. DeeDee happily welcomes them into her home and enjoys spending time in theirs as well. "Chi O gave me treasured friends who have not only enjoyed all the happy moments, but who have supported me through our sad seasons too," DeeDee shared. Cherishing Family DeeDee's husband, Ed, is still her best friend, and they have three grown children: Elizabeth, who is married to Alex; Carolyn, who is engaged to Boomer; and Eddie, who is dating Mary Winston. Aside from entertaining, DeeDee loves to spend time with her family at Grandfather Golf and Country Club in the summer. She also enjoys reading history and historical fiction and doing needlepoint. You can connect with her at deedal@me.com. Epsilon Beta alumnae and their husbands at a wedding. Women, from left: Hester Gregory Hodde '80, Mary Harvey Beaver '82, Peggy Aiken Bridgforth '80, Cantey Sutton Brown '80, sitting: Leslie Barry Richardson '80, and DeeDee Dorroll Dalrymple '80. E n t e r ta i n i n g M a d e S i m p l e DeeDee Dorroll Dalrymple '80 Guides Others through Effortless Entertaining The first and most important step DeeDee teaches others is to embrace. "Our friends are excited and honored to be invited into our homes. Entertaining is not a performance; your guests are grateful to be included and happy to enjoy each other's company!" DeeDee's top three tips for starting a business: Make sure it's something you love to do so that your work is truly fulfilling. I believe the Lord has wired us in a way to enjoy our work and to bless others through it. Make a business plan with good input from a smart brain trust of friends and business-minded colleagues and mentors. A good idea is one thing, how to market and sell it is a completely different thing. If you are married, make sure you have the support of your spouse. I could have never launched or enjoyed Effortless Entertaining without my husband, Ed, who has been my biggest cheerleader. 1 2 3 A L U M N A E S P OT L I G H T Epsilon Beta alumnae are an outstanding group of volunteers, entrepreneurs, business and community leaders! We are thrilled to spotlight one of our sisters in each issue of The Perch!

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