Hi, Sweet Friend,

One week from today, your kitchen will smell amazing, your playlist will be humming, and (if we do this right) you’ll actually be relaxing with a glass of wine before guests arrive. 🍷

Hosting doesn’t have to feel like a sprint — it’s all about pacing yourself this week. Here’s your calm, collected one-week-out game plan to help Thanksgiving unfold with ease.

🗓 Your One-Week Checklist

• Finalize your headcount and note any dietary needs
• Defrost your turkey (yes—start now!)
• Do your first grocery run: pantry, drinks, baking items
• Make and freeze casseroles (label them clearly!)
• Pull out serving pieces and label with sticky notes
• Restock essentials: foil, butter, coffee, wine, and ice

🍽 Sweetpea Favorites to Make Ahead

• ​The BEST Green Bean Casserole -- this one swaps one soup for another, and it's just *chefs kiss!*
• ​B​alsamic Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts -- the always popular brussels sprout recipe, that everyone goes nuts for.
• ​Vanilla Almond Tea -- if you need a 'universal' beverage for your menu, this one is the winner! You can make it with decaf tea. You can serve it with bourbon on the side. Everyone loves it!

🕯 Set the Table, Set the Tone

If you do one decorative thing tonight, let it be this: lay your linens, polish your glassware, and tuck a candle on the table. Future You will thank you when everything looks effortlessly elegant by Wednesday night.

If you aren't able to set your table until Thursday morning, that's okay! Corral it all somewhere, have it ready to lay out.

💌 Your Next Step

Download your Prep Hack List — it includes a printable checklist, the little things that will make a BIG difference.
👉 Download the 10 Thanksgiving Prep Hacks →​

Or, forward this to your co-host and share the stress-free spirit.

🌿 Hospitality Hope

Here’s your reminder that the best hosts aren’t the ones with the perfect pie crusts — they’re the ones who open their doors, light a candle, and make people feel welcome. That’s you. You’re already doing it beautifully.

💕 With a heart full of love,

Ashley

P.S. What’s your biggest Thanksgiving stressor? Hit reply and tell me — I’ll send you my 60-second fix before the big day.