Before I step onto the stage this week, I want to tell y'all a story.

When I was four years old, I used to host tea parties in my grandmother’s walk-in pantry. (We don't have a picture of this, and I cannot believe we don't!!)

I would corral my dolls around a wooden stool.

And I would sit there, very seriously, explaining to them how to host a tea party.

How to welcome people.
How to pour.
How to make everyone feel included.

Four years old.

In a pantry. Using real china.

Talking to my mom's old dolls about hospitality.

And now, decades later, I’ll be walking onto the stage at the Wortham Center — to talk about dinner parties changing the world.

If you’re local and tickets are still available, I would love to see you there.

But here’s the honest part.

I’m nervous.

Not because I don’t believe what I’m saying.

But because I’m afraid people will misunderstand it.

That they’ll think I’m talking about aesthetics.
Or entertaining.
Or perfection.
Or the dreaded "That's so cute!"

When what I’m actually talking about is courage.

Connection.

Opening your door when you don’t feel ready.

This week, my to-do list is long.

Here’s hoping I get it all done.

And if I don’t?

It’s fine.

Because bravery isn’t finishing everything.

It’s showing up anyway.

If I waited until I felt polished enough to return to that stage, I would never go.

If you wait until your house feels finished enough to open your door, you never will either.

That four-year-old in the pantry wasn’t impressive.

She was willing.

And that’s what I want for you.

​Supper Club is where we practice that willingness together.

Not because we’re perfect hosts.
But because we’re brave enough to begin.

If you’re ready to sit at the table —
👉 Join Sweetpea’s Supper Club​

You don’t need to be ready.

You need to open the door.

— Ashley