🧣 Cozy Starts & Simple Gathering Things


Happy Wednesday, Sweet Friends!


I hope this midweek moment finds you easing gently into December — not rushing, but soft-starting the season with small comforts, warm glows, and simple gathering things.

Before we all tumble into the holiday swirl, here’s your cozy reminder:


You don’t have to host everyone to host beautifully.

Start with one cozy dinner, one invitation, one act of warmth.


And if nothing else?
Light a candle before dinner — even if it’s takeout.
That tiny flicker changes everything.

✨ A Couple of Recipes for Your Week

Tomato Soup Gratin — the kind of dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl and makes your whole home smell like comfort.
Potato Latkes — crisp, golden, savory magic.

✨ A Few Things I’m Loving This Week

(Perfect for gifting or treating yourself — affiliate links support the Kit!)
My New FAVORITE Pot — I recently treated myself to some new cookware, and this Saucier Pot from Made In was my workhorse for Thanksgiving. It actually hasn't left my stove top. ((If you're in the AVL area, I got mine from Provisions Mercantile! I love shopping local!))
A tiny whisk — ideal for vinaigrettes, sauces, etc. I reach for this little whisk wayyyy more than I thought I would.
Electric kettle — Let me count the ways in which I use my kettle! Tea, hot cocoa, instant bone broth, hot water bottle at bedtime, cleaning my sink... Just to name a few!
A good wooden spoon — I love these beechwood wooden spoons. I picked up several at Cassandra's Kitchen, and they've been so nice!

Wishing you a week filled with warmth, slow moments, and one beautiful invitation — even if it’s just to sit down with yourself and savor something simple.

With love,
Ashley

Hi! I'm Ashley!

👩‍🍳 Easy Recipes that Gather People 🥰 Making Life Simple and Tasty 🎀 Ringing in the NEW Southern Belle

Read more from Hi! I'm Ashley!

Good Morning, Sweet Friends! This week sits right in the sweet spot of December — when the twinkle lights are glowing, the calendar is filling up, and you still want dinner to feel special… without feeling like a production. This is your gentle, festive game plan: food that feels celebratory, but still works on a weeknight. 🍲 What to Make for Dinner This Week (Festive flavors that still feel like real life) Here are four dinners to carry you through the week with warmth and ease: Easy Oven...

Happy Wednesday, Sweet Friends! As I was walking into my mom's Christmas choir concert on Sunday evening, I was greeted by a sweet friend. As she was hugging me, she said, "JM and I keep saying to each other, 'It's just a day!'" I said this over and over in November, but it's still ringing true: it's just a day. December is always packed full of every get-together, every tradition, every "every" ever. December joy doesn’t have to be loud. It doesn’t have to sparkle from every corner or arrive...

Happy Sunday, Sweet Friends! I hope your weekend has been slow in all the right ways — a little rest, a little sparkle, and maybe a moment where you felt yourself exhale. As we step into a new week of December, here’s your gentle reminder to keep things cozy, simple, and beautifully sane. Simple food shared slowly is the most nourishing kind. Feed your people (and yourself) with ease this week. And before you sit down to dinner tonight, try this tiny ritual:Pause and take one deep breath of...