Happy Wednesday, Sweet Friends!

The secret to effortless hosting?

Use the same things. Every time.

I use the same "template" for setting my table over and over and over.

I use the same serving dishes, over and over and over.

I use the same recipes over and over and over.

When you stop reinventing the wheel, you actually get to enjoy your guests.

🕯️ My Always-Ready Hosting Kit

• A simple serving platter → I love having a collection of white serving platters! White lets the food shine, and everyone can really see what you prepared.
• ​Cloth napkins you don’t save for “later” → Cloth napkins are something I buy often, and usually thrift. I almost exclusively use cloth napkins, mainly for sustainability, but also because it adds whimsy and softness to my table. For my small round table, it's a great way to add color, too!
• Plain and simple Drinking Glasses → I have fallen in love with these simple drinking glasses. While I do love my Ball Mason Jars, a sturdy water glass is a great investment.

When you have simple items you can use over and over, for any occasion, opening your door becomes even easier.

This is how hosting becomes second nature.
💕 And confidence at the table is contagious.

If you’ll be in Asheville this spring, I’d love to invite you to something very close to my heart. On March 20, 2026, I’ll be giving a TEDx talk called “Dinner Parties Can Change the World” — about connection, community, and choosing the table even when life feels messy. If this work resonates with you, I’d be honored to see you there.
🎟️ Grab tickets here: TEDx Asheville: Embrace the Mess​

🤍 Hosting Hope

You don’t have to fix the world to host dinner. You don’t need answers, speeches, or perfect words. Sometimes the table itself is the refuge — a place where people can exhale, be seen, and feel held for an hour or two.

👉 That matters more than we realize.

You don’t need more ideas. You just need permission to keep it simple.

— Ashley

P.S. If you made it down this far, I have this idea to create a Youtube show that feels like 'old school' Food Network cooking shows like Barefoot Contessa or Giada, etc. I know this isn't a ground breaking idea, but I want to start showing you all how I curate dinner parties from Game Plan to putting the last piece of servingware away! If that makes your skirt fly up, I'd love to know!