Can I tell you something I've been thinking about lately?

We spend an awful lot of time preparing for special occasions and not nearly enough time enjoying the perfectly ordinary days that make up most of our lives.

We save the good candles for company.
The pretty dishes for holidays.
The recipes we really want to make for a dinner party that isn't even on the calendar yet.

And in the meantime, all these perfectly lovely Tuesday evenings are waiting for us to enjoy.

I think that's where the REAL luxury is.

Not in having a house full of expensive things, but in creating a home where an ordinary evening can feel like a special occasion.

So, in the spirit of our October theme, Cozy Candles & Comfort Cooking, I've got five little ways to make an ordinary evening feel extraordinary.

And, darling friend, you don't need to buy a single thing.

🕯️ 1. Turn off the overhead lights.

I'm serious. The big light has GOT to GO. (I don't think I've turned on any big lights in my home in months...)

🛋️ Turn on the lamps.
🕯️ Light a candle.
🎂 Pull out those taper candles you've been saving for a dinner party.

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to completely change a room's feel.

There's something about a softly lit home that makes even a bowl of leftover soup feel like a little luxury.

🍲 2. Make yourself a proper dinner.

And by proper, I don't mean complicated.

I mean something you actually WANT to eat.

Maybe it's a big bowl of Baked Lasagna Soup, a baked potato loaded with all your favorite toppings, or a grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup. Yes, my favorite tomato soup is the condensed soup from a can... with a grilled cheese with only American cheese! I'm perpetually 9 years old!

Whatever it is, make it with a little intention.

Put on some music. Pour yourself something delicious. Enjoy the process of making dinner instead of treating it like another chore to check off the list.

And for heaven's sake, put it on a real plate. 🥰

🍽️ 3. Set the table. Yes, even for one.

You knew I was going to say this, didn't you?!

Your dining table is not just for company.

Get out a cloth napkin. Use the pretty plate. Put a little vase of something in the middle of the table.

It doesn't have to look like a magazine spread. In fact, I think it's better when it doesn't.

A beautifully set table is simply a way of telling yourself that this moment matters.

And YOU matter.

🎶 4. Give your evening a soundtrack.

One of my favorite ways to create a little magic at home is to put on some music.

Something that makes the kitchen feel like your favorite restaurant. Or the dining room feel like a cozy little supper club.

Maybe it's jazz. Maybe it's Dolly Parton. Maybe it's the soundtrack from a movie you love.

Whatever makes you want to linger a little longer over dinner.

Let the dishes wait a few minutes. Finish your drink. Enjoy being exactly where you are.

I've made a few 90-minute 'aesthetic music videos' over on YouTube! It's a nice little scene with some cozy guitar music.

❤️ 5. Invite someone into your ordinary life.

Here's where the real magic happens.

You don't need to plan a four-course dinner party to have someone over.

Text a friend and tell them you're making a big pot of chili on Thursday. Ask your neighbor to come over for a glass of wine. Invite your mama to sit at the kitchen table while you make dinner.

And if nobody can come? Enjoy the evening anyway.

I think we sometimes get so caught up in the production of hosting that we forget what it's really about.

Connection.

Making people feel welcome. Creating a place where they can relax, laugh, eat something delicious, and feel like they belong.

And that includes YOU.

Your little luxury assignment this week

Pick ONE evening this week and make it feel special.

Not because you're celebrating something. Not because you're having company. Not because you've finished everything on your to-do list.

Just because it's Tuesday. Or Wednesday. Or whatever perfectly ordinary evening you choose.

Light the candle. Make the good dinner. Set the table.

You don't have to earn a beautiful evening, Sweetpea.

You just have to let yourself have one.

Love,
Ashley

Sweetpea Lifestyle

🎁 A Little Prepsgiving Note

While we're making our ordinary days feel a little more magical, we're also getting a head start on the holiday season!

Prepsgiving is my FREE 31-day email challenge filled with daily tasks, kitchen prep, home projects, and holiday planning to make November and December a whole lot easier.

And you can join ANYTIME!

You'll start with Day 1 and receive all 31 challenges in order, so there's no catching up to do.

​[TAP HERE TO JOIN THE FREE PREPSGIVING CHALLENGE →]​