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Home / Blog - Page 75

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Hey, y'all! I’M ashley!

Welcome!

Many years ago, I created Sweetpea Lifestyle as a way of sharing simple recipes and entertaining tips with friends.⁣

Sweetpea Lifestyle is a go-to resource for dependable recipes that help you effortlessly entertain—you’ll learn to edit out the mess of over-complicated dinner parties


Ashley Elizabeth | Sweetpea

sweetpealifestyle

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

➡️ Instagram has us believing every gathering ➡️ Instagram has us believing every gathering needs a charcuterie board worthy of Pinterest and florals that cost more than groceries. 

🫖 But here’s the tea: fancy doesn’t equal fun! 

The “fancy hosting” myth is stealing joy from so many would-be hosts! 

((And I KNOW I’M GUILTY of this!! But, that’s tomorrow’s post!))

Meanwhile, your friends are eating cereal for dinner alone, wishing someone would just invite them over for ANYTHING.

➡️ Real connection happens over shared experiences, not shared aesthetics. 
➡️ Your guests want authentic moments, genuine laughter, and to feel seen and valued. 
➡️ They want YOU – your energy, your warmth, your presence.

My hosting philosophy shift: comfort over impressive, connection over perfection, memories over magazine-worthy moments.

The fanciest thing about great hosting? 

🫶 The feeling your guests get when they leave – heard, loved, and excited for next time. 

That costs nothing but intention.

So ditch the pressure, embrace the simple, and remember: your friends fell in love with your personality, not your place settings. 

Let that shine brighter than any fancy tablescape ever could!

📱Follow along so you don’t miss more Effortless Entertaining Tips!

✅ Say CHECK LIST in the comments to snag my One Page Hosting Checking List!
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#EffortlessEntertaining #HostingTips #EntertainingAtHome #HostingMyths #BudgetEntertaining #HostingOnABudget #PartyPlanning #DinnerPartyHacks #EntertainingMadeEasy #HostWithTheMost #HostingAdvice #PartyHost #EntertainingIdeas #HostingLife #SimpleEntertaining
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LinkDM *007*
If you’re craving juicy, flavorful chicken but d If you’re craving juicy, flavorful chicken but don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen—this air fryer BBQ seasoned chicken breast is your weeknight dinner hero. 🍗🔥

Seasoned with a smoky-sweet dry rub and finished with your favorite barbecue sauce, this easy chicken recipe comes together in under 20 minutes—right in your air fryer. 

No mess. 
No fuss. 
Just perfectly cooked, tender chicken that’s packed with bold, barbecue flavor. 🙌

It’s a high-protein, low-effort dinner that’s perfect for meal prep, backyard dinners, or busy nights when you want something fast and delicious. 

Serve it with a side of roasted veggies, a big green salad, or even sliced over mac & cheese for a Southern-inspired twist.

✅ Uses pantry staples
✅ No grill required
✅ Crispy edges + juicy center = magic

Save this for your next meal plan and tag a friend who loves easy air fryer recipes! 🧡

Full recipe’s on the blog — say BBQ for step-by-step instructions. Let’s make weeknight dinners simple and scrumptious! ✨
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#airfryerchicken #easychickenrecipes #weeknightdinnerideas #barbecuechicken #airfryerrecipes #chickenbreastrecipes #mealpreprecipes #highproteindinner #chickenfordinner #easymealsathome #dinnerideas #southernrecipes #airfryerdinner #sweetpealifestyle
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LinkDM *009*
“I’ll host when my kitchen is remodeled.” 
“Maybe after we get new furniture.” 
“Once the kids are older.” 

Sound familiar? 🙋‍♀️

The perfect time to start entertaining doesn’t exist – and that’s actually the perfect news! 

Some of my most cherished memories happened in imperfect spaces with imperfect timing.

Here’s what I’ve learned about timing and hosting: 

💙Your friends care about YOU, not your stuff. 
🩵They want to spend time together, share stories, and create memories. 
💙That cracked dining table? Nobody notices when they’re laughing over good wine. 
🩵Those mismatched chairs? They become conversation starters.

Your life is happening RIGHT NOW. 
Your relationships need nurturing TODAY. 

That promotion, house upgrade, or perfect entertaining set can wait – but the memories you could be making with people you love? 

⬆️ Those can’t. ⬆️

Start where you are, with what you have. 

🍕 Order pizza
🕯️ Light a candle
🎶 Put on a playlist. 

The magic isn’t in the perfection – it’s in the presence, the laughter, the shared moments that happen when people gather with intention.

Stop waiting for someday. 

Your people are ready to connect with you today, exactly as you are, exactly where you are. 

The only perfect time is now.

Say HOST in the comments to get 7 days of FREE hosting tips!
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#EffortlessEntertaining #HostingTips #EntertainingAtHome #HostingMindset #PartyPlanning #DinnerPartyTips #HostingAdvice #EntertainingMadeEasy #HostWithTheMost #PartyHost #EntertainingIdeas #HostingLife #PartyPlanningTips #EntertainingTips #HostingHacks
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LinkDM *006*
You haven’t lived until you’ve made your own c You haven’t lived until you’ve made your own crispy fried onion strings at home.

Thinly sliced sweet onions soaked in seasoned buttermilk, tossed in a light coating of BBQ-spiced flour, then fried until golden and crunchy… 

✨ It’s the Southern kitchen magic you didn’t know you needed. ✨

These homemade onion strings are dangerously addictive—and yes, totally worth every splatter. 

You can serve them on top of burgers, casseroles, or mac & cheese… or just eat them straight from the paper towel like I do. 😅

I topped my BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad with them! YUMMMMM!

The best part? 

You don’t need a deep fryer. 

Just a hot skillet, some grapeseed oil, and a big bowl of onions ready for their golden glow-up. 

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just snacking in your slippers, these crispy little curls bring big flavor with minimal effort.

Perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or adding that extra crunch to your favorite comfort foods. 

Once you learn how to make onion strings at home, you’ll never reach for the canned ones again.

🧅 Say ONION in the comments and I’ll share the full recipe with you!
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 #CrispyOnionStrings #HomemadeSnacks #FriedOnions #SouthernRecipes #BBQSeasoning #EasyAppetizers #FromScratchCooking #ComfortFoodCravings #QuickSnackReel #KitchenMagic #HostessWithTheMostest
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LinkDM *008*
🛑 Stop trying to be Wonder Woman at your next d 🛑 Stop trying to be Wonder Woman at your next dinner party! 🦸‍♀️ 

The biggest entertaining mistake I see hosts make? 

➡️ Doing EVERYTHING themselves and burning out before guests even arrive.

Here’s the truth about effortless entertaining: the best hosts know how to delegate and accept help gracefully. 

Your friends WANT to contribute! 

Let Joanne bring dessert, ask Adam to handle the playlist, and yes – store-bought appetizers are absolutely acceptable. ((This is also a fantastic super secret conversation starter for anyone!!)) 

Smart hosting hacks that changed my game: 

✨ Potluck style gatherings create community 
✨ Prep 80% the day before ((or a couple of days ahead of time!))
✨ One-pot meals are your best friend 
✨ Paper plates don’t kill the vibe 
✨ Guests remember the laughter, not the perfection

The goal isn’t to impress people with your superhuman abilities – it’s to create connection and joy. 

🙀 When you’re stressed and exhausted, that energy transfers to your guests. 

But when you’re relaxed and present? 

🪄 That’s when the magic happens.

I used to spend three days prepping elaborate dinner parties, only to be too tired to enjoy them. Now I focus on simple, delicious food and genuine conversation. 

🥰 My favorite gatherings happen when I’m laughing with friends instead of frantically checking the oven.

Your worth as a host isn’t measured by how much you do alone – it’s measured by how welcome your guests feel. 

So next time, say yes when someone offers to bring something. 

🫶 Accept that helping hand. 

Trust me, your sanity (and your friendships) will thank you.

Hosting soon? Save this post so you don’t forget these sanity-saving tips later! 📝

Start small, delegate smart, and remember: connection over perfection wins every single time! 💕
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#EffortlessEntertaining #HostingTips #DinnerPartyHacks #EntertainingMadeEasy #HostWithTheMost #PartyPlanning #HostingHacks #EntertainingAtHome #PartyPlanningTips #HostingAdvice #DinnerPartyPlanning #EntertainingTips #HostingLife #PartyHost #EntertainingIdeas
Hey, I’m Ashley—the Sweetpea behind Sweetpea L Hey, I’m Ashley—the Sweetpea behind Sweetpea Lifestyle! 🫶
I’ve been hosting since I could prop Barbies around a stool and call it a table. 😂

My love of gathering runs deep—rooted in good food, great drinks, and even better conversation. Around here, hosting isn’t about perfection…

🌟 It’s a full-body, soul-filling experience.
You’re not just feeding people—you’re creating moments that linger long after the plates are cleared.

If you’re craving simple recipes, easy hosting tips, and a whole lot of heart, you’re in the right place. 💫

✨ Save your faves.
✨ Send them to your bestie.
✨ Let’s make gathering feel magical and doable.

🌸 I’m tickled pink you’re here—let’s create something beautiful together. 💕
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#SweetpeaLifestyle #EasyEntertaining #DinnerPartyMagic #HostWithHeart #GatherAndFeast #EverydayHosting #SimpleGatherings #ModernHostess #FoodWithFeeling
All the Onions! Great and Small!! It’s a cheeseb All the Onions! Great and Small!! It’s a cheeseball that is filled with all the onions, ranch powder… all the cheese. 

You’re going to love this one!

Having these little cheeseballs in your fridge makes hosting a last minute Friday Happy Hour so much easier!

Here’s the recipe: 

Ingredients

* 	8 ounces Shredded Cheddar
* 	8 ounces Shredded Gouda
* 	8 ounces Cream Cheese
* 	2 TBS Mayonnaise
* 	1 small Vidalia Onion, finely diced
* 	2 Shallots, finely diced
* 	6 Green Onions, sliced
* 	1 TBS Onion Powder
* 	1 TBS Garlic Powder
* 	1 TBS Ranch Seasoning
* 	2 tsp House Seasoning

Instructions
1. Mix all the ingredients together in a very large bowl, being sure to incorporate everything so it’s evenly distributed.
2. Section out into 4-6 sized portions.
3. Using plastic wrap, shape the cheeseballs to whatever shape your heart desires.
4. Double-wrap the cheeseballs you want to freeze with plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in your freezer for up to six months.
5. Serve your cheeseball with crackers!
If you love a good crispy chicken salad, this one If you love a good crispy chicken salad, this one is for you.

This BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad has:

🔥 Air fryer BBQ chicken
🧅 Fried onion strings
🥗 Fresh chopped veggies
🥛 Homemade BBQ ranch dressing

If you’ve been to @12bonesribs and you’ve never had their Wedge Salad… you’re missing out! 

It’s my favorite menu item, and this salad is a nod to that deliciousness!

📲 Say BBQ for the full salad + dressing + onion strings recipe!

And, stay tuned! All the recipe components are coming to you in video format. 

Will you be trying this recipe?!
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#BBQChickenSalad #AirFryerBBQChicken #FriedOnionStrings #BBQRanchDressing 
#ChoppedSaladRecipe #MainCourseSalad #EasyDinnerIdeas #WeeknightDinner 
#SimpleSaladRecipes #MealPrepSalad #SaladWithChicken #SaladLovers 
#ComfortFoodMakeover #DinnerInABowl #CraveableSalads #EatTheRainbow 
#SweetpeaEats #SouthernFoodie #HostWithEase #homemadegoodness
Lipton Onion Soup Packet is the OG onion dip recip Lipton Onion Soup Packet is the OG onion dip recipe, and it should never go out of style.

I do add some fresh green onions to add to the allium flavor, and pump up the business!

Dip on in, any time of year!
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#frenchoniondip #oniondip #easyappetizers
Grilled Chicken Sandwich Tower! Y’all! This is Grilled Chicken Sandwich Tower!

Y’all! This is a fun way of serving ordinary chicken sammiches!

Grill up some chicken and plop it on a three-tiered tray…

Bring this to the table and wow your people!

Say CHICKEN in the comments and I’ll send you the details!
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#entertainingathome #summerentertaining #dinnerpartyinspiration #dinnerparty #grilledchicken
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole! It’s everything y Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole!

It’s everything you want and more from a side dish…

This easy-to-make-low-carb-friendly side dish is ready for steak night, roasted chicken, and everything in between.

Or, you can leave a “CHEESE” in the comments and I’ll send it to you!
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#easysidedish #lowcarblifestyle #cauliflowercheese
Here’s your sign to host your own Bloody Mary Br Here’s your sign to host your own Bloody Mary Brunch party… for dinner!

This was such a fun party — in my mind’s count a top 3 party for sure!

While it is a lot of work to get everything prepped and ready, the party itself is a breeze.

People stand around making their own Bloody Mary’s, snacking along the way.

A Bloody Mary Bar is a fantastic tailgating (at home or at the stadium!) party, too!

Want the details of this party?! Say MARY in the comments, and I’ll share them with you!
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#bloodymaryparty #bloodymaryrecipe #easybrunch #hostingideas #dinnerpartyinspiration
🍅Tomato Firecracker Salad is THE salad of the s 🍅Tomato Firecracker Salad is THE salad of the summer, y’all!

📌 Save this recipe for when your maters are coming in HOT from the garden!

A real southern classic is tomato cracker salad.

Saltines, tomatoes, mayo, salt and pepper. SUPER simple!

But, this New Southern Belle had to zhuzh it up a *little*…

I made some firecrackers and then a very onion-y ranch dressing that the tomatoes marinated in for an hour. 

Place it all in a bowl, give it a toss, and serve!

Have you ever heard of tomato cracker salad?!

Say TOMATO in the comments, and I’ll share the recipe with you! ((The crackers, too!))
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#tomatocrackersalad #southernrecipes #firecrackerrecipe #summersalad
Homemade Vanilla Extract! This makes a fantastic Homemade Vanilla Extract! 

This makes a fantastic “Beginning of Christmas” gift to your favorite people!

((SPOILER ALERT FOR MY PEOPLE!!))

This year, I’m making ‘Handmade Hampers’ for my special people for the holiday season.

I adore the hampers from @fortnums and wanted to make my own.

So, I’m taking you along on allll the canning, creating, and assembling over the next few months.

Homemade Vanilla Extract:

🫙 Swing top bottles or Air Tight Jars
🥔 Vodka
🍦 Vanilla Beans ((I ordered mine!))

You’ll wash your container out and let it FULLY dry (i let it dry for a couple of days so there is no water in the container).

Pour in your vodka.

Add in the vanilla beans. I like to cut mine in half so they’ll fit AND so the beans get dispersed into the liquid.

Close the lids and store in a dark place for a few months.

I labeled the box and have it sitting in my closet.

Want to know what’s coming up in the Handmade Hampers?!

👀 Follow along to see!
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#handmadehamper2025 #homemadechristmasgifts #foodiegifts #homemadevanilla
Hot. Honey. Ranch. Chicken. Thighs. — WOW! The p Hot. Honey. Ranch. Chicken. Thighs. — WOW! The people are going absolutely CRAZY. The flavor is out of control. Like a flavor rally in your mouth. They’re calling it “THE RECIPE OF THE DECADE.” Juiciest chicken you’ve ever had. And EASY. The ranch? INCREDIBLE. Better than anything at a restaurant. People are begging me for the recipe. I am the BEST Hot Honey Ranch Chicken maker of all time. I give myself an A+. Say HONEY in the comments to get the best recipe of the past 6 months.
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#TastesLikeVictory #ChickenSoGoodItsIllegal #makemealsgreatagain .
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LinkDM *005*
Lasagna Chicken! It’s all your favorites of las Lasagna Chicken!

It’s all your favorites of lasagna, without the pasta…

Low carb ✅
Easy ✅
Absolutely Delicious ✅

This recipe is so easy and delicious! 

Paired with a simple salad, dinner is complete.

Want the recipe?! Say “CHICKEN” in the comments, and I’ll share it with you!

It is SO good!!
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#lasagnachicken #lowcarblifestyle #ketorecipe #easychickendinner #easydinnerrecipe 
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LinkDM *003*
Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers with a GIANT Salad i Grilled Greek Chicken Skewers with a GIANT Salad is what summertime calls for!

Say GREEK in the comments, and I’ll share the recipes with you!

When it’s hot outside, I crave fresh, light meals that don’t require my kitchen.

This does require a grill, but you could also use your air fryer!

Double the chicken and enjoy the leftovers in a wrap, on pita bread, or over rice!
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#greekchicken #grilledchicken #summerentertaining #greeksalad 
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LinkDM *002*
Add your marinated tomatoes over a bed of lettuce, Add your marinated tomatoes over a bed of lettuce, croutons, even some leftover grilled chicken…

Drizzle over the creamy dressing from a couple of videos ago, and y’all!!

This is one DELISH DINNER idea!

Plus, it’s cook-free meal… Meaning you can relax and enjoy this cool salad dinner!
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#saladrecipe #tomatogirlsummer
If there is one thing that will take your salad fr If there is one thing that will take your salad from lifeless to lifeGIVING is the dressing!

This Boursin Shallot Dressing is a bougie ranch dressing, okay!

You take your (homemade!) ranch dressing, add in some @garlic.expressions dressing, plus half a knob of @boursincheese to a food processor. Add in a shallot, fresh garlic clove, and fresh basil, blend it all up, and you’ve got an amazing dressing for salad, or dip fresh veggies in it!

Store in an air-tight jar for up to one week, it won’t last that long, I promise!

If you need some measurements here you go:

1 cup Ranch Dressing
1/4 cup Garlic Expressions Dressing
1 Shallot, diced
3 Garlic Cloves, diced
2.5 ounces Boursin Shallot & Chive Flavored Cheese
1/2 cup Fresh Basil

So good, y’all! How are you going to use yours?!
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#saladrecipe #saladdressing #homemadedressing
An estate sale loves to see me coming! I thrifted An estate sale loves to see me coming!

I thrifted the cutest little teapots, the silver coupe glasses, and what might be Dorothy Thorpe glass and ice bucket.

If you love treasures that have a story, follow along! I’d love to be friends!
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#thriftedfinds #estatesalefinds #grandmillenialiving #trashtotreasure
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