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Home / hosting

hosting

How to Host a Chili Dinner (Easy Dinner Party Idea)
hosting | Parties

How to Host a Chili Dinner (Easy Dinner Party Idea)

Dining Table Centerpiece Ideas (Elevate the Everyday)
celebrating | hosting | Parties

Dining Table Centerpiece Ideas (Elevate the Everyday)

Chalupa Party (How to Host This Easy Dinner Party)
celebrating | end of summer | Group Dinners | hosting | Parties | This Week's Picks

Chalupa Party (How to Host This Easy Dinner Party)

Taco Tower (Fun Taco Party Idea!)
celebrating | hosting | Parties

Taco Tower (Fun Taco Party Idea!)

Simple Dinner Party Menu Ideas (Casual Recipes Guide)
celebrating | Group Dinners | hosting | Parties

Simple Dinner Party Menu Ideas (Casual Recipes Guide)

Top 15 Classic Thanksgiving Recipes (Turkey Day Menu)
cooking | holidays | hosting | main dishes | Thanksgiving

Top 15 Classic Thanksgiving Recipes (Turkey Day Menu)

Easy Dinner Ideas for Before Thanksgiving Day
holidays | hosting | main dishes | Thanksgiving

Easy Dinner Ideas for Before Thanksgiving Day

Sheet Pan Low Country Boil Recipe with Crab Legs
celebrating | cooking | hosting | main dishes

Sheet Pan Low Country Boil Recipe with Crab Legs

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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
POV: You’re invited to a “girl dinner…” POV: You’re invited to a “girl dinner…” …but it’s actually a full-blown salad bar with chicken skewers, crispy fries, and vibes so fresh even the lettuce felt underdressed. 🥗🍟✨ DIY salad bowls ✔️
Air fryer fries in tiny cups ✔️
Champagne + giggles ✔️ 
This is your sign to host a dinner party where nobody has to pretend they don’t want a second helping of croutons. Tag your salad soulmates 🥄👇 Say SALAD in the comments for all the details on this party! . . .
#GirlDinnerParty #SaladBarGoals #HostessWithTheMostess #DinnerPartyInspo
Baked Hot Honey Pimento Cheese Dip!? It’s a mou Baked Hot Honey Pimento Cheese Dip!? It’s a mouthful to say, and an even better mouthful to eat! Say CHEESE in the comments for the recipe! . . . #bakedpimentocheese #pimentocheesedip #diprecipe
Sugar Daddy Thighs! It’s not seasoned unless you Sugar Daddy Thighs! It’s not seasoned unless you sneezin’! Y’all, I can’t stop making these spicy, sweet, barbecuey chicken thighs in my air fryer. Say SUGAR in the comments, and I’ll share the recipe! A simple (but well-curated!) seasoning blend from @tpain and @spicewalla get mixed with some olive oil and worcestershire sauce. Give your thighs a good rub down in the bag, and then let them marinate for at least a couple of hours. Make up a quick and easy honey barbecue sauce that you add Sugar Daddy Seasoning to, then paint the thighs with it. Enjoy this easy main dish recipe! Everyone in your house is going to love it! Who’s making this?! . . . #airfryerchicken #airfryerrecipe #easychickendinner #summerrecipes
That little dish of olive oil you get at Italian r That little dish of olive oil you get at Italian restaurants? You can make it at home in 30 seconds with this easy spice blend. Here’s how 👇 Say BREAD in the comments, and I’ll share the recipe with you! Ever been served that dreamy herb-packed olive oil with warm bread at a restaurant and thought… Why don’t I make this at home? Now you can! 🙌 This Italian Bread Dip Spice Blend is made with 5 pantry staples and lasts for months. Mix it with good olive oil, let it sit for 5 minutes, then dip away with crusty bread, focaccia, or baguette slices. ✨ Pro tip: Make a big batch, gift it in a cute jar, and be the person everyone’s obsessed with this season. 📌 Save this for holiday gifting, dinner parties, or cozy nights in. 💬 Would you serve this as an appetizer or eat it all before anyone arrives? (I won’t judge…) . . . #breadlover #italianrecipes #homemadespices #appetizerideas #dinnerpartyhack #easyrecipes #oliveoildip #foodgiftideas #simpleentertaining #sweetpealifestyle
The kitchen table is where everything changes. 🍽️ 
Not because the food is fancy—but because something real happens when we gather. 
Phones go down. Stories rise up. 
We laugh, cry, and remember what it feels like to be fully human. I’ve watched strangers turn into family over casseroles. 
And I’ll keep cooking—not for perfection, but for connection. 🤍 
Because the world needs more tables where people feel safe enough to be honest. Tag someone you’d love to invite to your table. ⬇️✨ . . . #GatherRound #DinnerPartyMagic #HospitalityMatters #MealsThatMatter #SlowDownAndServe
Homemade Breadcrumbs! I save the heels of my bagu Homemade Breadcrumbs! I save the heels of my baguettes that I buy, then whirl them up in my little cute baby food chopper. Parmesan cheese and a seasoning blend are added, then the whole baggie gets a good shimmy shimmy shake shake! I use these for breading chicken cutlets, and I’m telling you… It’s makes a world of difference! Here’s the recipe, if you’d like it! HOMEMADE SEASONED BREADCRUMBS: Leftover bread, whirled up in your blender, food processor, etc. For every 2 cups of breadcrumbs add in the following: 1 TBS Italian Seasoning 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (the finely grated kind!) Add it all to a freezer safe container, and give it a good shake. I store mine in the freezer, and haven’t made it more than 2 months without going through the entire bag. Woo hoo!! That’s it, y’all! Who’s making these for themselves?! . . . #homemadebreadcrumbs #homemadeseasoning #chickencutlet
Unpopular opinion: A perfect home doesn’t make a Unpopular opinion: A perfect home doesn’t make a perfect host. ⁣ I’ve never left a friend’s house thinking about their baseboards.⁣ I remember the laughter.⁣ The warm mug handed to me.⁣ The feeling of being let in—mess, junk drawer, and all.⁣ ⁣ We wait for perfect, but perfect was never the point.⁣ ⁣ People don’t need spotless. They need to feel seen.⁣ They need a “come as you are” kind of welcome.⁣ ⁣ So here’s your permission slip to host anyway. Let the mess be part of the magic.⁣ ⁣ Because the best hosts don’t have perfect homes— They have open hearts. 💛⁣ ⁣ #HospitalityIsHeart #GatherAnyway #ImperfectlyPerfectHosting #OpenDoorLiving
After reading Rewind it Back, I knew I had to make After reading Rewind it Back, I knew I had to make Rio’s mom’s sauce! Nothing says Sunday afternoon with family than a giant pot of bolognese sauce! Say SAUCE in the comments and I’ll share it with you! This isn’t a super traditional sauce recipe — I’m not italian and do not claim to be… Ha! I do know this sauce was incredible, and made the best lasagna the next day. I’ve got two more quarts in my freezer ready for other recipes where we use this sauce. Who’s making this?! . . . #bolognesesauce #italianamericancooking #rewinditback #thewindycityseries #bookstagram
They told me to save the good china for company. 
I am the company. And so is my BLT. 🥪💅 I’m not waiting for a holiday or a husband to bust out the heirlooms. 
If it’s Tuesday and I want tea in Toni’s teacup, guess what? 
I’m pouring with pinky up and zero regrets. ☕️✨ Because nothing says “main character energy” like eating leftovers off Wedgewood. Do you use your good stuff everyday?! . . . #HotGirlHeirlooms #UseTheGoodStuff #TeaAndAttitude #FancyByChoice #RebelWithACup
Try this one hack to make guests feel instantly we Try this one hack to make guests feel instantly welcome… 🍷✨ I started making personal wine charms for each guest—and it’s been a total game changer! I use a simple friendship bracelet kit to string their name onto a charm, so when they walk in, their glass is already waiting—just for them. 💖 It’s thoughtful, playful, and makes everyone feel seen before the first sip. 🥂 
Share this idea with your bestie for your next gathering! . . . #HostWithHeart #EasyEntertaining #DinnerPartyHack #ThoughtfulHosting #winecharmdiy
✌️2 things I learned about hosting that change ✌️2 things I learned about hosting that changed everything: ✅ First, your focus is the people gathering around your table. Not the food. Not the drinks. Not the decor. 💯 Your people are the top priority. ✅ Second, simple is best. No one has a better time because you spent more money or time making everything from scratch and decorating to the nines. Is it fun every now and then?! Yes! Has social media ruined expectations? Yes! It’s summertime, and entertaining at home is even easier! 🤩 Order pizza and have it delivered to the pool. 🤩 Grill out and enjoy al fresco dining. 🤩 Layout all the sandwich fixings and let your people make their own. No more excuses, people! It’s time to play like a champion! 🏅 . . . #SimpleSummerSuppers #HomeIsTheParty #BackyardBliss #SweetSummerNights #GatherOutside #SunsetSupperClub
It’s always the right time for a good time. I w It’s always the right time for a good time. I want you to claim your power of hosting people around your table. Whatever size of your table, fill it with people, and gather around good food and even better conversation! . . . #DinnerPartyGoals #HostessWithTheMostess #ChicEntertaining #TablescapeInspo #ElegantEvening #DinnerWithFriends
Hosting doesn’t have to be hard — pinky promis Hosting doesn’t have to be hard — pinky promise. ✨ Here’s my 3-step plan to make it feel effortless! Before I reveal my plan, I want to shout it from the rooftops: hosting is NOT effortless! It can FEEL effortless when you plan ahead and work your plan. Okay, off my soap box! ☝️ Whenever I set out to host anything, I whip out a piece of paper and fill in my Game Plan! It’s got a little space for everything I’ll need to list out for a dinner party of any size. ((Scroll through the images to see it in real life.)) ✌️ The next thing I do is set my table and pull all of my serving pieces. On the serving pieces I’ll add in the utensil I want to serve with and a sticky note of what goes in the dish. 🪄 From here, you work through your Game Plan Timeline, and you’re home free! Open your door, greet your people, and get ready for a memorable experience! You’ll enjoy your own party and it might even feel *effortless!* Want the Game Plan? Say PLAN in the comments, and I’ll share it with you! . . . #Summertime #WeekendVibes #FoodieLife #InMyHostingEra
🍽️ Dinner parties can change the world 🗺️ Recently, in the New York City @cherrybombe hosted Jubilee, and I got to hear the amazing Gloria Steinhem. While she spoke I got a gentle nod from the Universe… ✨ “There is no substitute for being in the presence of all five senses with other people.” I love sharing easy recipes and simple hosting tips that help YOU gather around the table. So, I’m giving you a little challenge: call up some friends and gather them around your table. ➡️ It doesn’t need to be fancy. ➡️ It doesn’t even need to be homemade. 🪩 Just you, your people, and conversations that will change the world. If you’re new, I hope you’ll follow along and join the community! If you’ve been here a while, share this post to your stories! I’m so excited to show up for YOU! 🥂Cheers, Sweet Friends! . . . #Summertime #WeekendVibes #FoodieLife #InMyHostingEra
Only watch this if hosting dinner parties turns yo Only watch this if hosting dinner parties turns you into a sweaty, overwhelmed mess—because we’re not doing that anymore. No, ma’am! I’m Ashley, your hostess with the mostess, the new Southern belle who doubles as your fairy godmother of time-maximizing magic ✨ Imagine… ✅ stress-free planning ✅ make-ahead menus ✅ zero panic-flipping through Pinterest an hour before guests arrive. Let’s make your next dinner party feel like a slow-sippin’, memory-makin’ kind of night. 🥂 Follow along, tag your bestie, & say goodbye to chaos, y’all. 💕 . . . #DinnerPartyTips #HostessWithTheMostess #SouthernHostess #EntertainingMadeEasy #StressFreeHosting #ModernHostess #DinnerPartyInspo #HostAtHome #EasyEntertaining
My favorite recipes for serving a crowd! These ar My favorite recipes for serving a crowd! These are my top 4 recipes I love to serve and make when I know it’s going to be a house full! Say FOUR in the comments, and I’ll share all the recipes with you! First up is a pasta dish! Shocker! 🍝 Southern Spaghetti Bake is so so good, and it feeds a crowd! Ask someone to bring a salad, another person bring garlic bread, dessert, and your evening is complete! 🍗 Steakhouse Chicken is the grilled chicken recipe that is perfect for summertime barbecues. Marinate the chicken, ask someone to grill it while you assemble the Caprese Caesar salad, and dinner is ready! 🥗 Chicken Kebabs with an American Greek Salad! What else screams a porch party other than grilled kebabs with a salad?! 🌮 Chalupa! This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that taco salad dreams are made of! You can make this several days ahead of time, ask everyone to contribute by bringing taco toppings, and your summertime party will be the hit of the season! Which one are you serving first?! . . . #HostWithEase #DinnerPartyTips #EntertainingMadeEasy #HomeEntertaining #PartyPlanningTips #DinnerPartyGoals
✨ Did you know people decide how welcome they fe ✨ Did you know people decide how welcome they feel within the first 5 minutes of arriving? 🤯 Whether it’s your home, a party, or even a meeting—you’re setting the tone immediately. Psychologists say we make snap judgments in seconds, based on warmth and trust. That means a smile, eye contact, and a heartfelt hello go a long way. 🫶 The first 5 minutes say everything. People decide how welcome they feel before they even sit down or take a sip of wine. 😅 Want to nail the first impression? Here’s the cheat sheet: 
👋 Greet them at the door (bonus points if you use their name, but a simple “Welcome y’all! Come on in!” always wins!) 
✨ Light a candle or two—cozy always wins, but make them unscented. You don’t want a floral candle mingling with the smell of pot roast! Yikes… 
🍷 Offer a drink right away (even if it’s just sparkling water!) I try to make the cocktails as close to the door as I can. When you walk into my home, you walk right into my little living area and I serve my drinks from my TV sideboard, or right on the coffee table! 
🎶 Have background music playing—it fills awkward silence! What else makes me people feel welcomed AND is a conversation starter?! A Youtube channel that plays music and showcases a scene or imagery that correlates to your evening’s theme. 
💬 Start with a fun question: “What’s the best thing you’ve eaten this month?” Because great hosts don’t wait for the party to “warm up”—they are the warm-up. 🫶 . . . #WelcomeVibes #HostLikeAPro #FirstFiveMinutes #DinnerPartyMagic #HomeIsHowYouMakeThemFeel
Before you plan your next party, TRY this prep met Before you plan your next party, TRY this prep method! 📝✨ 
If hosting feels like too much, this is for you. Swipe through for the exact steps I use to pull off stress-free dinner parties—from shopping my home (hello, budget win 💸) to curating a menu everyone raves about… without cooking all day. This isn’t just a party prep… it’s a Game Plan. 🎯 🕯️ Shop your home first I’ve collected treasures over years and years of hosting! My hosting “closet” is wayyyyy bigger than normal! But, that doesn’t mean you don’t have plenty to work with currently in your home! 
🍽️ Curate your menu like a pro I love choosing menu items that I can prep ahead or even make full ahead of time! Another way I curate a menu is by oven temperature. I have one oven, so baking four dishes at four temperatures is NOT going to work! Over on Sweetpea Lifestyle I’ve got tons of menus ready to go for you! 
📋 Use the Game Plan to keep your cool Years ago, I lost my multiple page list for Thanksgiving! So, I scribbled alllll the lists onto a piece of notebook paper, and my Game Plan was born. I’ve been using this method ever since! Say GAME PLAN and I’ll share it with you! Hosting just got a whole lot easier—and WAY more fun. 👇 Who’s your dream dinner guest? Tag them! . . . #HostWithEase #DinnerPartyTips #EntertainingMadeEasy #HomeEntertaining #PartyPlanningTips #dinnerpartygoals
The secret to a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner party? The secret to a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner party? ✨A CHILI BAR.✨ 
Here’s exactly how to host one that feels effortless and looks like you spent all day planning (spoiler: you didn’t). ✅ Easy setup
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Feeds a crowd
✅ Everyone builds their own bowl = fewer dishes for you! 🙌 Perfect for game day, or casual hangouts with your favorite people. 👇 Drop CHILI in the comments if you’d serve this at your next dinner party! ((And so you can snag all the details and recipes for this fun dinner party at home!)) #ChiliDinnerParty #ChiliBarNight #EasyEntertaining #DinnerPartyInspo #HowToHost #GatherAndFeast #HostingTips
I crumpled up my parchment paper so it doesn’t g I crumpled up my parchment paper so it doesn’t go flying around the baking tray! Thanks for a great question @bellachicinc !!
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  • cooking
    • appetizers
    • basics
    • beverages
    • breakfast
    • low carb living
    • main dishes
    • meal prep
    • salads
    • sandwiches
    • soups
    • southern recipes
    • side dishes
    • something sweet
    • tiktok recipes
  • lifestyle
    • DIY
    • gift guides
    • goal setting
    • organization
    • time management
    • tips & tricks
  • celebrating
    • holidays
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • New Years
      • Easter
      • Americana
      • Other Holidays
    • hosting
    • group dinners
    • parties
  • Meet Ashley!
  • Resources
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