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Sweetpea Lifestyle
Home / cooking - Page 10

cooking

Southern Pimento Cheese Dip
appetizers | cooking | Southern Recipes

Southern Pimento Cheese Dip

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
cooking | Meal Prep | salads

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Italian Cheesy Bread
cooking | side dishes

Italian Cheesy Bread

Thanksgiving Beverage: Vanilla Almond Iced Tea
beverages | cooking | Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Beverage: Vanilla Almond Iced Tea

Balsamic Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts
Christmas | cooking | Easter | side dishes | Thanksgiving

Balsamic Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts

Rosemary Cashews
appetizers | cooking

Rosemary Cashews

Juice of a Few Flowers Cocktail Recipe
beverages | cooking

Juice of a Few Flowers Cocktail Recipe

Thai Chicken Salad
cooking | salads

Thai Chicken Salad

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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

sweetpealifestyle

🍴 Easy recipes to gather
👯‍♀️ Your new hostess bestie
👇 Start with a recipe
🪄 Stay for the magic
✨ Last week, I spent a few days planning for nex ✨ Last week, I spent a few days planning for next year — before the swirl of the holidays sweeps me up. There’s something about dreaming and mapping out what’s next before the calendar turns that feels grounding. By the time that quiet week after Christmas rolls around, most of us are too full of fudge and family time to think about anything beyond pajamas and leftovers. (And honestly, fair.) But when you give yourself space in October to pause, reflect, and plan — it’s like giving your future self a head start. You’re not rushing resolutions; you’re crafting intentions. Here’s to slow planning, big dreaming, and letting next year unfold with purpose, not pressure. 🌿 🖋️ Do you like planning ahead — or do you save it for that week between Christmas and the New Year? . . . #PlanningSeason #IntentionalLiving #NextYearGoals #MoleskineMoments #OctoberReset #ReflectAndPlan
🎀 Hosting Gift Ideas 🎀 
‘Tis the season 🎀 Hosting Gift Ideas 🎀 
‘Tis the season for cozy dinner parties and festive gatherings — and you never want to show up empty-handed! ✨ Here are a few of my favorite thoughtful hostess gifts that feel special, useful, and oh-so-charming. 💝 Tap to shop these favorites:
01. Ribbon Drink Charms — a playful pop of color 🍸
02. Rattan Napkin Holder — classic & cozy texture
03. Cake Server Set — perfect for that one *extra* friend
04. Guest Book — a keepsake for memory-making ✍️
05. Pumpkin Butter Dish — festive & functional 🍂
06. Espresso Candle — smells like a cozy café ☕️
07. Trio Serving Sowl — ideal for dips or snacks
08. Bow oven Mitt Set — sweet & stylish 🍴 Bring a little something for the hostess with the mostest — because showing up with a pretty, practical gift is always in good taste. 💗 . . . #HostingGifts #HostessGiftIdeas #DinnerPartySeason #LTKHoliday #GiftGuide #SweetpeaStyle
Grace tastes better than gourmet. Always has, alwa Grace tastes better than gourmet. Always has, always will. 💕 When the food burns or the bread’s store-bought — let it go. Your guests are here for you, not your soufflé. ✨ Hosting With Grace: 🍝 Laugh off mistakes — they make the best stories. 🕯️ Focus on the atmosphere, not the appetizer. 💬 Offer warmth and encouragement — not perfection. 🍷 Toast to togetherness, not to “getting it right.” The secret ingredient to hospitality is grace — served generously. ✨ Follow for cozy, heartwarming hosting inspo that makes dinner parties feel easy, real, and full of love. . . . #cozyhosting #graceoverperfection #hostwithheart #easyentertaining #communitymatters
🦃 🧈 Herb Butter Turkey!! It’s a super sup 🦃 🧈 Herb Butter Turkey!! It’s a super super simple way of creating the most *moist* turkey you’ll ever have!! Here’s the recipe: 2 TBS Kosher Salt The night before you’re cooking your turkey, dry brine the bird with a couple of tablespoons of kosher salt, uncovered, in your fridge. This helps make crispy skin! When you’re ready to roast the turkey, slather under the skin and on top of the skin with one stick of Kerrygold Garlic and Herb Butter. That’s it! <<< Do not tell me it’s not seasoned… it is. Get over yourself. Roast according to your turkey’s weight, and baste the last half hour! If you need a step by step recipe, I’ve got one on my blog. It’s slightly different than this one, but it does go in depth on the dry brining process (with pictures!) Say TURKEY in the comments, and I’ll share the recipe post with you! . . . . #thanksgivingturkey #easyturkeyrecipe #bakedturkey #thanksgiving2025 LinkDM *074*
Your home isn’t too small — it’s exactly the Your home isn’t too small — it’s exactly the right size for belonging. 💫 It’s not about how big your space is. It’s about how warm it feels. Some of the best conversations happen in tiny kitchens and around coffee tables. ✨ Cozy Hosting in Small Spaces: 🪞 Keep lighting soft and warm. 🍝 Serve meals family-style — everyone leans in. 🎶 Add background music to make it feel lively. 💬 Focus on the feeling, not the square footage. Hospitality is about presence, not space. ✨ Follow @sweetpealifestyle for cozy, approachable hosting ideas and reminders that your home — just as it is — is enough. . . . #smallspacehosting #cozyhomevibes #easyentertaining #hostwithheart #communityoverperfection
🔥 Sweetpea’s Firecracker Seasoning is HERE! 🔥 Bold. Zesty. A little sweet. A little heat. And about to become the MVP of your kitchen. ✨ Expect a whole bunch of recipes coming your way using this magic mix — from chicken wings to air fried potatoes, this seasoning blend is about to become your most reached blend! Drop SEASON in the comments for the recipe! . . . #FirecrackerSeasoning #FlavorExplosion #HostingMadeEasy #DinnerPartyRecipes #SweetpeaLifestyle #KitchenMagic #HomemadeSeasoning #FlavorBoost #SmokySweet #SpicyRecipes #DinnerPartyGoals #EasyEntertaining #GrillAndChill #alabamafirecrackers LinkDM *073*
You think you know ranch… but honey, you haven’t met The NEW Ranch. 👏 This creamy, dreamy dip is about to steal the show at every game day, dinner party, and fridge raid. Say RANCH for the recipe to appear in your inbox! It’s rich, tangy, and made with three power players: 
🥄 Mayo
🥄 Sour Cream
🥄 Chive & Onion Cream Cheese ✨ Plus, one packet of Hidden Valley Ranch magic ✨ Blend it up and you’ve got the perfect DIP for chips and veggies. 
Add a splash of milk? Suddenly you’ve got the most crave-worthy homemade RANCH DRESSING. 🙌 💡 Two recipes in one.
💡 Meal prep friendly.
💡 The easiest flavor upgrade ever. Tag your ranch-loving friend 👇
and tell me — are you team Dip or team Dressing? 🥬🍟 . . . #ranchdip #homemadedip #easyrecipes #southernkitchen #dinnerpartyrecipes #gamefood #sweetpealifestyle #dressingrecipe #mealprepideas #easyappetizers #veggiedip #homemaderanch LinkDM *075*
The best hosts don’t have it all together — th The best hosts don’t have it all together — they just keep the door open. 💕 Because connection doesn’t wait for perfection. The magic happens when we gather anyway. ✨ Hosting From the Heart: 🍝 Make simple food that feeds everyone with ease. 🕯️ Light candles, no matter the mess. 🎶 Turn on music that makes you smile. 💬 Welcome people in like family. Hospitality is about courage — the courage to say, “Come on in,” even when life looks real. ✨ Follow for cozy hosting inspiration, simple recipes, and permission to gather in the middle of the mess. . . . #realhosting #cozyentertaining #dinnerpartyideas #communityoverperfection #hostwithheart
✨ Hosting Happy Hour at Home is my favorite litt ✨ Hosting Happy Hour at Home is my favorite little secret for stress-free entertaining! Instead of fighting crowds or overpaying for cocktails, you can invite friends into your living room, serve a mix of easy appetizers, and create the coziest atmosphere. Hosting doesn’t have to be fancy to be memorable, sugar — it just has to feel welcoming. 💖 Here’s exactly what I served for my Happy Hour at Home menu ⬇️ 🔥 Firecracker Dip with Seasoned Firecrackers
🍋 Zesty Lemon Pepper Hot Wings
🍢 Sticky-Sweet Teriyaki Kielbasa Bites
🥪 Cheesy Swiss Onion Dip Sliders with Ham
🍅 Cozy Boursin Marinara Dip
🥗 Fresh & Fun Dippy Salad
🍰 Tiny Bakery Cakes (the ultimate shortcut!) 💡 Hosting Hacks I Swear By: 
🕯️ Set the mood with candles + soft lighting.
🎶 Play background music (jazz or classics are perfect).
🚽 Refresh the bathroom — clean towel, candle, and flowers go a long way.
🍷 Create a self-serve drink station so guests can help themselves.
🌸 Mix store-bought shortcuts with homemade bites to save your sanity. Hosting season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — with a little prep and a cozy atmosphere, you can turn your home into everyone’s favorite happy hour spot. 🥂✨ 👉 Want the full recipes + all my make-ahead + transport tips? My brand-new blog post “Happy Hour at Home” is live now — say HAPPY and I’ll share it with you! . . . #HappyHourAtHome #EasyAppetizers #CozyEntertaining #SouthernHostess #PartyFoodIdeas #EntertainingMadeEasy #HostessWithTheMostess
Smashed Baby Potatoes! Y’all, these are so cris Smashed Baby Potatoes! Y’all, these are so crispy, crunchy, DELICIOUS!!! It’s the extra swipe of melted butter and ranch at the end for me… Here’s the recipe: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Toss your baby potatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper… enough to coat. Plop onto your half sheet pan, and roast for 15 minutes at 425 degrees. After 15 minutes, use a glass and press them flat. Brush 2 tablespoons of melted better with 2 teaspoons of Ranch powder on top of each potato. Put back into the oven at 425, for another 15 minutes. SO GOOD!! . . . #sweetpealifestyle #foodgawker #chefsroll #tastespotting #foodwinewomen #bhgfood #todayfood #sweetmagazine #eatingfortheinsta #nytfood #thekitchn
You can’t pour from an empty cup — so fill you You can’t pour from an empty cup — so fill yours first, then pour freely. 💫 Hosting starts with taking care of you. When you’re rested and calm, your guests feel it too. ✨ Replenish Before You Host: 🧺 Tidy one small space, not the whole house. ☕ Make yourself a cup of tea or pour a glass of wine. 🎶 Play your favorite playlist while you prep. 🕯️ Breathe. This is supposed to be joyful. A nourished host creates a nourishing atmosphere. ✨ Follow @sweetpealifestyle for cozy hosting tips and reminders that hospitality starts with kindness — for yourself. . . . #selfcareforhosts #cozyhosting #hospitalityathome #gatherwithgrace #simpleentertaining
Hosting is less about what you cook — and more a Hosting is less about what you cook — and more about who you welcome. 🕯️ Food brings people to the table, but love keeps them there. You don’t have to make everything from scratch to create something special. ✨ Hosting Made Simple: 🍲 Pick one cozy main dish you love. 💐 Add something fresh — flowers or herbs go a long way. 🎶 Cue up your favorite playlist. 💌 Focus on making people feel seen. Your guests don’t need gourmet; they need you. ✨ Follow @sweetpealifestyle for cozy, heartfelt hosting tips and dinner party inspo that feels like home. . . . #easyhosting #cozyhome #dinnerpartyideas #hostwithheart #simpleentertaining
🍅✨ These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with Sun-D 🍅✨ These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with Sun-Dried Tomato Marinade are everything you love about Marry Me Chicken—juicy chicken thighs, garlic, lemon, Parmesan—without the heavy cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, easy entertaining, or meal prep. 🔗 Say CHICKEN to snag the recipe! The chicken gets tossed in a rich, zesty marinade of olive oil, sun-dried tomato oil, pizza seasoning, and fresh garlic, then air fried until crispy-edged and tender inside. A quick garlic–lemon butter glaze takes it over the top. ✅ Ready in just 20 minutes
✅ Dairy-free option included
✅ Works with chicken breast or thighs
✅ Perfect for the air fryer or grill Save this if you love quick chicken recipes with BIG flavor. Tag your bestie—make it tonight and watch it disappear! 🏆 📌 Save this for your next gathering! 🏷️ Tag a friend who needs another air fryer recipe… that won’t disappoint!
🔗 Say CHICKEN to snag the recipe! . . . #AirFryerChicken #ChickenSkewers #ChickenThighRecipe #SunDriedTomatoChicken #MarryMeChicken #AirFryerRecipes #QuickDinnerIdeas #EasyDinnerRecipes #SweetpeaLifestyle #ChickenKabobs #HealthyDinnerIdeas #ChickenDinner
Perfection keeps people at a distance. Vulnerabili Perfection keeps people at a distance. Vulnerability brings them closer. 💗 Hospitality is less about presentation — and more about presence. When you invite people into your real life, not your curated one, you create trust. ✨ Hosting With Vulnerability: 🕯️ Don’t hide the imperfections — they’re comforting. 💬 Be honest if the food’s simple or store-bought. 🎶 Laugh when things go sideways. 🍷 Let people see your warmth, not your worry. Perfect homes impress. Real homes connect. ✨ Follow for cozy, heart-centered hosting tips that help you open your door — and your heart — wider. . . . . #cozyhosting #realhospitality #connectionoverperfection #hostwithheart #communitymatters
My favorite Hosting MAGIC trick! It’s sensationa My favorite Hosting MAGIC trick! It’s sensational. I know it's controversial... I do this for almost all of my silver pieces! I even put my large silver tea tray in my bathtub with this method. A few tips for cleaning your silver with MAGIC: ✅ Line your stopped up sink with tin foil. ✅ Lay your silver pieces on the foil, in a single layer. ✅ Sprinkle baking soda on top of your silver. It doesn’t need to stick to it, just about a cup. ✅ Pour boiling water over the silver and baking soda, and watch the magic! I give a little rinse, and then hand-dry each piece so no water droplets form. That’s it! Anyone else do this?! Save this for the holiday serving season and share it with a friend! . . . #hostingessentials #cleaningsilver #easylifehack #lifehacks #cleaning
You’re not a caterer — you’re a connector. 💫 You’re not hosting an event. You’re nurturing belonging. No perfect menu or theme required — just presence and warmth. ✨ Hosting With Heart: 🍝 Keep the food simple so you can focus on your guests. 💬 Ask questions that invite stories. 🕯️ Set the tone with cozy lighting and calm energy. 🎶 Remember: togetherness > table settings. Your home doesn’t need to impress. It just needs to embrace. ✨ Come follow @sweetpealifestyle for cozy hosting inspo that’s all about connection, community, and joy around the table. . . . #hostwithheart #cozyentertaining #dinnerpartyideas #connectionoverperfection #gatherwithgrace
🥔 Halloween Dinner Idea: Mashed Potato & Salad 🥔 Halloween Dinner Idea: Mashed Potato & Salad Bar Night! Hosting during Halloween week? Skip the stress and build a Mashed Potato + Salad Bar! 🎃 It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser — cozy, customizable, and ridiculously easy to prep ahead. Set out big bowls of creamy mashed potatoes (bonus points if you keep them warm in a slow cooker!) and line up toppings like: ✨ Crispy bacon bits 🧀 Shredded cheese 🧄 Garlic butter 🥦 Roasted veggies 🌿 Chives, sour cream, and caramelized onions Then add a big salad bar on the side — chopped greens, fun dressings, and crunchy toppings — so everyone builds their own plate exactly how they like it. It’s cozy, communal, and totally foolproof. Whether you’re serving up a pre-trick-or-treat dinner or hosting a “ghouls’ night in,” this setup always gets rave reviews. 👻 💫 Save this idea + tag your coziest hostess friend who needs a no-fuss Halloween dinner plan! #HalloweenDinner #DinnerPartyIdeas #MashedPotatoBar #SaladBarNight #EasyEntertaining
You can serve takeout on nice plates — that’s You can serve takeout on nice plates — that’s still love in action. 🍣💖 No one said hospitality requires homemade. If you’re too tired to cook, order your favorite meal, light a candle, and make space for conversation. ✨ Hosting Hacks for Real Life: 🍕 Order in from your favorite spot. 🍷 Transfer it to real dishes — instant upgrade. 🕯️ Add candlelight and music for an effortless vibe. 💬 Focus on your guests — not your kitchen timer. Hospitality isn’t about the food — it’s about the feeling. And nothing says love like making space for people, no matter what’s on the menu. ✨ Follow for cozy, easy entertaining ideas that make hosting feel approachable, beautiful, and doable. . . . #takeoutdinnerparty #easyhosting #cozyhospitality #simpleentertaining #communityoverperfection
Calling all cheese lovers — this All the Cheese Calling all cheese lovers — this All the Cheese Cheeseball is your appetizer dream come true. Six kinds of cheese, a punch of flavor, and zero fuss. 🧀 Chill, slice, and serve — it’s party-ready in no time. What makes this a showstopper: �✔️ Six cheeses = flavor depth (don’t skip the fresh cheddar grating) � ✔️ Mix-and-chill method = no cooking, no stress � ✔️ Customizable — skip blue cheese or swap in what you love Serve with your favorite crackers, raw vegetables, or baguette slices. This is a go-to for holiday menus, dinner parties, or anytime you want to flex your cheese game. 💫 Say CHEESE and I’ll send you the recipe! �Tag me when you make yours! . . . #CheeseballRecipe #AllTheCheese #PartyAppetizer #CheeseLovers #EntertainingEasy LinkDM *070*
Being “ready” is a myth. Just start where you Being “ready” is a myth. Just start where you are — and invite anyway. 💕 We wait for the right home, the right dishes, the right moment. But belonging doesn’t bloom from perfect timing — it grows from courage. ✨ Hosting Without Overthinking: 🍽️ Cook what you already know. 🕯️ Use what you already have. 🎶 Play music that feels like home. 💬 Invite someone today — not “someday.” The secret to hospitality is showing up before you feel ready. ✨ Follow for cozy hosting inspiration and permission to start gathering right where you are. . . . #cozyhospitality #gatheraroundthetable #realhosting #easyentertaining #communityoverperfection
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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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