Amber Dawn turns the old 'hostess with the mostest' adage on its head and encourages you to create meaningful experiences by scrapping the bits that do not bring you joy. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at building a food blog in a saturated market, what hospitality looks like in the thick of grief, and, of course, crowd-pleasing recipes straight from Amber's chaotic kitchen. Welcome! You're going to love it here.
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June Gather | The Host Notes' Monthly Newsletter
Published 7 months ago • 5 min read
June Gather
A Joyful Hospitality Newsletter
from Amber Dawn at The Host Notes
The Monthly Gather brings intentional, joyful living tips straight to your inbox: a new seasonal recipe, hospitality insights, upcoming events, and current notable media obsessions.
Oh, hello there!
Great to be back in your inbox, friend! This month, I have something special from one of my favorite local suppliers that you won't want to miss. Be sure to read to the end for an exclusive discount code for THN readers. Enjoy!
Let's get into it.
Aside from sweating through the early June heat at a baseball field (which quickly faded into overcast, fleece-wearing weather), lately I’ve been more intentional about listening to more music (less podcasts) and taking long daily walks with my canine pal, nurturing the herb garden, and soaking in the sweet fragrance of early summer. More than ever, I’m finding joy in simple things - watching the hummingbirds sip from the feeder and allowing my dog to roll in the mud when there’s time for some mischief.
Simple Market Greens (my favorite way to use farmer's market finds). Recently shared on Instagram with full recipe!
I have to confess something to you: I haven’t hosted an event of any kind in longer than I can remember. Not a dinner party, a happy hour, a brunch… nada. Nothing. Zilch. Who am I and where has my chutzpah gone!? As someone who thrives in community and loves to practice (not just yap about) everyday acts of hospitality, I’m starting to feel a bit like an imposter.
It's hot. I'm tired. And, yes, I'm feeling like an imposter...
So, this begs the obvious question:
What keeps us from bringing people together in our homes?
Here’s what I’ve concluded: Life gets a bit too big, too heavy, and/or too busy, and we think things need to be perfect in order to host. The effort it takes to wrangle and gather around a table sharing beautiful dishes and stories with people we love- or people we want to get to know in a more meaningful way- often gets gobbled up by other priorities.
Here are a few of my excuses for not inviting you (or anyone) over for dinner lately (in order of severity):
I haven’t had the energy to be “on” and am not exactly a ball of laughs lately. I fear you would be let down. (I know, but it’s true!)
I am getting by on minimum viable house tidiness(™). The thought of deep cleaning for guests only to clean again once they’ve left? Not gonna happen. Not right now.
The nail holes in the wall of the dining room that have yet to be patched after four long years + the ceiling in need of a paint job, and other unfinished projects.
The disorganized entryway / shoe graveyard situation that needs a complete overhaul.
Our disheveled weed swamp of a back yard.
Do any of these sound familiar? I’m sharing this because there’s a chance similar things are keeping you from bringing people into your space as well. And, if so, you need to hear that you this is completely normal. And also, I think we need to move past these blockers and host in the chaos. Are you with me?
Can we agree to stop apologizing for having homes that are lived in? They are not museums, folks.
One of several work-in-progress projects in our dining area. This is pre-Cookbook Nook, the clutter remains.
In rebellion of my own excuses / blockers, I have something in the works to remedy my host-less schedule and bury that imposter syndrome once and for all. Stay tuned for something wonderful (but not too fussy).
*I hope my honest mess inspires you to host something, anything, in whatever imperfect season you’re in. Unapologetically.*
Now, let’s make something simple and delicious!
June Recipe Feature: Thick Sourdough Toast w/ French Butter (or Chevre) + Medjool Dates
I’ve been making this simple, decadent, nibble on repeat for weeks and it's too good not to share. It’s a great example of taking something extremely basic and elevating it by using exceptional ingredients. It’s a little treat-of-a-snack.
Use a serrated knife to slice ¾ inch thick piece of sourdough. Toast in a standard toaster or toaster oven to your crunchiness liking.
Slice 4 Medjool dates in half, removing the pits if they have them. Fold them “inside out” so they lay flat.
Spread a generous amount of salted French butter or chevre onto the warm toast. Cover the toast with the butterflied dates.
Finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt.
Serve it up with some cold brew, black iced tea, or your refreshing bev of choice.
Recipe Notes: Make this an appetizer by swapping the standard toast for crostini and serve with a subtle, bubbly Brut. Let me know what you think! Isn’t this a simple, flavor-packed delight?
Joyful Living
I only share the things and experiences I authentically, whole-heartedly love. Here’s what I’m wild about:
Products I Use and Love:A Bit of Taste - Snohomish Olive Oil Company is my go-to supplier for high quality olive oils, vinegars, and gourmet food products (note: they have the most thoughtful hostess gifts!). They have generously provided a discount code for The Host Notes’ newsletter crew (that’s you!) to enjoy. Use code THEHOSTNOTES at checkout online and in-store to receive 15% off your next purchase through July 15th! For locals of the Greater Seattle Area, the store front and tasting room has an extensive offering where you are encouraged to sample to your heart’s content and learn about the products from the hospitable staff and welcoming owner, Debe Franz. I'll be sharing some of my favorite items on Instagram in the coming weeks so you know where to start!
Perfect hostess gift from A Bit of Taste - Snohomish Olive Oil Company: Darling assortment of gourmet tapenade spreads + lovely paper gift bag.
Currently Listening: The latest playlist from THN is up on Spotify! Al Fresco Dinner Party is a mellow mix of indie folk (a surprise to absolutely no one who knows me) and a smattering of soulful, bluesy singles perfect for a casual, outdoor dinner gathering. There’s a growing collection of playlists and occasion-based tunes for you to enjoy there as well! What's your go-to streaming platform? I’m listening.
Sip, Sip, Hooray!: Summer Batch Cocktails...?! It's a yes for me. I’m a big Ina Garten fan and think she’s really nailed it with her batch cocktail hosting ritual.
Upcoming Events
The Lamb and Rose Dinnerat The Whale Wins put on by Eat Sea Creatures and the ever-wonderful James Beard Award-winning chef and local restauranteur, Renee Erickson, is coming up in July. It is sure to be magical. I believe there are still tickets - see you there?
Kla Ha Ya Days is ramping up locally and will showcase the best Snohomish has to offer. The organizers are looking for volunteers to make everything go off without a hitch. Learn more below!
I love hearing from you! Those of you sending recipes and remarks each week, I happily read and reply to each and every one. Thank you for your sweet notes.
As always, if there's something you would like to see included in a future edition of The Host Notes' Newsletter, give me a shout! I'd love your feedback and I'm on the lookout for local product and business features.
*Tag @thehostnotes in your latest creations so I can see what you’re cookin’ and hosting!
Disclaimer:Please note that some of the links included in this newsletter may be affiliate or partner links and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. Anything featured in this newsletter is intentional, because I believe in them. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Joyful recipes and approachable hospitality tips from Amber Dawn, writer and creator of The Host Notes.
Amber Dawn turns the old 'hostess with the mostest' adage on its head and encourages you to create meaningful experiences by scrapping the bits that do not bring you joy. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at building a food blog in a saturated market, what hospitality looks like in the thick of grief, and, of course, crowd-pleasing recipes straight from Amber's chaotic kitchen. Welcome! You're going to love it here.
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