The Monthly Gather

OCTOBER 2026

A Joyful Hospitality Newsletter

from Amber Dawn Schultheis

Welcome, back.

I find myself noticing moments of excellent hospitality more often than ever. Maybe because it's become something of a study for me - the ways people and businesses go out of their way to make other people feel seen and cared for. Or maybe it's because I've come to understand how important hospitality is in everything - going to the dentist and being greeted by name, the veterinarian playing a little extra with my recovering pup on suture removal day, or the handful of free Italian plumbs from a favorite market vendor. Similarly, I'm inspired to pay it forward and to find ways be intentional in my interactions with both my favorite people and with perfect strangers - just because I can. It all adds up and reminds me that we're all in it together.

Let's Get Into It...

August was all-hands-on-deck to tidy up our swampy back yard situation. With the help of some dear friends, we pulled up the grass and created a gravel paradise. That's dramatic. What I mean is - the swamp is gone and the stepping stones in gravel are the solution that took years for us to come to. It's calm and peaceful, and just enough space for the warn-out hammock I bought on Facebook Marketplace or a row of folding tables for extended season dinners.

Speaking of which, Late Harvest Supper was a hit. I hosted fifteen pals I've known anywhere from five minutes to twenty+ years for an intimate patio gathering brought together with lights strewn by my darling husband, a few candles, and some elbow grease. I served a kabocha squash risotto, apple cider braised chicken-sage meatballs, and an heirloom tomato salad that was everything end-of-summer dishes should be - simple and fresh. **Recipes in development and to your inbox soon.**

Friends brought drinks and side dishes to share, and one beautiful pumpkin cake from the founder of our very own Grain Artisan Bakery here in Snohomish. It was incredible.

It was a a bit chaotic to start (the flow of my space is less than ideal) - and then it wasn't. The vibe was calm and upbeat, and we talked while sipping and nibbling for a couple of hours comfortably in nearly 70-degree October weather. I'd gladly do it all over again.

Joyful Living: Autumn Recipe Round Up + Early Harvest Supper Playlist

Autumn Side Dishes

Here are a few highly hostable autumn side dishes I just know you'll love!

​Roasted Delicata Squash with Breadcrumbs and Parmesan​

​Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Shallots and Prosciutto​

​Balsamic Roasted Butternut Squash​

Currently Listening

Here's a playlist I pulled together for our recent patio gathering to close out summer and welcome autumn. A little folksy, a little classic, a little something new. A highly hostable set of tunes. Enjoy!

Early Harvest Supper • The H... Right Down the Line • Gerry... PREVIEW   ​

Until Next Time...

I've said it before and I'll keep saying it: Don't be afraid to bring people over to your disheveled patio and serve them reasonably good food. Community matters more than perfection - and people appreciate the invitation now more than ever.

cheers & gratitude,

amber dawn

​​​​​

*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!