The August Gather

The Joyful Hospitality Newsletter

from Amber Dawn at The Host Notes

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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.

Happy mid-summer to ya!

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I've been spending every moment possible near, on, or in the water and soaking up the elusive Pacific Northwest sunshine. Savoring has become a way of life during these months. Also, I love Autumn and am counting down the days until I get to cozy into my favorite oversized sweater. Just me?

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I hope you're making time to do more of what you love, no matter the season.

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Let's get into it.

I'm happy to report that I did, in fact, HOST an intimate little stay-cation with a couple of close girlfriends a few weeks ago. It was a great way to reconnect and grease the wheels a bit after a long hiatus. With the house to ourselves, I pulled a few recipes from my favorite cookbooks, zhuzhed up the dining table for a late Saturday dinner in, and freshened up the outdoor space for our robe-clad, late morning brunch on Sunday. I cut flowers from my small-but-mighty garden and placed little vases throughout the house for surprising pops of joy. Hydrangeas, roses, and all the lavender one home can hold. It was a delight to create these little arrangements.

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Things I did not do in prep for my long-time friends:

• Deep clean the house: A spot-clean and MVT (minimum viable tidiness - trademark pending) sweep was good enough. The MVT clean includes shared bathrooms, guestroom refresh of linens and towels, a quick vacuum of all common and guest areas, and a declutter of countertops and shoe storage at the entry way. It can still be a lot, depending on the size of your home, but worth the breath of fresh air that comes along with feeling like an appropriate amount of effort was made. Not one baseboard was scrubbed.
• Over-stock the fridge: I picked up a few of the girls' favorites and a few new discoveries to share. Knowing their tastes and dietary preferences made this easy and because I didn't need to guess, I purchased less.
• Apologize for my home or pretend my house usually looks immaculate: They know me better than that. Authenticity first - I'm not someone who prioritizes a perfectly clean home. I'd rather make memories. They know this about me and I choose to believe it's one of the things they love most.

We belly laughed, we cooked, we lounged, read, 'spilled the tea', lingered on the deck amongst the herbs and berry pots until our skin needed quenching. We bopped around Historic Snohomish and visited some of my favorite shops and nibble spots. It was everything a stay-cation should be. We showed ourselves, and each other, we still know how to make room for 'silly hour'. The best part? We already have another overnight in the books. It was that life-giving.

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August Recipe Feature: My Favorite Homemade Granola (Bonus: It's gluten-free)

I've been baking sheets of Gluten-Free Granola since my time as a baker and barista at the Flying Apron (rest gently, old friend). It's my go-to, make-ahead treat that's perfect for a late summer picnic or sneaking into lunch boxes for back-to-school. The full recipe, along with flavor pairing suggestions, is live! Pin it, print it, bake your sweet little heart out. And, of course, let me know how you like it! PS. It's a great hostess gift or parting treat for guests in your home.

Movement for Life: Kelsey's Fight with Stage Four Lung Cancer

Kelsey Dellino is a friend, our son's former little league coach, and a pillar of strength and hope in the cancer survivor community. She is currently fighting stage four lung cancer as a mom of four, a wife, and someone who has built her life around fitness. Not having smoked a day in her life, she is a testament to the reality of lung cancer: it doesn't always look the way you think it should.

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Kelsey shares about her experience - the physical, emotional, and day-to-day logistics of care- so vulnerably, so beautifully -a gift to everyone she's connected to. Hear her story, support her journey, and attend or donate to the upcoming 2025 Unstoppable Fundraising Gala being held on Saturday, August 30th by the newly formed non-profit, Movement for Life Foundation.

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Joyful Living

I only share the things and experiences I authentically, whole-heartedly love. Here’s what I’m wild about:

• City Lifestyle Magazine Feature - Last month's featured recipe in Snohomish City Lifestyle was The Host Notes' Pantry Pup Biscuits. They're three ingredients, and #thehostnoteshound approved!
• ​John Craigie is a poetic, folksy singer/songwriter and I'm jamming to this single on repeat:

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Rough Johns John Craigie PREVIEW   ​

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• Tips for Hosting and Cooking with Kids: Here are some quick tips to get kids cooking alongside you in the kitchen through the tail-end of summer! Read here -> Cooking With Kids​

My Favorite Things...

You've asked, and I'm listening! The Host Notes' Favorite Things + Master List is live on the blog. All things hosting essentials, pantry staples, and kitchen gear I swear by. Stay tuned for roundups and check back often for additions and local product shout outs.

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Until Next Time...

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.

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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.

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cheers & gratitude,

amber dawn

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*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!