The Monthly Gather

MARCH 2026

The Joyful Hospitality Newsletter

from Amber Dawn Schultheis

Oh, hi! I know you...

Our Monthly Gather is back after a brief hiatus. No excuses, really. I'm giving myself grace to get back on the horse without a lot of guilt or apologies. It's good to be here.

I’m really focused on growing our recipe blog both in quantity (up to 30 recipes now, woot!) and quality (incremental improvement is key!).

Lately, I've been feeling especially pulled to make a meaningful impact in my local community. I've been exploring how I can serve small businesses and non profits in need of storytelling, marketing, and client experience guidance - and I'm really loving it. More on this as we go - I think there's good work to be done here.

Let's Get Into It...

For the first time in over two years, my husband and I went away for a long weekend - just us. We cooked, napped, hiked, read real books, shopped, and played countless heated games of cribbage. It was everything we needed to get through the tail end of this long winter. 10/10, I highly recommend.

Joyful Living: Yoga studio hospitality, new cozy recipes, and nostalgic jazzy tunes

Hospitality Moment: I returned to my favorite yoga class this week. The warmth of the practice room in late winter is especially comforting and my body and mind have needed a big, serious stretch. One of the things I love about this class, and in particular the instructor, is that she welcomes us all in the most heartfelt way and invites us to greet our neighbors. She reminds us that no one is there to judge us and that our practice is our own. It's like an hour of yoga, therapy, and sauna - all in one. My mat neighbor and I locked eyes and nodded in an encouraging way, as if to say, “You can do this.” I can’t wait to go back.

Recipe Highlights: I’ve been leaning into the cozy of the season and pulling a few things from my bakery and cafe days. I hope you find something you didn’t know you needed in the latest THN recipe posts.

1 - Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Prosciutto and Shallots​

2 - Lentil and Red Pepper Soup​

3 - Pavlova Nests Recipe (Individual Mini Pavlovas)​

Currently Listening: I recently re-discovered the jazzy, French cafe vibes of Madeleine Peyroux. I used to clean my Queen Anne apartment to her voice while drinking 'Two Buck Chuck' (which is now $3.99, btw) and marveling at my peekaboo view of the Needle. Her music takes me back in time, and I love her for it.

Madeleine Peyroux Top tracks PREVIEW     1 Dance Me To The End Of Love Madeleine Peyroux 3:57 2 Don't Wait Too Long Madeleine Peyroux 3:11 3 The Summer Wind Madeleine Peyroux 3:55 4 (Getting Some) Fun out of Li... Madeleine Peyroux 3:12 ​

Quick Hosting Tip: Here's the advice I often give but rarely follow: Select a main dish that can be prepped in advance, popped into the oven when it's time, and allows you to enjoy maximum quality time with your people. A few weeks ago, I hosted family in town for dinner and made homemade pasta and attempted a new cream sauce for the first time. While it all worked out, I was frazzled and had very little time for card games or chit chat before we sat down for dinner. *Regrets*

Event Shout-Out for Snohomish Locals

If you're in the area on Sunday, March 22nd, stop into Kasia's Table in Downtown Snohomish from 1-4p. I'll have a little pop up there, with hostess gift bundles, kitchen tips, and recipes to share!

Until Next Time...

I hope you’re making space to do more of what you love, friend!

If there's something you're looking for that you think I can help with - send a note my way! I love to hear from you.

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!