The September 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.

Falling into cozy season

I live for the summer transition to autumn in the Pacific Northwest. The way you need a light jacket around 6pm but the A/C still works overtime midday, the impulse to buy new pencils, and how we’re still baking summer fruit into our favorite desserts while a can of pumpkin puree is making its way to the front of the pantry. Do you breathe most easily this time of year? I know I do.

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Let's get into it.

In August, our small, but mighty family spent nearly three weeks in Ireland and Scotland, something we’ve talked about for a long time and finally had the opportunity to live out. We walked every street in Dublin, explored the Gothic architecture of Edinburgh, and took train rides with savory pies in-hand through the Scottish Highlands.

I discovered my husband is a serious castle guy - he cannot get enough of a good castle. My son smashed the drums in the same jam room Van Morrison and Thin Lizzy played in, and I took a course in French cooking at the Belfast Cookery School. We all got to immerse ourselves in something we individually love and experienced a mix of tourist-y and quaint, local goodness.

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This was a really connecting experience for us, something we’ll remember always. I cannot wait to share some of the customs and cuisine with you. The people were wonderful, the food… interesting. Also, quick note that nearly three weeks is a long time to spend bopping from one hotel to the next with family. Personal space? What’s that!?

This is also the summer I turned 40 and started leaning into new dreams, leaving others gently behind. A bittersweet milestone. I love getting older because my priorities feel more aligned each year, while letting go of youthful aspirations is something I will forever struggle with.

There's comfort in knowing this is a reality for all of us in our own way. The most bittersweet truth - and a nudge to do more of what we love, say yes to uncomfortable adventures, and keep our eyes open for fleeting moments right where we are.

September Recipe Feature: Brown Sugar Nectarine Crumble​

There's nothing like returning to your home kitchen after travel. After some rigorous testing, I'm delighted to share this buttery, decadent, end-of-summer Brown Sugar Nectarine Crumble with you. It’s a cookie-crumble-forward dessert, delightful served warm, straight out of the oven with a generous scoop of vanilla-bean ice cream. I also enjoy it cold from the fridge with a cup of coffee and zero regrets. I hope you make it, enjoy it, and share with people you love.

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Hospitality Note

While in Glasgow, we experienced some of the most genuine hospitality. Something that stood out to me - and something so rare in the U.S. - is the ease and leisure of a meal. Not a plate was cleared until everyone at the table had finished eating. This is important because no one wants to be the only person with a plate, still nibbling away while everyone else has been cleared. It’s such a subtle courtesy, something I wish would catch on in more local restaurants and eateries. Let's start a movement!

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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:

• V.I.P Subscription Boxes from Periwinkle Rose. The thoughtfully curated, seasonal items are perfect for gifting others (and yourself!).
• September City Lifestyle Magazine Feature - Last month's featured recipe in Snohomish City Lifestyle was The Host Notes' Blackberry Burrata Salad with my favorite back-pocket vinaigrette. It's a delicious, end-of-summer dish.
• I’ve started swapping out my second espresso of the day with decaf. I know, this is a hard shift. But here’s the thing, the coffee’s so good I can’t even be mad about it.

Until Next Time...

Whether you're grieving the end of summer or giddy with autumn joy, I hope you're making time to do more of what you love this season. Thanks for reading, friend.

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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!