Welcome 2026!
Dinner parties, recipes, restaurants and gathering with those who fill your cup.
If you’re here and reading this…welcome to 2026.
By the end of every year, I don’t know about you but feel completely burned out. My insurance job has a very busy enrollment season from October 15th through December 7th. As soon as that ends, I jump ship and take on holiday jobs for my catering and styling work.
When the New Year rolls around, I am filled with hopes and dreams: ways I want to show up better in both worlds, ways I want to improve and evolve. I get excited to start everything back up, and at the very top of my list is more time with my kids, showing up better in my marriage, finally taking the trip I’ve been dreaming about, and asking myself, what am I capable of?
So instead of forcing an outcome, maybe I just need to capture the small moments. Document the ideas. Share what I already know.
Because the truth is, I have accumulated a lot of knowledge when it comes to creating beautiful, intimate gatherings. I am not talking about 200-person weddings… I mean the smaller, attainable ones. The kind the everyday working woman can actually pull off. I think people crave being together, and I truly believe it is the ultimate compliment when someone invites you over for drinks or dinner. I love hosting a themed party, decorating, orchestrating the menu, curating a playlist, and watching it all come together.
In 2026, I hope to find contentment in doing what I do and sharing it. In the words of Ina Garten, “This is what I do. Do whatever the f*** you want to do.”
So for those of you who actually read this brain dump—thank you. And for those of you wondering what you might find here in 2026, this is what I am excited to share:
Recipes
I have been wanting to document my recipes because, truthfully, I wing it about 99% of the time. I want to share my go-to hosting recipes and continue tweaking them as they evolve.
More Dinner Parties
I want to host 8–10 person dinner parties three to four times a year (not including holidays). I did a few last year and they were by far my favorite. Inviting friends or family over, incorporating a theme, sitting down to a fabulous meal with good wine and great conversation.
Large Party Ideas
This is something I already do a few times a year especially my annual Fourth of July party. I want to share ideas for gatherings that aren’t 8–10 people, but more like 30+. Nothing over the top just doable, thoughtful ideas for the working woman with a few kids and a small house.
Restaurant Recommendations
Nothing inspires me more than going out to eat. One of my personal goals this year is to try more new restaurants, and I plan to share those experiences here. I will also be spending a few weeks in Europe, so you can expect all the deliciousness I discover over there, too.
I am sure I will sprinkle in some more random stuff throughout the year but I feel better outlining what I want to focus on. Thank you for being here and reading along. I hope something I share or do inspires you do to the same. Here is to doing what fills your cup and letting it be enough.
Cheers!