If You’ve Been Waiting for a Sign to Host—This Is It

A gentle nudge to open your heart (and maybe your home) this Easter

On this Good Friday, I’m thinking of those who might be feeling unsure about what Easter will look like this year—and I wanted to share a little encouragement

I know holidays can be hard—for so many reasons. Maybe you’re missing someone. Maybe the idea of cooking or gathering feels overwhelming. Maybe you're just tired. I get it.

But if there’s even a small part of you that wants to be around people you love, I hope you say yes—to an invitation, to setting one more place at the table, or to opening your heart (and maybe your home) without the pressure to make it perfect.

There is no set menu for holidays. No rule that says it has to be turkey, ham, greens, or mac & cheese. At our house this year, we’re doing a Caribbean-inspired Easter dinner with jerk BBQ ribs, salmon, pineapple fried rice, roasted carrots, savory monkey bread, and brussel sprouts. My Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage bowls are still en route, and I’m still deciding on cocktails—but I’m resisting the urge to stress.

This year, I’m hosting with ease. Hosting without the pressure. Hosting with gratitude for the people I get to sit and break bread with—my fiancé, my daughter, and one of my best friends. We’re lighting candles, playing music, and leaning into the joy of simply being together.

If you’ve been craving connection but waiting until things feel more put together—consider this your invitation to gather anyway. Don’t wait until your house is spotless, your table is Insta-worthy, or your menu is flawless. People remember how you made them feel, not what you served.

And if you're not up for hosting, maybe this is the year you say yes to someone else’s invitation. To let yourself be welcomed. To let someone care for you.

Whether you’re cooking or contributing, gathering or grieving, hosting or healing—I hope you feel surrounded by warmth this weekend.

So if you’re on the fence about Easter… if you needed a nudge, this is it.
Share a meal. Share space. Share love.

That’s what it’s all about anyway.

Have a beautiful weekend and Easter Sunday.