I love hosting and making my guests feel at home. And living in a tourist destination (Sonoma wine country) means I get a lot of them — especially as the weather warms up. Over time, I’ve learned that creating a warm, welcoming space doesn’t have to mean stress or all-day prep. Guests only seem to notice a few key things, not whether you color-coded your bookshelf or spring cleaned your closets. Whether it’s a casual dinner party or an overnight stay, these simple steps make a big difference before guests arrive.
You don’t need to deep-clean — just focus on visible clutter. Clear off countertops, coffee tables, and entryways. Short on time? Just toss items into a basket and tuck them away in a closet.
Set the mood with a seasonal or favorite scent, like vanilla, amber, or something citrusy. It instantly makes your space feel warm and inviting. I like to put one in the guest bathroom too for a little surprise.
Have a little time? You can also simmer citrus and your favorite herbs on the stove.
You’ll Need:
Steps:
Nothing makes guests feel more "ick" than a dirty or messy bathroom so prioritize this space. Wipe down the sink and toilet, put out a fresh hand towel, and make sure there’s enough toilet paper.
I make sure to switch off all the overheads (not a fan of this harsh lighting) and turn on table lamps for a cozy vibe. Then cue up a Spotify "dinner party" playlist that matches the energy — something mellow and upbeat is usually a safe bet.
Photo by Tatiana Syrikova
A long-distance friend of mine would always leave me a basket of toiletries for my overnight stays and it's something I always remember fondly. On their bedside table, you can leave them a pitcher of water, their favorite snacks, flowers or herbs, and/or a book or magazine. Little details make people feel instantly loved.
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Nothing ruins the party vibe like a smelly garbage can. Empty it before anyone arrives, and consider adding a fresh liner with a drop of essential oil or baking soda to keep things smelling fresh and clean.
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The only thing keeping me from being upset about A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show being canceled is how well Hulu handled it's newest thriller, Paradise. Created by screenwriter Dan Fogelman (This Is Us) and starring Sterling K. Brown, it's a murder mystery with dystopian undertones that explores what could happen if states become uninhabitable.
Besides feeling relevant to our current timeline, Paradise has a soundtrack that rivals Strangers Things and leaves viewers wanting more. Fortunately, Hulu got the memo and renewed it for Season 2 — thank goodness!
I'm pinching myself because Paradise Season 2 has started filming! Dan Fogelman shared the amazing news on his Instagram a few days ago and his comments are buzzing with excitement! "We’re baaaaaaaack. #Paradise#S2," he wrote which means we could see Sterling K. Brown and Julianne Nichols on our screens sooner than anticipated.
This comes after an update Fogelman shared with a hopeful fan on X. In response to a fear viewers would have to wait a long time to see more action from our new favorite characters, Fogelman put all fears aside. "we start shooting in just a few weeks. It won’t be 2 years I promise! #Paradise," he said.
Disney/Brian Roedel
Filming just started for Paradise Season 2, so a premiere date for it hasn't been shared yet. But at the rate Fogelman's going, we could possibly see the thriller series on Hulu towards the end of the year or at the beginning of 2026!
For now, fans can rewatch Season 1 on Hulu or when it appears on ABC April 7 at 10:00 p.m. (via The Hollywood Reporter).
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Paradise begins in an idyllic community where homes are picturesque, streets are clean, and everyone lives in perfect harmony. However, it doesn't take long for the peace to be disturbed when the President is discovered murdered by his trusted Secret Service agent Xavier Collins.
Before long, he begins questioning the world he and his children live in while also searching for clues about his missing wife.
Disney/Brian Roedel
Paradise Season 1 has a stacked cast! Besides Sterling K. Brown, there's other familiar faces who help with the show's equilibrium.
Disney/Brian Roedel
Wow, where do I begin?!
After it was revealed that the community he and everyone else lives in has been artificially created due to a disaster, the brief moments of unease Collins shows begins making sense. It's clear he and President Cal ended on bad terms before his death, but it doesn't seem like he was responsible for murdering the man he was sworn to protect.
What's odd is that Sinatra, the mastermind behind the beautiful community they live in, has been playing puppet master. She ordered the deaths of scientists sent to the surface to test the air quality AND she made sure Agent Billy was blindsided by his love interest's manipulation. Upsettingly, his murderer is none other than seemingly docile and clueless Agent Jane.
Viewers were also introduced to President Cal's father and were able to see how much he never wanted to be the face of the country. Though his father appears to have dementia, it's clear he feels guilty about something and may have seen who killed his son.
Disney/Brian Roedel
Paradise left off on several cliffhangers on Hulu March 4!
Disney/Brian Roedel
Dan Fogelman already knows what he wants to do with Paradise! He said, "I have a plan for three seasons of the show. Without giving away too much, each season of the show is a slightly different show, within the same show with the same characters," (via The Hollywood Reporter).
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This post has been updated.
Get ready for this week's weeklyhoroscope, because Aries season just got a whole lot more interesting. Not only is the Sun still blazing in this fiery sign, but we're welcoming Neptune into the Aries party – and trust me, this is a game-changer. Think less daydreaming, more doing. This week's astro-weather is all about turning those big, beautiful visions into tangible realities, not just for us, but for the whole planet. Get ready to channel your inner warrior for good, because the universe is giving us the green light to make some serious magic happen. Let's dive into your weekly horoscope!
This weekly horoscope is all about Aries— not only because the Sun is in Aries, but because Neptune has just entered the sign. Neptune, the ruler of Pisces, embodies peace and ethereal wisdom, while Aries is bold, courageous, and a warrior. This shift presents a powerful opportunity: instead of just dreaming of a more just and equal world, we can take real steps toward making it a reality—not only for humanity but for all species and ecosystems. It’s a big task, but history offers inspiration. The last time Neptune entered Aries, in 1864, the International Red Cross was founded to provide aid to war-wounded soldiers, regardless of which side they fought for. That altruistic mission has endured for 161 years.
Neptune spends roughly 14 years in each sign, shaping the collective outlook of an entire generation. Moving from Pisces, the zodiac’s final and most intuitive sign, into Aries, the first and most action-oriented sign, marks the start of a new cycle. While Neptune may take time to adjust to Aries’ fiery energy, we have an opportunity to manifest the highest potential of this pairing—using Aries’ drive to actively pursue Neptune’s vision of peace.
This week also brings other planetary movements that support positive action. On April 4, Saturn sextiles Uranus, blending Saturn’s discipline with Uranus’ inventive, out-of-the-box thinking. This energy encourages us to take calculated risks and work hard toward meaningful goals, transforming chaos into order.
Adding to the momentum, Mars sextiles Uranus on the same day. This alignment delivers an extra push to innovate, experiment, and pursue what makes us feel free and authentic. Trust your instincts—if there’s a move you’ve been considering to bring more fulfillment into your life, this is a great time to make it happen.
On April 6, Venus trines Mars, blending love and beauty with action and drive. These two planets will continue this harmonious dance for months, sparking creativity and passion. It’s a great time to expand social activities and embrace the fresh, inviting energy of spring. Assertiveness and affection will be well-balanced, making it easier to connect with new people and strengthen existing relationships. Advocate for yourself and take charge of your life.
For a deeper and more personalized look at how these and other transits affect you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a reading.
Brit + Co
Ensure your projects are grounded in reality. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Conserve your energy for attainable goals and refine your ideas before taking action. This dreamy phase is excellent for creativity, so carve out a space where you can freely create. Prioritize your artistic or personal passions and allow fluidity in the process.
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You stand at the edge of profound personal growth. Take time for quiet reflection, deepen your spiritual practice, and open your heart to intuitive insights. Use any tools that help you expand your understanding of the universe and your place in it. Patience is key; setbacks should be viewed as opportunities for cleansing and realignment. Release anything that no longer serves your highest evolution.
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It may feel like you’re the only competent one, and doing everything yourself seems easier than waiting for others to catch up. However, be cautious—this can lead to resentment. Instead, evaluate your role within your group or community. You are a natural leader, so set boundaries and teach others rather than shouldering all the work. Empowering others lightens your load and strengthens your influence.
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This may be a confusing period. Ask yourself: does your outward persona truly reflect who you are? Reflect on the different aspects of your personality and whether you’ve been limiting yourself. Explore new interests beyond your daily routine. You might find that career ambitions shift once you connect with other facets of yourself. Avoid impulsive decisions; instead, organize your life to accommodate both stability and growth.
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Trust the universe and your intuition. Let go of ego-driven desires, power struggles, and the need to control. Mystical insights will emerge when you surrender to the flow. Explore art, culture, or travel to broaden your horizons. Seek out experiences that challenge and expand your understanding of the world. Engaging with diverse perspectives will lead to exciting and meaningful interactions.
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You are entering a deeply introspective and spiritual phase. Peel back the layers of ego, dive into your subconscious, and strengthen your connection to the cosmos. This period offers a chance for self-transformation, leading to a more peaceful, authentic version of yourself. Establish rituals that nurture your higher self. However, don’t neglect daily responsibilities—especially financial matters, which require extra attention now.
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Clear, direct communication is crucial, particularly in your relationships. Honesty and transparency will serve you best. If conflicts arise, practice Nonviolent Communication (as taught by Marshall Rosenberg). Keep your eyes open and scrutinize agreements carefully—have contracts reviewed by a professional before signing. Take a cautious, discerning approach in your interactions until intentions become clear.
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Listen to your body’s signals. Seasonal transitions can make you more susceptible to illness, so prioritize self-care. Strengthen your immune system with healthy habits. You may also be more sensitive to substances like alcohol or processed foods—moderation is key. Your heightened intuition will guide you when assessing new opportunities; trust your instincts and be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true.
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You are entering an exceptionally creative phase. Push beyond your current perceptions of what creativity means to you. Experiment with new methods and techniques while ensuring that the process remains enjoyable. Inspiration can strike from unexpected places, so stay open. However, avoid speculative risks for now. Instead, channel this ethereal energy into artistic and imaginative pursuits.
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The comfort of home may be especially appealing, but ask yourself whether you’re using it as an escape. If so, redirect that energy into creative activities that soothe your soul, such as gardening, tending to your houseplants or growing kitchen herbs. Establish meaningful rituals to connect with your inner self. If emotions feel overwhelming, seek guidance from a counselor or trusted advisor to gain perspective.
Brit + Co
Communication requires extra care. Before expressing heartfelt emotions or presenting ideas, take time to clarify your thoughts. Negotiations are especially delicate—pay close attention to details, and seek legal counsel before signing agreements. This is also an excellent period for writing or refining creative projects. Diligence will pay off, allowing you to produce some of your most compelling work.
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Be mindful with finances and possessions. If something promises quick riches, be skeptical. You may feel slightly disoriented, so detach from rigid expectations. Approach material matters with a spiritual mindset—do your belongings bring joy and elevate your energy? Take time to assess what truly adds value to your life and let go of anything that no longer serves you.
For more insights on how these and other planetary transit impact you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a personalized reading.
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