December 1, 2025

Setting the Table with Chic Home

by Ashley Culotta in KISS Cooking | Recipes By Ashley

There’s nothing quite like a beautifully set table to make a gathering feel special. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a Saturday brunch, or simply elevating your everyday meals, the details you choose create the mood before the first dish even hits the table. This week at Chic Home, we’re spotlighting two favorites that instantly transform any space: our luxury florals and signature ceramic vases.

Stop by the storefront tomorrow to grab these gorgeous florals — ranging from $12–$18 per stem — and our timeless, sculptural vases for $46 each. Want to make sure you get the ones you love? Just send us a message to reserve your picks! ✨

The Chic Home Approach to a Beautiful Table

Setting a stunning table doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right layering and a few thoughtful choices, you can create a look that’s warm, inviting, and completely your style. Here are a few of my favorite tips when designing a table for hosting:

1. Start With a Clean Color Story

Choose a palette that feels intentional. Soft neutrals create an elegant base, while muted pinks, deep greens, or warm golds bring in seasonal warmth. Build your table around two or three tones to keep things cohesive and elevated.

2. Let Florals Be the Star

Fresh, high-quality stems instantly add life to your table. Choose a mix of textures — think fluffy peonies, structured tulips, or delicate fillers — to bring movement and interest. Arrange them low enough so guests can see each other across the table.

3. Add Height With Your Vase

Our Chic Home vases are designed to be both functional and sculptural. Their clean lines and modern silhouettes help elevate your arrangement without overwhelming the table. One statement vase or a trio of smaller ones can make the entire setting feel curated.

4. Layer Your Linens and Dinnerware

A light table runner, woven chargers, and stacked plates create dimension. Don’t be afraid to mix materials — matte ceramics with polished flatware or crisp linens with textured napkin rings add so much charm.

5. Finish With a Personal Touch

Place cards, a tiny sprig of greenery, or a small seasonal ornament at each setting goes a long way in making guests feel welcomed and thought of.

Bring the Look Home

Whether you’re hosting a big holiday meal or just refreshing your dining room for the season, these florals and vases make it easy to elevate your space. Stop by Chic Home to browse, pick your favorites, and let us help you style your perfect table.

Here’s to creating beautiful moments around the table — simply, thoughtfully, and always with a touch of chic.

xo, Ashley

December 3, 2025

The Sensation Salad Everyone Loves

The easiest throw-together salad that somehow tastes like you ordered it at a restaurant. If you need a quick side salad that always hits, my Sensation Salad is the one. It’s fresh, salty, crunchy, a little tangy, and just overall so delicious — and the best part is that it takes maybe five minutes to put together. This is one of those salads I make on autopilot when I need something green on the table but don’t want to think twice. Growing up in Louisiana, Sensation Dressing is basically a staple, and Hanley’s makes my absolute favorite version. I always keep a bottle in the fridge because it turns any simple salad into something special with zero effort. Add in pistachios, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan and… you’re done. Ingredients Chopped romaine Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Pistachios Salt & pepper Parmesan cheese Sensation dressing (I love Hanley’s!) How I Make It Layer the chopped romaine in a big bowl or platter. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, pistachios, and parmesan. Drizzle with Sensation dressing. Mix everything together gently. Top with a little extra salt & pepper to finish. Ashley’s Tips This salad pairs with everything — pasta, grilled chicken, salmon, pizza nights… you name it. If you want extra crunch, add more pistachios. I always end up doing this. It’s also great topped with grilled shrimp for a quick lunch. This is one of my easiest “don’t overthink it” recipes, but it tastes so good every single time. Enjoy!

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December 3, 2025

Savory GSP Quiche for Brunch or Dinner

My go-to brunch dish that feels fancy but is secretly so easy. If there’s one thing I love to make for a cozy weekend brunch — or honestly, for an easy weeknight dinner — it’s this GSP Quiche. The “GSP” stands for Gouda, Swiss, and Pancetta, which is the dream team of flavors. It’s savory, creamy, a little salty, and so delicious paired with the handful of arugula that goes right inside. It gives the whole thing the perfect little bite. This is straight from my recipe notebook, covered in notes like “add more onion if you love onion like me!” (which… I do). It’s simple, comforting, and always a hit whenever I serve it. Ingredients 1 cup chopped onion (or more if you’re an onion lover like me) ½ cup pancetta 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 pie crust A handful of arugula 1 cup Swiss/Gouda cheese mix 4 eggs 1 cup half & half 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional but so good) How I Make It Heat the olive oil over medium/high heat. Add the onions and pancetta and cook until browned and the onions are soft and golden. Pour this mixture straight into your pie crust. Top with a handful of arugula — it wilts beautifully as it bakes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half & half, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the Swiss/Gouda cheese. Pour the egg mixture into the pie crust over the pancetta and onions. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Let it rest before slicing. Then serve and enjoy! Ashley’s Notes This quiche reheats beautifully — perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Feel free to swap the cheese mixture for whatever you have on hand. Serve with a simple green salad, fruit, or roasted potatoes for a full brunch moment. This is one of those recipes that feels homey and special at the same time — the best kind. I hope it becomes one of your go-to’s the way it is for me.

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December 3, 2025

My Dreamy Whipped Feta Appetizer

My go-to crowd-pleasing dip that comes together in minutes. If you’ve ever needed a last-minute appetizer that still feels elevated and homemade, this Whipped Feta is exactly what you want. It’s creamy, salty, a little sweet from the honey, and honestly one of my favorite things to serve when we have friends over. I’ve made this recipe so many times that the little handwritten note I keep in my kitchen drawer is practically soft at the edges. This is the kind of app that looks gorgeous on a platter but takes almost no effort — truly my love language. Ingredients 8 oz. block feta, room temp 8 oz. cream cheese, room temp 1 Tbsp olive oil (plus more if needed) 1 tsp minced garlic ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper Honey Chopped pistachios + chives for topping How I Make It Add the feta, cream cheese, olive oil, and garlic to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a little extra olive oil if it needs help coming together. Season with salt and pepper and blend again. Spread the whipped feta onto a platter. Use the back of a spoon to make a little well in the center — this will hold the honey. Fill the well with honey, then top with chopped pistachios, chives, and a little more black pepper. How I Serve It I love putting this out with: Fresh veggies Roasted veggies Warm pita or naan Crackers or crostini It’s honestly delicious with anything — and people ALWAYS ask for the recipe. Ashley’s Hosting Notes Make it ahead! Keep it refrigerated, then add honey + toppings right before serving. If you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes on top. This also makes the cutest board centerpiece if you're building a grazing table. This Whipped Feta is one of those easy recipes that feels special every single time. I hope you love it as much as we do. Enjoy! 💋

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Setting the Table with Chic Home