A Quiche and Guest Room Notes
plus, more comforting dishes to have on-hand
I’ve had this post sitting in my drafts since December 18th. It was originally planned to be my final article of 2024, published on one of those languid days between Christmas and New Year. But, as many of us do at that time of year, I lost all brainpower the moment I packed my bag for holiday travels.
As the world watched, we Angelenos began 2025 with an unimaginable tragedy—wildfires that have destroyed entire communities. I’m deeply grateful that my family and home are safe, but “heartbroken” doesn’t even begin to capture how I feel for the many friends who can’t say the same. If you’re able, please consider donating to families and small businesses in need. My friend Cat Chen has compiled an extensive list of over 600 families and businesses needing support. Donations to World Central Kitchen and LAFD are also still urgently needed and make a significant difference.
The recipes in this post were originally intended as a collection of simple, wholesome dishes to have on hand when hosting guests—and how to provide the creature comforts of home, in a guest room. With so many families now staying with friends and relatives, it feels especially timely to share them, as a reminder of the simple joys of good food and the loved ones we have to share it with.
Creature Comforts: A Cozy Guest Room and Being a Good Host
I travel often, and have been fortunate enough to experience the world through countless guest bedrooms to lay my head. In turn, I’m always eager to offer friends and acquaintances a home base when they visit Los Angeles. As a single woman living alone, I relish in the company of houseguests and take pride in crafting a space where they can truly feel at ease.
For me, hosting is a labor of love. I make sure the guest room is thoughtfully arranged— fresh linens, a selection of toiletries, and a fridge stocked with simple, satisfying dishes (recipes below). And of course, the bar is always well-supplied. To me, comfort isn’t just about the essentials—bed, bathroom, storage—it’s about creating an environment where guests don’t feel like they need to ask for anything, but feel cared for regardless.
The true magic lies in the details: the art on the walls, the books scattered about, the curiosities that make the space feel lived-in and interesting. Whether it’s the dinner menu, how coffee is served in the morning, or the cocktails after a night out, these nuances add up to something far more memorable. A place to curl up with a book, a cozy corner for a movie night—these touches are what make a stay truly special.
Bed & Bath Basics:
Hosting requires a few grown-up essentials. For one, I always have extra toothbrushes on hand— SoFresh brushes in bulk, because they’re my favorite—and I swear by David’s Natural Toothpaste. The guest bathroom is fully stocked with everything they might need: bath products, hair and face care, and, of course, a hair dryer. I like to keep a few standout items from brands I trust, like CapBeauty Sero-Toner, Dune Suncare Mug Guard, Flamingo Estate Hand Wash & Body Lotion, and Activist Face Oil. These little indulgences elevate a simple stay.
One of my favorite touches around the house are my Braun clocks —they’re placed by the bed, in the kitchen, and even in the bathroom. They offer an easy way to check the time without ever reaching for a phone. It’s a small accent that makes a big difference.
I believe that your bed and bath should feel as luxurious as a five-star hotel. For bedding, I trust Parachute Home and Zara Home for their quality and comfort. Parachute Home terrycloth towels are unmatched—plush, thick. I stick with classic white towels, though I’ve recently embraced dark-grey washcloths for the face (because, let’s be honest, they just stay cleaner).
I’m also a firm believer in chic sweats (at home only). There’s something extra special about offering guests a cozy, ready-to-wear set, paired with a robe. I’ve been loyal to Buck Mason for years—their classic sweatpant and sweatshirt are my go-to.
Kitchen & Dining Essentials:
Coffee is my love language, and when I travel, I often bring a little gift of beans for the mornings ahead. Canyon Coffee’s Beachwood Blend is my current favorite. When a guest arrives, I make sure to walk them through the coffee machine—just in case they wake up before I do. I have an Anza Espresso (not the most user-friendly, I’ll admit), but I also recently invested in Aarke coffee machine which is as simple and satisfying as coffee gets.
I always lay out everything they might need—filters, mugs, sugar—so they don’t have to hunt for it. And speaking of details, I love using Kinto carafes for water or cocktails when hosting. They’re perfectly versatile and, for me, they complete the ritual of welcoming someone into the space. I always place one by the bed for my guests, so they have a little refreshment waiting upon their arrival.
Lastly, I find that keeping the fridge stocked with easy-to-assemble meals and snacks—whether or not you have dinner plans—makes hosting a bit easier. Think breakfast cake, granola with fruit and yogurt, a selection of cheeses and charcuterie, tinned fish, crackers, olives, or a quiche with mixed greens—perfect for any time of day. If you’re opting for a cozy night in, a hearty ragu stashed in the freezer for pasta is always a satisfying choice. These little touches not only keep things simple but allow your guests to feel at home.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Quiche with Gruyère Cheese
A savory and satisfying dish, this Roasted Brussels Sprouts Quiche with Gruyère is the perfect balance of earthy, tender Brussels sprouts and the rich, nutty flavor of Gruyère cheese.