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A Weekend of Curated Experiences & Tablescapes Made to Remember

 

Grace Cottage

SOUTH HAVEN, MICHIGAN

Friday, August 29– Labor Day, September 1, 2025 

 

 If you're a woman whose spirit and dining table have started feeling a little uninspired, and you're yearning for more, this retreat is for you. Here, personal restoration, tablescaping, entertaining, and hosting mastery unite in a beautiful beach town setting, Labor Day Weekend


ONLY 6 EXCLUSIVE SPOTS

EARLY BIRD PRICING: $1,198 PER GUEST  (EARLY BIRD RATE APPLIES THRU JULY 25TH)

Yes, I Neeed This Now
Home Benefits Venue Cuisine Itinerary Inclusions Meet Cheryl Your Investment FAQs

You've been doing what needs to be done...


...working, juggling kids’ playdates or parents' doctor appointments, tossing together meals between meetings, and reaching for paper plates (nooo!) when you yearn for china.

You’ve been skipping table beauty because you’re not sure how to bring something special to life. Or, too tired to plan it. So, even on holidays, you find yourself recycling the same tired, traditional table settings that no longer spark joy.

Your soul simply desires more.

 
This is your invitation

 

to step away from the chaos and the blur


Join your host, Cheryl Grace, in the lakeside charm of South Haven, Michigan, where the pace softens, the details matter, and you reconnect with yourself, your creativity, and the joy of intentional living.

A weekend filled with intentional beauty, relaxed luxury, and meaningful "me time" restoration, all while rediscovering the creative hostess within you.

Following this soul-nourishing weekend experience—where relaxed luxury meets creative renewal—
you’ll return home not only refreshed but reawakened to the beauty you’re meant to create, host,
and live whenever you desire to.

You Had Me at "Step Away!" I'm In.
 

You've been doing what needs to be done...


...working, juggling kids’ playdates or parents' doctor appointments, tossing together meals between meetings, and reaching for paper plates (nooo!) when you yearn for china.

You’ve been skipping table beauty because you’re not sure how to bring something special to life. Or, too tired to plan it. So, even on holidays, you find yourself recycling the same tired, traditional table settings that no longer spark joy.

Your soul simply desires more.

This is your invitation

 

to step away from the chaos and the blur


Join your host, Cheryl Grace, in the lakeside charm of South Haven, Michigan, where the pace softens, the details matter, and you reconnect with yourself, your creativity, and the joy of intentional living.

A weekend filled with intentional beauty, relaxed luxury, and meaningful "me time" restoration, all while rediscovering the creative hostess within you.

Following this soul-nourishing weekend experience—where relaxed luxury meets creative renewal—you’ll return home not only refreshed but reawakened to the beauty you’re meant to create, host,
and live whenever you desire to.

You Had Me at "Step Away!" I'm In.
Picture this...
 

...a gentle breeze drifts off the lake as you sip tea from a dainty china teacup, rocking slowly in the white wooden chair that's lulling you into a state of bliss.

Famished from your morning stroll along the country road, where you spotted deer, you're relieved to be called into the cottage for breakfast. 

Inside, you and the other guests are delighted to find a bountiful meal on a beautifully set table you didn’t have to lift a finger to create.

Picture this...
 

 

...a gentle breeze drifts off the lake as you sip tea from a dainty china teacup, rocking slowly in the white wooden chair that's lulling you into a state of bliss.

 

Famished from your morning stroll along the country road, where you spotted deer, you're relieved to be called into the cottage for breakfast. 

 

Inside, you and the other guests are delighted to find a bountiful meal on a beautifully set table you didn’t have to lift a finger to create.

 

 

 


You spend the afternoon frolicking in the pool...



...or browsing charming boutiques with your new friends in one of Michigan’s most picturesque beach towns...

 

 

...or maybe, after moving full throttle for weeks, today you give yourself permission to stay in, with nothing on your to-do list but a well-deserved nap.


You have plenty of time before the professional mixologist arrives to show you how to shake, stir, and garnish signature drinks, just before you and your assigned partner begin styling your own show-stopping tablescape for a lighthearted competition held later during the weekend.

You spend the afternoon frolicking in the pool...



...or browsing charming boutiques with your new friends in one of Michigan’s most picturesque beach towns...

 

 

...or maybe, after moving full throttle for weeks, today you give yourself permission to stay in, with nothing on your to-do list but a well-deserved nap.


You have plenty of time before the professional mixologist arrives to show you how to shake, stir, and garnish signature drinks, just before you and your assigned partner begin styling your own show-stopping tablescape for a lighthearted competition held later during the weekend.



The candlelit dinner table that evening is so stunning, it leaves you breathless and filled with ideas and possibilities of what you can create on your own when you get home, now that you've had time to practice creating a tablescape for lunch, dinner, and and a holiday. You have confidence that you now know how to bring your vision to life.

The candlelit dinner table that evening is so stunning, it leaves you breathless and filled with ideas and possibilities of what you can create on your own when you get home, now that you've had time to practice creating a tablescape for lunch, dinner, and and a holiday. You have confidence that you now know how to bring your vision to life.

You my friend, are in South Haven, Michigan at

As you watch the sun set over the lake, you realize—you didn’t just attend a retreat. You stepped back into your joy.

Here, elegance is effortless,
nature wraps around you like a soft shawl, and every detail whispers: you deserve this.

This curated weekend experience is designed for women seeking fresh inspiration and new ways to elevate their hosting by learning how to entertain with style and intention.

Held at a private lake cottage, this retreat blends elevated entertaining with intentional rest and hands-on inspiration that awakens your creativity. This is your invitation to experience luxury, creativity, and connection in ways that ripple far beyond the table—into how you host, lead, and yes, live with intention.

I'M APPLYING BECAUSE I DESERVE THIS WEEKEND!
You'll be welcomed by  your host,  Cheryl Grace

 

 

With a house full of kids, my mother still insisted on glass plates and cloth napkins, even for everyday meals. Beauty and intention at the table were non-negotiable. So it’s no surprise that, after purchasing my dream lake cottage in 2017, a deep passion for entertaining bloomed.

Hosting fabulous soirées quickly became my favorite creative outlet, and soon my table designs were generating quite the buzz among my Facebook followers.

I’ve since channeled that joy into something more meaningful. Through my coaching firm, Powerful Penny LLC, I help women cultivate holistic balance—at work, in love, and at home. That at home pillar gave rise to Tablescapes By Grace, where I create story-filled tablescapes for busy hostesses and businesses, with the simple philosophy that every meal should be memorable. 

Many women have asked me to teach a workshop, but I wanted to offer more. This retreat is a true escape: immersive, uninterrupted, and soul-nourishing.

My promise? To give you the space—and the grace—to slow down and reconnect with the creative side of yourself that often gets buried in the chaos of daily life. To help you confidently design tables that reflect your unique style—and remind you that beauty, intention, and meaningful connection deserve a seat not only at your table, but in your life. Because you deserve it.

I  hear you wondering...

 

“Is now really the time? A retreat sounds amazing, but can I really step away for a long weekend just for me?”

“I keep saying I’ll do something for myself once things calm down… but they never really do, do they?”

“I’ve used the same dinner plates for years—and if I’m honest, paper plates are easier. I want to be creative again, but I don’t know where to start.”

“I truly want more beauty, more presence, more joy in my life … but with everything I’m juggling—and the price tag of a weekend away—how do I justify taking a long weekend for myself?”

Your happiness, my friend, is the justification.

 

Because when you feel good, you show up better.

You inspire more freely. You create and care with renewed purpose, presence, and joy. Your family and friends feel that shift—and they pass it forward, infusing their own lives and gatherings with the inspiration you bring home.

That ripple begins with you.

This isn’t about extravagance. It’s about permission. It’s about choosing a pause that lets you come home to yourself—and in doing so, return to your life with more presence, more inspiration, and a heart full of new ways to give.

And the beauty is, you don’t need to fly across the world to find peace, connection, and inspiration. Just a liberating two-hour drive from Chicago brings you to South Haven, Michigan—where calm, creativity, and curated hostessing await.
All you have to do is say yes.
I'M SAYING YES!
You are ready. This is your time!

 This retreat transcends mere relaxation—it's an invitation to rediscover yourself,
in a fully immersive, creative experience where you are the agenda.

At the Host Within Retreat, you’ll connect with creative women who love hosting, styling beautiful tables, and gathering with intention. This long Labor Day weekend offers space for reflection and celebration—time to laugh, style, sip, and share as you rediscover the joy of meaningful entertaining.

 

 

Each day blends creativity with connection.

 

You’ll learn to layer patterns and textures. How to create floral arrangements on a budget. And design mood boards that showcase your intention before you even get near a table. With guidance, you'll create three stunning tablescapes—ending in a fabulous final-day competition.

From quiet moments, such as yoga, meditation, and fireside chats, to energizing ones like shopping, beach time, and inspired conversations, you’ll move between rest and delight. 

Add in elegant meals, lakeside strolls, mocktails and wine, and thoughtful surprises, and you’ll walk away with more than memories: new skills, new sisters, and a refreshed love for hosting and self-expression.

 

Four days, One Intention:

to return home refueled, replenished, and radiant
I WANT THIS EXPERIENCE

 

The Reason You're Coming...

 

At the Host Within Retreat, tablescaping is about crafting moments that linger, not just setting the table. Each of the sessions outlined below builds on the last as you explore the art of transformation, using curated tableware and décor to bring your vision to life. With expert guidance, you’ll gain the confidence to recreate these unforgettable experiences at home.

 

Apply For Your Seat at the Table

The Venue

Charming Private Lake Cottage


From the moment you step through the doors of Grace Cottage, your curated experience begins.

Located in the peaceful beach town of South Haven, Michigan, this charming private lake home offers the perfect blend of seclusion, serenity, and simple luxury. Surrounded by trees and kissed by lake breezes, it’s a setting designed to nourish your spirit and spark your creativity.

This isn't a venue for passing through—it's a destination for going within. Every inch of the space is designed to invite calm and encourage beauty, from the soft light that filters through the windows to the perfectly styled tables waiting to be enjoyed.

South Haven may be just two hours from Chicago, but here, you’re a world away.

We offer five thoughtfully designed bedrooms, each with its own unique charm


 A beautifully appointed shared bathroom with a tub and shower is conveniently located for each room.

The Peaceful Parisian Boudoir

A dreamy queen room with a French flair, featuring pale pinks and greens, old-world charm, and a soft joie de vivre. On the upper level with a shared bathroom.

The Cozy Classic Cottage

Pure New England charm with twin beds, white shuttered furniture, and playful Lily Pulitzer bedding. On the upper level with a shared bathroom.

The Calming Coastal Chambre

A vibrant queen room infused with tropical colors and laid-back island style. On the upper level with a private entrance to a shared bathroom.

The Rustic Rhapsody Haven

A queen bed and nostalgic touches like vintage wash basins that transport you to simpler times. On the lower level with a shared bathroom.

The Blissful Beachside Hideaway

A queen room with bold nautical blue-and-white striped walls, a faux blue Ming lamp, and whimsical beach and African American artwork. On the lower level with a shared bathroom.

Charming Private Lake Cottage


From the moment you step through the doors of Grace Cottage, your curated experience begins.

Located in the peaceful beach town of South Haven, Michigan, this charming private lake home offers the perfect blend of seclusion, serenity, and simple luxury. Surrounded by trees and kissed by lake breezes, it’s a setting designed to nourish your spirit and spark your creativity.

This isn't a venue for passing through—it's a destination for going within. Every inch of the space is designed to invite calm and encourage beauty, from the soft light that filters through the windows to the perfectly styled tables waiting to be enjoyed.

South Haven may be just two hours from Chicago, but here, you’re a world away.

We offer five thoughtfully designed bedrooms, each with its own unique charm


 A beautifully appointed shared bathroom with a tub and shower is conveniently located for each room.

The Peaceful Parisian Boudoir

A dreamy queen room with a French flair, featuring pale pinks and greens, old-world charm, and a soft joie de vivre. On the upper level with a shared bathroom.

The Cozy Classic Cottage

Pure New England charm with twin beds, white shuttered furniture, and playful Lily Pulitzer bedding. On the upper level with a shared bathroom.

The Calming Coastal Chambre

A vibrant queen room infused with tropical colors and laid-back island style. On the upper level with a private entrance to a shared bathroom.

The Rustic Rhapsody Haven

A queen bed and nostalgic touches like vintage wash basins that transport you to simpler times. On the lower level with a shared bathroom.

The Blissful Beachside Hideaway

A queen room with bold nautical blue-and-white striped walls, a faux blue Ming lamp, and whimsical beach and African American artwork. On the lower level with a shared bathroom.

Food for the Soul

The Cuisine


When it comes to hosting with heart, no one does it quite like your host, Cheryl Grace. Throughout the weekend, she'll prepare seven exquisite meals that highlight both artistry and comfort—a feast for the eyes and the soul.

With the exception of one luncheon on your free Saturday afternoon (when you can explore the local flavors), all your meals are provided.  Take a peek at the actual menus below!

Recipes for each curated dish will be included in your keepsake Fabulosity Gift Bag—yours to revisit, recreate, and treasure long after the retreat ends.

Please note: Guests will be asked to share any food allergies or sensitivities on the intake form, so meals can be prepared with care and accommodations in mind.

Experience the Magic of the Moment

 

The Experiences

This isn’t just a retreat. It’s a return.

A return to intentional living. To beauty for beauty’s sake. To a feminine connection that doesn’t rush or compete, but exhales.

Every detail is designed with care—from the tables you’ll dine at (and create) to the stillness you’ll finally allow yourself to enjoy.

  • Elegant, candlelit meals at curated tablescapes that surprise and delight

  • Immersive, instructional sessions where you’ll learn to style with story and ease

  • The casual happiness of lake life—where nature, water, stillness, and joy meet

  • Meaningful conversations with your host, Cheryl, that spark fresh inspiration

  • Graceful mornings by the lake, soulful yoga by the pool, golden-hour cocktails, and fireside s’mores beneath the stars

  • A pre-retreat welcome call to connect and arrive feeling relaxed, pampered, and creatively open

You’ll be nourished. Styled. Surprised. Seen.

And yes—you’ll get hands-on, too. Because creativity lives in the doing.

Here's What Awaits You

Your Itinerary

Inclusions

Responsive Tabs

What's Included

  • Three Nights of Lodging at our peaceful lakefront retreat home in Michigan
  • Seven Meals Each With Its Own Stunning Tablescape – be treated like a guest of honor with beautifully styled tables for each of these meals:
    • Friday: Picnic Lunch, Candlelit Dinner
    • Saturday: Breakfast, Candlelit Dinner (lunch is on your own)
    • Sunday: Breakfast, a packed lunch for those desiring it, and Outdoor BBQ
    • Monday (Labor Day): Celebratory Brunch
  • Three Hands-On TableStyling Sessions – Luncheon, Dinner, and Holiday tables.
  • TableStyling Competition + Styling Materials Provided
  • Retreat Workbook, Templates, Yoga Session, Mixology Class
  • Snacks, Wine, Tablescape Fabulosity Kit, Fireside Chats
  • Exclusive Access to Cheryl Grace + New Sisterhood Connections
    • What's Included Image

    What’s NOT Included in Your Retreat Experience

    While we’ve curated a magical weekend full of beauty, connection, and creativity, the following items are not included:

    • Transportation to and from the retreat venue
    • Meals not listed on the itinerary (Saturday lunch is on your own)
    • Alcoholic beverages not explicitly provided
    • Personal incidentals or additional activities not listed
    • Souvenirs or shopping expenses
    • Transportation to optional off-site activities
    • Tips for drivers or service providers outside scheduled retreat events
    • Personal, medical, or trip cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)
    Silver Image

    Activities at a Glance

    This retreat is designed to be both restorative and engaging, with light to moderate movement that invites you to slow down, connect, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Here’s what to expect:

    • Country Road Nature Walk: Enjoy an optional 2–3 mile morning walk along relatively flat terrain through serene natural landscapes—ideal for gentle movement and quiet reflection.
    • Beginner Yoga Session: Led by a guest instructor, this calming, beginner-friendly class is designed for all levels and focuses on stretching, breathwork, and grounding.
    • Swimming (Optional): The onsite pool is 5 feet deep and open for refreshing dips at your leisure. Please note there is no lifeguard on duty, and basic swimming ability is recommended for safety.
    • Free Time at the Beach (Optional): North Shore Public Beach offers classic sun-and-sand fun, while our private beach provides a more secluded escape. The private beach is located less than a quarter mile from the cottage and includes a steep decline, though golf cart transportation is available.
    • Shopping Excursion (Optional): Depending on the town visited, enjoy light shopping and casual strolling, which may total a mile or more.
    • Signature Sips with a Mixologist: In this interactive session, a certified mixologist will guide you in crafting one signature cocktail and one mocktail—complete with garnishing tips and glassware styling techniques.
    • Fireside Journaling & Intention Setting: Reflect and unwind around the outdoor fire pit with s’mores, cozy throws, and guided journaling prompts.
    • Sunset Viewing: Take a golden hour stroll or golf cart ride to our private beach, located less than a quarter mile from the cottage.
    • Three TableStyling Sessions: Build your confidence and creativity across three guided sessions—Luncheon, Dinner, and Brunch/Buffet—each one designed to help you master the art of setting stunning, memorable tables. No experience necessary, though you may need to walk down stairs to access our signature Decor Closet.
    • The Tablescape Competition: This high-energy, team-building finale invites you to put your new skills to the test in a timed design challenge.
    • Guided Gratitude & Reflection Meditation: Sunday begins with a heart-centered gratitude practice—our way of honoring the day and setting heartfelt intentions. Led by our meditation specialist, this gentle session invites you to pause, breathe, and acknowledge the blessings you carry. Through mindful silence and simple visualization, you'll create space to truly appreciate each moment.

    Mobility Note: This retreat includes stairs, light outdoor terrain, and a few uneven surfaces.

    Activities Image

    Retreat Bonuses

    • Pre-Retreat Zoom Call: Before we even unpack a napkin, we’ll gather for a group Zoom session to get you grounded, excited, and prepped for your transformation. You’ll receive guidance on what to bring, what to expect, and have the chance to meet your fellow retreat attendees so we hit the ground running—starting with our welcome picnic lunch!
    • Graceful Entertaining Masterclass (Post-Retreat): About 30 days after the retreat, we’ll reunite virtually for a special one-hour masterclass where you’ll have the chance to show off your first “at-home” tablescape, get personalized feedback, and learn one more advanced styling tip to elevate your entertaining game even further. This session is all about deepening your skills and staying connected to your fabulosity.
    • The Fabulosity Gift Bag: Of course, it wouldn’t be a Tablescapes by Grace retreat without a little surprise. Every guest will receive a curated Fabulosity Gift Bag—filled with special touches to delight and inspire. What’s inside? You’ll just have to wait and see
    Retreat Bonuses Image
    Limited Number of Guests

    Only 6 Openings. Because You Deserve Special Attention.

     

    Allow us to pour into you for a change.


    We’ve kept this retreat intentionally small—just six women—so the experience feels personal, spacious, and deeply nourishing. When you’re not lost in a crowd, there’s room to explore your creativity, be seen, and settle into your own rhythm.

    This isn’t about pampering the group, it’s about honoring you.
    Every element has been thoughtfully chosen to reflect your value and create an atmosphere of ease, inspiration, and connection.



    Once all seats are filled, the application process will close. Room selections are available on a first-come, first-served basis, pending payment in full.

    Your Investment

     

    Full Payment
    Early Bird Rate

    $1,198

    Installment plan available.

     

    Includes:

    • 4 full days
    • 3 nights' lodging
    • 7 meals (+Grace-On-The-Go packed lunch)
    • 3 tablescaping sessions + competition
    • all tablescaping materials
    • comprehensive tablescaping guidebook
    • 3 immersive activities (yoga, mixologist, meditation)
    • pre-retreat group Zoom call
    • post-retreat 1:1 tablestyling coaching session
    • a Fabulosity Gift Bag
    APPLY TO JOIN

    Regular Rate
    after July 25th

    $1,438

    Installment plan available.

     

    Includes:

    • 4 full days
    • 3 nights' lodging
    • 7 meals (+Grace-On-The-Go packed lunch)
    • 3 tablescaping sessions + competition
    • all tablescaping materials
    • comprehensive tablescaping guidebook
    • 3 immersive activities (yoga, mixologist, meditation)
    • pre-retreat group Zoom call
    • post-retreat 1:1 tablestyling coaching session
    • a Fabulosity Gift Bag 
    APPLY TO JOIN
     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Ready to reconnect—with yourself, your creativity, and your joy?


    Apply now. We’ll review each application with care and reach out to confirm if you've been selected for a seat at the table.

    Yes, I’m packing now.