Nov 21

Nov 21 Friendsgiving 2016

Seasonal, Hosting, Vegetarian, Thanksgiving, Holiday Recipes, Sides, Recipes, Salads, Spaces, Things I Love, Tablescapes, Holiday, Wine, Products, Etiquette, Entertaining

It’s that time of year to give thanks. Hopefully most are able to come together to celebrate family and friends and all that we are thankful for. And I don’t know about you, but as I’ve made my way through life, my group of friends have become my second family. And while family will always be important, I enjoy giving thanks for the great friends in my life as well.

I took a 6 month hiatus from blogging and with the holidays just around the corner, it was these friends who encouraged me to “get back in the game.” I love the holidays and I love entertaining, so I decided to host a Friendsgiving. (See my guide to hosting, here)

Below is how I brought it all together, along with some of my favorite go-to recipes. I hope you enjoy and find some inspiration for your own turkey day feast!

While the food is obviously the star of Thanksgiving, great food and presentation go hand in hand.

“Great food and presentation go hand in hand.”

I wanted something warm and inviting. For my place settings, I used antique, silver chargers, topped with the Plymouth Turkey Dinnerware Collection and Provisions flatware by Williams-Sonoma. I wanted to compliment all the shades of brown with a soft gray so I chose the Linen Double Hemstitch Napkins, also by Williams-Sonoma.

To add a personal touch to my tablescape, I found these “Thankful for You,” favor bags on Etsy. I placed cranberry cookies in each bag and tied them off with gray ribbon, to continue my theme.

I always recommend florals or some type of greenery. For my table I wanted magnolia leaves. A friend of mine with a beautiful magnolia tree made this centerpiece, tying the leaves together with floral wire (another thing to be thankful for!). I then added clementines for a pop of color. For added ambiance, I repurposed wine bottles and placed tapers, cut at various lengths in each one of them.

When it comes to the bird, I like “dressing” it up as well. I used live floral leaves, sliced oranges and blackberries to garnish the platter.

When all the cooking and decorating is done, what’s a Friendsgiving without friends? Great food and friends, now that’s something to be thankful for!