With Thanksgiving right around the corner it is always fun to celebrate the holiday with family. However, so many of us have friends that have become a part of our family,
what better way to say how much your friendship means than to host a "Friendsgiving" gathering. You can celebrate with an elaborate feast with all the traditional fixings or a casual evening with heavy appetizers and good drinks!
For the more traditional look, I pulled several items from around the house to create a beautiful white, copper and navy tablescape. It doesn't have to be expensive to give a wow factor.
On one of my many Target outings I found several cute items in the dollar section that would be perfect for my table. These darling blue and white tea towels, made perfect napkins, set with a copper leaf napkin ring.
Chalkboard gift tags were tied to the stem of a glass, which made an easy and cute name card.
Blue and white checkered towels made a great table runner. I added an old box flower arrangement, with mason jar candles. The mason jars bring a casual touch to an otherwise formal table.
To finish off the look I added the copper birds (miniature salt and pepper shakers) with a few white pumpkins. I found these for a $1 at Target, but you could easily create a beautiful centerpiece with fresh fall produce and greenery. I am a big fan of re-purposing, I love finding new ways to use items around my home.
For added height to your table setting, use an array of cake plates to showcase your feast.
For the place setting, I used a china set that I had on hand. This was passed down to me by my great-grandmother. I love being able to actually use the china, instead of it collecting dust. Again, find what you have on hand and form your theme around it. My china set has a gold rim with dark blue stardust accents, it went perfectly with the blue and white centerpiece items on the table. I love when that happens!
I loved how this table came together, it was formal without being overdone. But if you are more of a casual person maybe a night of apps and drinks is more your style. Invite the friends and kiddos over for a relaxing afternoon. You can have each friend bring a different appetizer and set them all out on an array of cake plates, platters and bowls; friends can nibble while they mingle.
When I can get away with using paper goods I am all for it, clean up is a breeze and allows you more time to socialize and less time cleaning up in the kitchen. These darling plates I found at Oriental Trading and Home Goods. How cute are these?
When it comes to drinks my philosophy is the simpler the better. I tend to like one signature cocktail over several. A great one for fall is a spiced apple sangria. Perfect for an afternoon sip! If you are looking for a good recipe check out Kitchen Treaty: Spiced Apple Cider Sangria
Keeping the decor simple, I picked a few fall leaves from the yard and strung them on a "Happy Fall" banner. Who doesn't love a little glitter? To add a little whimsy for the kids to enjoy, I had a giant balloon with a wool ball garland. It reminded me of the large punching balloons from when I was a kid. If you need decor for your friendsgiving celebration, check out Glam Fete, they have all you need for banners, balloons and garlands.
At some point during the celebration, the kids will ultimately steal your balloon to play outside. This one was so big it might have picked her up and taken her away. Well maybe not, but she certainly had fun trying!
Do you celebrate the holidays with friends? How do you celebrate? After all, friends are the extended family you choose. So gather some friends and toast the holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Party Styling & Photography: AK Party Studio
Stripey Straws: TomKat Studio
Balloon, Wool Ball Garland and Party Banner: Glam Fete
Toni
Post a Comment