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FRIENDSGIVING
THE MERGING OF FRIENDS AND THANKSGIVING - AMERICA ’ S MOST CELEBRATED HOLIDAY , FRIENDSGIVING IS BASICALLY JUST ANOTHER EXCUSE TO GET TOGETHER WITH PALS , EAT COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF DELICIOUS ( SOMETIMES NAUGHTY ) FOOD AND GET TIPSY ON YOUR FAVOURITE ENGLISH WINE OR COCKTAIL - A WIN-WIN ALL ROUND ! WANT TO KNOW HOW TO JUMP ABOARD THE FRIENDSGIVING TRAIN AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS EVER-POPULAR TREND TAKING OUR SOCIAL LIVES BY STORM ? WE ’ VE PUT TOGETHER SOME OF OUR TOP TIPS AND TRICKS WITH THE HELP FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS ON HOW TO HOST A PARTY LIKE NO OTHER , ALL OF WHICH ARE SURE TO IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS .
Sarah Coleman , founder at Beyond the Table , gives her expert advice on hosting the perfect Friendsgiving party :
“ I need no excuse to gather a group of friends around my table . Friendsgiving is hosted at my favourite time of year , when autumn meets winter , so when planning my tabletop , I think texture , warmth and an abundance of candle light .
I tend to steer away from ‘ themes ’ as I like my tables to feel a little more organic , so instead consider a ‘ concept ’ such as romantic monochrome , or winter whites so as to give a holistic look without any dominant theme .
I love to use different fabrics and textures to create a point of difference and often source beautiful deadstock fabrics to throw over my table . The fabrics are often softer and more floaty than tablecloth fabrics and create a really elegant tablescape base .
Finally , adorn your table with an abundance of candlelight and fresh or foraged flowers and invite your friends for supper . For added fun include a dress code that matches your tablescape concept for a stunning aesthetic and fabulous photos !”
INVITES
Nothing goes down better than a physical paper ( or better still card ) invite . Time to really step up the party game and make your friends feel extra special by sending a written invitation to your event . Design something bespoke online and get them printed , or choose a template on Etsy or Zazzle . Don ’ t forget to make it personalised ; add a little note or a small token to make it that extra bit special .
DINING
When it comes to feeding your party , it ’ s time to pull out all the stops ; Friendsgiving is about eating well after all . Take this opportunity to prepare a showstopper feast that caters for all tastes and don ’ t be afraid to show off your cooking skills . A typical Thanksgiving dinner might feature turkey , potatoes and all the trimmings , or maybe a creamy mac ‘ n ’ cheese followed by a classic pumpkin pie , but Friendsgiving can be whatever you ’ d like it to be . Take inspiration from traditional recipes , or get creative with new ones ; this time of year calls out for indulgent and comforting autumnal dishes like stews and casseroles .
GRAZING
The easiest way to cater for all tastes is a buffet , or better still a grazing table - colourful , fun and super trendy , they have replaced the formal canape reception and work amazingly well with cocktails .
TABLESCAPING
Dinner parties are the perfect excuse to have fun with your table decor . No matter what feast you are ( or aren ’ t ) preparing , if you have a grand dining room or a cosy kitchen , preparing a beautiful dining space is well worth the extra effort . The key to outfitting your table effectively is to first think about space . Choose a theme / colour scheme and then start building . Consider glassware , crockery , vases and decor like flowers or accessories . Add personal touches with name cards or notes for each of your guests or give them a personalised glass to take away . Is it unnecessary ? Yes probably , but when it comes to this occasion more is definitely more !
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