THE DO’S AND DON’TS FOR A PERFECT FRIENDSGIVING
There’s something magical about Friendsgiving. Your closest friends you consider family gathers around a table for some delicious food, there’s no guilt of eating said delicious foods, the drinks, the talks, the laughs, the watching of Youtube videos (just us?), the drinks. But there are some sides to Friendsgiving that can get a little tricky, so here’s a list of Do’s and Don’ts that you’ll want to consider this Thanksgiving when inviting your friends over. Because no one wants to be on the receiving end of that side-eye…
DO try to make as much of your feast from scratch.
Canned pumpkins? Sure (get organic!). Premade pie crust? Why not. Canned green beans for the casserole? Stop right there.
According to a study at the University of Sao Paolo, scientists found that “nearly 60% of an American’s daily calories come from “ultraprocessed” food. Food that contains ingredients such as flavors, colors, sweeteners and hydrogenated oils, emulsifiers and other additives that you wouldn’t cook with at home.” The fresher, the better. You’ll taste the difference, and your body will thank you after that third plate.
Some of my favorite go-to recipes are made from scratch. Like this Cheesy Mac N’ Cheese or delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake.
DON’T cook your food in the dishwasher. Nuff’ said.
DO make an effort to create an inviting ambiance with holiday decor and dinnerware.
No need to get cheesy by creating paper mache turkey centerpieces, instead take the colors of the season as inspiration for decorating. Set the table with beautiful amber plates and stemware, add a touch of elegance with some greenery (we love eucalyptus!), and integrate candles to illuminate the table.
Go the extra mile with an eclectic flair by incorporating vintage brass to the setting. From mid-century brass swans to vintage brass candlestick holders, designers from around the world are using these timeless pieces to create the perfect dinner party scene.
DON’T get lazy and buy the paper Thanksgiving plates and cups at the dollar store down the street.
If you have over ten people coming over for dinner, then maybe you get a pass. But the effort in crafting a beautiful place for your guests to enjoy begins in the details of the decor. So bust out that chinaware you’ve been hiding, or pick up those beautiful vintage plates you’ve always wanted, and get that dishwasher ready for the end of the night.
DO create a dinner playlist full of your favorite tracks that your guests can vibe to.
Whether it’s a jazz playlist that will set the dinner time mood, or a Bay Area R&B mix that will get everyone low-key hyphy, no dinner party is complete without some tunes.
DON’T play your cousin’s baby daddy’s friend’s new mixtape that he made you buy for $10. Or artists who support Trump.
Because holidays are meant for people to come together in harmony, and no one needs to hear Chrisette Michele’s discography. Does she still make music?
At the end of the night, the only thing people will remember is the good time they had...and the mac n’ cheese (use the recipe above, it’s bomb). So don’t worry if you don’t get time to sweat the small stuff. Give thanks that you’re surrounded by the people you love that night. That’s all that really matters.
