Tobe R. is our fearless leader here at Think.Make.Share., but she’s also an accomplished lettering artist, graphic designer, brass collector and interior decorator. Today, she’s sharing the first of three posts about our Friendsgiving extravaganza, a collaboration between Think.Make.Share., Gimme Some Oven and Because It’s Awesome, Tobe’s personal blog.
Celebrate friendship with Friendsgiving
As we were dreaming up content to share with you guys this holiday season, we knew that Thanksgiving inspiration was definitely in order. And I can’t think of too many things more delightful than an excuse to get together with friends (or co-workers) for a little Friendsgiving celebration.
Now, I love me a gorgeous tabletop and elaborate meal as much as the next person. But as I started collecting ideas and inspiration, I couldn’t help but think about the real reason we get together on this day: to give thanks and enjoy the people and blessings we’re most grateful for.
So with the help of the very talented Ali of Gimme Some Oven, we put together today’s low-stress meal (sides only!) with no-fuss table decorations so the focus could be on great conversation with special friends.
Go neutral with your fall table decor
My number one rule: Set a neutral base so you can get creative without breaking the bank year after year! An ivory tablecloth and everyday white china do just that. If you like a lot of texture on your table, wood or woven chargers in a natural material are a great touch. I am a huge fan of all things vintage—especially brass—and I knew that I wanted some of my quirky brass menagerie collection to come into play. So I tried to keep the tabletop pretty simple to allow those hits of gold to really shine.
Vintage flatware (gold, of course) and highball glasses add a nice contrast to the modern white dinnerware. I couldn’t resist the patterned napkins for a little pop, as they play off the painted feather place settings perfectly.
Pro tip:
Warm candlelight is a great finishing touch. Everyone looks good in a soft glow, and it sets the tone for conversation to run late into the evening.
Personalized place settings
Each setting included a place card with space to tell each guest why I’m grateful to have them in my life (download your free Friendsgiving place card here) and a Hallmark card for them to pay it forward. I kept the messages light and playful to set a fun and casual tone for the evening. (Check out these tips from our friends at Hallmark.com for some great idea starters if you’re stumped on what to say!) The painted feathers from a recent workshop were perfect for adding a seasonal punch of color at each seat.
Pro tip:
Painting feathers are a perfect way to get the kids involved. I’m looking forward to doing this craft with the kids for our family gathering this year!
Make sure to check out Ali’s delicious Thanksgiving cocktail recipe, and all of the details for making your floral arrangement out of grocery store flowers (including produce)! And, as always, we love to see how you celebrate time with friends and family around the holidays. Show us your holiday inspiration on Instagram @Think.Make.Share.
Photography by Jane Kortright.
Want more Thanksgiving ideas? See Ashley and Sarah’s Gratitude Tree crafts and visit our friends at Hallmark.com.