In our house, Friendsgiving serves as the true kickoff to the holiday season. Friends gather before everyone leaves town to visit family, and everyone brings food to share. While sometimes the reality is a lot more disposable plates and a lot less “Pinterest perfection”, the time spent together is always memorable and filled with laughter.
Some sweet friends of mine teamed up with us at Greer Street Garden to create a Friendsgiving themed photo shoot, that is a combination of Pinterest and reality.
Table settings.
With the help of Raleigh Calligraphy’s table runner and watercolor place cards, and styling assistance from Minted Spaces, we created a beautiful tablescape that was both pretty and practical, made apparent by the plastic cutlery a la Target.
Although real flatware may have photographed better, unless you’re me, you probably aren’t going to run out to buy a whole new flatware set for one dinner. Instead, make the most of what you have and spring for the seasonal napkins, which will set you back $20 rather than $60+.
DIY Photo booth.
Who says that photobooths have to be reserved for weddings? A makeshift backdrop behind a cute couch can do wonders, and will help you to commemorate the day.
TIP: We just recycled props from a New Year’s Eve photo booth kit-- because metallics are always in season!
Desserts.
Admittedly I never thought that I would be saying this, but sometimes it’s okay to just go with the store bought desserts. With all of our busy schedules, adding baking to my to do list just wasn’t in the cards this go round, so I had to turn to my trusty neighborhood Harris Teeter to help me out.
Place on a cute cake stand, top with some homemade whipped cream, and voila! Dessert is served.
Friendsgiving is one of my favorite holiday celebrations, but that is not to say that it has to cost you an arm and a leg. Sometimes opening up your home to your friends and everyone spending time together is reason enough to be thankful.