For years now, a week or so prior to Thanksgiving I host my friends over for Friendsgiving. I think this is self explanatory but in case it’s not, the reason for this gathering is because for Thanksgiving, I have a table full of my family members. For Friendsgiving, I get the opportunity to thank my amazing friends for being in my life and share a special meal with them.

This year, more than ever, I need this dinner. The world has proven to gone mad and in a time like this, it’s important to focus on the strong values of love and kindness. I am thrilled to be gathering with my friends and sharing this meal with them.

To set the table this year, I came up with a different type of color palette and I’m utterly obsessed: Black, White, Gold and LILAC. Oy. It’s so gorgeous! I came up with this palette because of the gorgeous lilac candlestick holders that I saved after a recent event. They are beautiful styled in the middle of my table.

For a little fun with napkins, Natalie took rosemary + cinnamon sticks and tied them together with twine around a black and white cloth napkin. Looks so fabulous, smells and amazing and that cinnamon stick is perfect for our fall cocktail - just drop it into your glass when you are seated!

Speaking of our fall cocktail, you know I love a good punch! It goes a long way for a crowd and is so easy to throw together. I made a cider punch and I left the liquor out of it so my guests can spike as they like! That made this super easy…combine fresh apple cider, frozen cranberries (note i like frozen for this because they act like ice cubes!, sliced lemons + apples (or any fresh fruit and citrus that you have and love). Add cinnamon sticks to garnish.

For Friendsgiving dinner, I like to assign dishes to my friends to bring because I know they love to contribute and instead of serving a turkey, I make roasted chicken! It’s a nice change because we all know we can get a little turkey’d out during the holidays!

For a unique appetizer, I picked up pre-made Butternut squash soup from Trader Joe’s and served it in hollowed out pumpkins. I also made the ready to bake bisquits (my favorite!) and served them on mini cutting boards that my friend gifted to me years ago for Hanukkah. I put a square of butter next to each and topped with Kosher Salt. YUM!

Now turn on the tunes and bon apetit! Friendsgiving will be special, delicious and in great company this year.