Welcome to the latest edition of Come herenewsletter from Food52 Editor-in-Chief Julie Vadnal, all about hosting meetings big and small, while staying calm. Do you have company? Sign up here to receive your emails.
I’ll share a secret with you: I prefer Friendsgiving to Thanksgiving. It’s not that I don’t love my family (I do!), but there’s a communal informality to gathering with friends that you don’t get on the big day itself. My rule for getting my friends together for an early turkey day? I prepare it as a potluck so I only have to provide the bird and of course the table. But I’ll let you in on a second secret: Setting the stage with the perfect combination of dinnerware is my favorite part.
I once had a boss who would prepare his Thanksgiving table days in advance, and while that seems like a little extra for Friendsgiving, setting the table is one of the first things you can do the day before so you don’t have to scramble. previous hour. the guests arrive.
Hear me out: Friendsgiving is not your finest china. Instead, it’s an opportunity to mix and match dinnerware (especially for those of us who don’t have 15 of the same plate). Sure, my Saber Bistrot cutlery collection isn’t all one color, but mixing tortoiseshell, fern green, and ivory is a great combination that always works.
It’s perfectly acceptable to ask your guests to bring side dishes, assigned by category: salad, potatoes, squash, etc. Do you need inspiration? We have over 70 (!) seasonal side dish ideas.
Our 76 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Complete the Feast
Read article
There are no aluminum serving trays in this house. Instead, I like to give guests options for displaying their plate, from oval platters to serving bowls and even a cake stand, which can hold anything from a mountain of muffins to, of course, a cake.
Most guests (at least my friends) appreciate a chore, and adding them to a Spotify Jam playing from my Sonos is an easy way to feel like they’re a part of the festivities, too.
Because Friendsgiving is more casual than the real thing, I like to add stools and poufs around my living room so my friends can feel comfortable come cake time.
Happy Friendship Day! What’s your best hosting tip? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
