You’re Invited: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving15-Design-Crush

 

I look forward to these imaginary holiday dinners every single year, and this Thanksgiving feast is no exception. This year, in reality, I’ll be hosting ten for the big day and am looking forward to pulling out the serving pieces that aren’t used nearly often enough as well as my trusty white dinnerware that goes with everything. However, this is how the day would look if I set the table and cooked every single thing I want to make!

 

Thanksgiving15-Table-Drinks-Crush

Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule // Autumn Pimm’s Cup // Crockpot Apple Pear Cider // Cucumber-Infused Gin and Grapefruit Black Pepper Fizz // Orange Cranberry Blended Margaritas // Tamarind Whiskey Sour

The moment guests set foot in my home I want to pass them a beverage or cocktail to set a tone of jovial relaxation. I find that having the makings of between three and six cocktails on hand is a good amount, that along with the usual bar staples should have you set for the day’s events.

 

Thanksgiving15-Decor-Design-Crush

Antler Candle Holders // Bottlebrush Pine Wreath // DIY Pinecone Garland // Gather Door Mat // DIY Gobble Gobble Bunting // Hand-Dipped 18″ Taper Candles // In All Things Give Thanks Print // Modern Dinner Bells // Vanilla Cupcake Candles

Next I want them to take a second and notice some of the more subtle touches I’ve thought about. The muted palette, the mentions of togetherness and being thankful, the scents in the air. I don’t want to overdo it, because we all know Thanksgiving is all about the food and the table.

 

Thanksgiving15-Appetizers-Design-Crush

Apple Cranberry Turkey Meatballs // Crispy Sweet Potato Wontons // Everything Bagel Goat Cheese // Pomegranate Salsa // Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus // Walnut and Honey Baked Brie

No one wants to wait around until dinnertime to start eating, so making sure there are plenty of appetizers sitting around to snack on is a big deal. Again, I like to stick with the three to six rule. This Thanksgiving I decided to keep things seasonal by sticking to recipes that include staples like turkey, cranberry, and sweet potatoes.

 

Thanksgiving15-Table-Design-Crush

1948º Oval Serving Plate // Copper Cocktail Pitcher // Criss Cross Watercolour Napkins // Copper Top Flatware // Dipped White Tray // Ellipse Platter in Watercolor Blue // Gugo Pitcher Jug // Hex Baking Dish Set // IVO ViRTU Copper Carving Knife Set // Long Zulu Platter // Marta Tasting Glasses // Oval Outline Trivet // Pemberton Ink Collection // Rain Tablecloth // Round Brass Tray // Space Place Card Holders // Washington Copper Tray // WUD Plate

This year I’ve put a lot of emphasis on the table, with plenty of ceramics, woods, and metals covering it from end to end. I’m reality I’d need a pretty big spread to fit everything I’m dreaming of!

 

Thanksgiving15-Main-Course-Design-Crush

Balsamic Roasted Baby Carrots // Buffalo Cheddar Beer Bread Stuffing // Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Soup // Cheesy Garlic Butter Potatoes // Fall Slaw with Miso-Ginger Dressing + Tamari Pumpkin Seeds // Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy // Homemade Cranberry Sauce // Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts // Market Bean Salad // Orzo with Goat Cheese and Arugula // Prosciutto and Sage Garlic Bread // Sweet Potato and Rosemary Gratin

The main event! I’m forever hoping for one of those lingering meals in the movies, when in reality we spend an entire day preparing a feast and everyone’s pushed away from the table in less than thirty minutes. I think I’d like to serve this spread a few dishes at a time, almost forcing everyone to slow down and enjoy the smaller things – like each bite and every word.

 

Thanksgiving15-Desserts-Design-Crush

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake // Blackberry Jam Tart // Flaky Apple Dumplings with Salted Maple Caramel // Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie // Pumpkin Chocolate Crumb Cake // Sugar Cream Pie

In my opinion nothing tops the day like a slice of dessert. Any dessert. Again, I like that three to six rule of thumb. The beauty here is that whenever someone asks if they can bring anything, well, there can never be too many deserts. Have some boxes on hand so people can take home some of whatever they didn’t get a chance to try at the table.

Come on over any time after 3 o’clock!

7

A Tasty Friendsgiving + The Mealtime Movement

Mealtime Movement-1-Design Crush

 

I used to be the Queen of Communication – I once sent my best friend a letter a day while she was a summer camp counselor in high school – but somewhere along the way of getting older/having more responsibilities/life all of that somehow changed. These days I find myself struggling to mail out birthday cards on time and am 100% guilty of not answering the phone because I can’t bring myself to put down whatever it is I’m doing. This is not the way I want to be living this life, not by a long shot.

 

Mealtime Movement-2-Design Crush

 

 

Friends and family are important, the spice of life, and deserve the time and effort it takes to maintain and grow those relationships. And when it comes to doing just that I find there’s no better glue than food. Countless many memories of mine are inextricably tied to scents and flavors in the kitchen, and I’m willing to bet it’s the same for you. With the holidays nearly upon us once again it’s the perfect time to combine the two – tasty food and shared experience.

 

 

Mealtime Movement-3-Design Crush

 

 

But let’s be real, the holidays are already an uber hectic time for most of us. Take the number of tasks we need to check off on the average day and multiply it by five, right?  My friends and I have come to rely on the easiest version of a pre-holiday get together known to man – a potluck. In fact, we’ve made it a tradition, and everyone knows to mark off the Sunday before Thanksgiving for Friendsgiving. I love that because it’s become an annual event getting together doesn’t feel like I’m rearranging my life to accommodate yet another activity. We’re creatures of habit and love predictability, so pre-scheduled time around the table can be something to look forward to rather than an inconvenience.

 

 

Mealtime Movement-5-Design Crush

 

 

There’s something special not only about sitting down to a meal together, but also in the ease of a potluck. In this case the hostess is responsible for the main course and cocktails and guests divy up appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. Being able to prep the meal in advance leaves more time for enjoying one another’s company, which really is the point of hanging out together.

This is a celebration of friendship and thankfulness, a get together focused on connections that comes through in the mealtime prep and decor. You won’t find a single pumpkin or turkey here because we’re too focused on mmm-ing over each other’s recipes and laughing until we cry at one another’s stories. The table is kept simple with clean white plates and linen napkins. (Pssst. Buying a set of each are some of the best entertaining dollars you’ll ever spend.) A graphic table runner, a strand of colorful lights, and a row of pillar candles down the center finish off the minimalistic look.

 

 

Mealtime Movement-4-Design Crush

 

 

But here’s my favorite part. As we wrap up the soiree each guest says out loud one thing they’re thankful for, then blows out one of the flames. Then they take the candle home and light it whenever they’re feeling a little less than. Creating a tradition that’s interactive and memorable is a lovely way to end a meal,  and a sweet reminder of all of the love and support guests are surrounded with throughout the year.

I’m curious, how do you make time for friends and family when life just seems so full?

 

Mealtime Movement-6-Design Crush

 

This post sponsored by the Mealtime Movement. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Design Crush creating fresh content!

2

Happy Thanksgiving

Martha Stewart Weddings-Design Crush

Photo Martha Stewart Weddings

Happy Thanksgiving, Americans! I’m busy hosting my first Thanksgiving today so wish me luck – I’m going for the above vibe in my tablescape, but with simple white plates. (Hopefully the bird doesn’t burn ala Christmas Vacation…)

As always I think that this is the perfect time to tell you just how thankful I am that you continue to read Design Crush and look to it for inspiration. You’re helping me live my dream and there just aren’t enough words to say thank you for that.

Now go enjoy all of that turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce! We’ll be back with regularly scheduled posts tomorrow.

1

Happy Weekend

1-Design Crush

2-Design Crush

3-Design Crush

4-Design Crush

5-Design Crush

6-Design Crush

7-Design Crush

8-Design Crush

9-Design Crush

10-Design Crush

01/ April Dauscha‘s explorations of lacework and her body are beautiful.
02/ This water-filled chair contains all of the tears cried in a human lifetime.
03/ Exactly how you think famous artists would rearrange Thanksgiving meals.
04/ Tower Bridge in London now features a class floor on its high-level walkways.
05/ Ai WeiWei transforms Alcatraz bathrooms into massive flower installations.
06/ Fifteen photos that will convince you Iceland belongs on another planet.
07/ Iconic Portland statues get the festive yarn bombing treatment.
08/ If only all nail salons could look as good as Missy Lui does.
09/ Would you stay in this KLM airplane Airbnb apartment? (I would.)
10/ Zhenya Aerohockey documents the corners he finds in life through photography.

This week on Design Crush:
Drop what you’re doing and go enter to win a handwoven rug just like the one in my living room!
Here are 12 advent calendars to get you prepped for December 1st.
Checking in on the colorful abstract work of Jeremy Rabus.
Take a peek at part 1 of our holiday card roundups.
Leaf Beast reimagines nature’s drying fall leaves.
Dinosaur Designs’ Atelier collection is so happy and bright!
Carolina Mizrahi‘s underwater photography series is not for those with a fear of H2O.
Twelve more calendars for your 2015!

Design Crush elsewhere:
Talking about colorful clawfoot tubs – are you for or against them?
Graphic black + white rugs are some of my favorite floor coverings.

0

you’re invited to: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving14-7-Design-Crush

Pulling together our daydream Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s get togethers is one of my favorite sets of recurring posts all year. It’s so much fun to imagine the ideal holiday, food, and festivities surrounding each. This November I’m imagining lots of natural elements – wood, clay, DIYs, etc – and a few touches of metallic to add some interest to the Thanksgiving decor. Take a look at our version of the holiday from warm welcomes to full-bellied goodbyes, and let us know what you’re planning for your table too! (If you’d like to see our Thanksgivings past, here’s 2012 and 2013.)

 

Thanksgiving14-3-Design-Crush

Fallen Feathers Wreath //  Homemade Simmering Spices // DIY Pumpkin Lantern //
Basket of Birch Logs // DIY Menu Pumpkin // Linen Fabric Bunting Banner

 

Thanksgiving14-5-Design-Crush

Cranberry Cider Smash // Salted Lemon Sage Cocktail // Slow Cooker Apple Cider

 

Thanksgiving14-4-Design-Crush

Cranberry Baked Brie Puffed Pastry Bites // Crispy Brussels Sprout Chips //
Sea Salt, Lavender & Caramel Popcorn

 

Thanksgiving14-1-Design-Crush

Sparkle Trimmed Tumbler // Macedonia Trivet // Corso Flatware // Etched Metal Vase //
Ceramic Salt Cellar and Gold Spoon Set // DIY Dyed Napkins // Farmhouse Pottery Turkey Platter //
Copper Plated Mixing Bowls // Metallic Taper Candleholders // Stockholm Serving Bowl //
Wheat Sprig Place Card // DIY Apple Stamp Table Runner

 

Thanksgiving14-2-Design-Crush

Sage Butter Roasted Turkey // Roasted Red Pepper + Gouda Soup // Chopped Brussels Sprout,
Kale + Chard Salad
// Zucchini Rice // Wild Rice + Butternut Squash Salad // Popovers with
Gruyere and Thyme
// Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes // Salt and Vinegar Roasted Cauliflower //
Mini Sweet Potato Gratins // Sweet + Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce

 

Thanksgiving14-6-Design-Crush

Grapefruit Pie // Earl Grey Chocolate Truffle Tart // Pumpkin Spiced Buttermilk Layer Cake

1

Happy Thanksgiving

Moreno-Galata-Design-Crush

PHOTO: Moreno Galata

Today seems like the perfect time to tell you all how thankful I am for you. Because whether you realize it or not, you’re responsible for making this dream that I didn’t even know I had come true just by reading Design Crush.

If you’re in the U.S. I hope you’re having the best Thanksgiving. One filled with lots of food, lots of love, and lots of leftovers. Back to regularly scheduled programing tomorrow!

0

Giving Thanks

For me it’s been a bittersweet year. I’m thankful for the time I got to spend with my step-grandfather, Pete, as he battled the end stages of Alzheimer’s. I’m thankful for a big decision that was just made, one that should lead to great things (Sorry to be vague – more to come on that front!). And I’m also extremely thankful that I’m able to earn a living doing what I love.

Today I’m happy to share the work and words of friend and (killer) photographer Jessie Askinazi. A few weeks ago we were chatting and I thought it would be interesting/awesome to see what she’s is most thankful for because if nothing else Jessie is always beautifully honest.

So, what are the three things you’re most thankful for this year?

 

Jessie Askinazi-1-Design Crush

COMRADES. When I say comrades, I mean more than friends. These are my beloved, the people I’d take with me to a desert island because I couldn’t imagine a life without them. These are the sort of nut jobs I can make morbid and distasteful jokes with; things we could never say to most people, our dirtiest thoughts that expose character flaws and perversions. The real stuff. The good stuff. The bad stuff, too. The faces that have seen me after I’ve been hospitalized for an intestinal migraine, and came equipped with a bottle of Pedialite in the middle of the night; or made me dinner with what little money they had left. They don’t judge me for my essence – they know that I will always exist outside of conventional perimeters, and I know that they will too. They’ll say the truth, especially when I’m terrible – and call me out.

 

Jessie Askinazi-2-Design Crush

FASHION DESIGN. I’m thankful for fashion design, for style being a means to protective armor, an illustrative palette that says it all and says it proudly. I’m grateful for the heavy-knit sweaters I want to burrow under so I can pretend I’m nestling in a cavern by a seaside during the winter. I love fighting the bigotry, the confines and the tar pits of the big picture by wearing a dress splashed with colors of the rainbows. I time travel through the decades by browsing my closet and issues of Harper’s Bazar from the 60’s. I outline my femininity, I imitate architectural blueprints, I mirror historian findings and I conjoin with textures. I fight the good fight, and I’m proactive through what I put on. Fashion takes me outside of the flatlands and transports me to a sky full of stars.

 

Jessie Askinazi-3-Design Crush

MORTIMER. When I lived in Los Angeles, I worked at a great shop called Polka Dots and Moon Beams. During my lunch breaks, I’d wander into the pet store next door and play with the puppies. One day I met a teeny tiny chihuahua about the size of a newly hatched duckling. He was so much calmer and sweeter than all of the other pups and there was something special about his disposition that kept calling me back. I guess it’s that thing pet owners talk about when they said “he chose me.” Even Penelope Cruz told me to buy him (she was in the store at the same time). I wasn’t planning on getting a pet, but everything in my gut told me I couldn’t stand to see him go to someone else. I’ve had Mortimer for about six years now and he’s lived with me in LA, NYC and FL. He has been by side through every crashing point over the past several years. He burrows under the blanket and sleeps wrapped up in my legs. He knows when I’m sad or sick and fills up my loneliness. He doesn’t question my antics or judge me if I’m broken out and wearing a face mask. I’m convinced he loves more than any creature can love, and his eyes look up at me with pure devotion. I miss him if I’m gone for an hour and I see how much he’s missed me when I return. Sometimes it feels like he’s the only thing I need in the whole world, like that’s enough.

Jessie Askinazi is a photographer and journalist that has contributed her work to Purple Diary, Whitewall, Bullett, Vogue Italia, Filter, Artinfo and others. She does her own styling and art direction, and runs an art/fashion/design blog called Morning Passages. She also writes poetry and personal essays. Jessie studied theater in New York and continues to act in independent films and theater. You can follow her on Twitter at @jessieaskinazi.

3

My (Imaginary) Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving 13-Header-Design Crush

 

I’m a planner by nature. As a 10 year old I drew floor plans for fun and throughout school rewrote notes to relax. NERD ALERT! Now I love that planning is a part of running Design Crush, and there’s not much I love more than planning a good dinner party – real or imagined! (You can see Thanksgiving 2012 right here.)

 

Thanksgiving13-Cocktails-Design-Crush

 

Thanksgiving13-Apps-Design-Crush

 

Thanksgiving13-Decor-Design-Crush

 

Thanksgiving13-Table-Design-Crush

 

Thanksgiving13-Dinner-Design-Crush

 

Thanksgiving13-Desserts-Design-Crush

 

THE COCKTAILS
Pomegranate + Blackberry Lemondrop
Spiced Amaretto Apple Cider Kiss
Satsuma and Pomegranate Campari

THE APPS
Oven Baked Camembert with Honey Roasted Figs
Zucchini Chips
Sweet Onion Crack Dip

THE DECOR
Colossal Golden Wishbone
DIY Laurel Wreath
Mini Brass Square Candle Houses
Gold Glitter Garland
Solid Brass Coasters
Thanksgiving Banner

THE TABLE
Castle Peak Dinnerware
Arrow & Adobe Linen Napkins
Aueux Carving Set
Enchanted Ikat Table Runner
French Paddle
Graphic Pitcher
Industrial Inspired Metal Candle Holders
Mercury Glass Taper Holders
Metallic Print Glassware Set
Rose Gold Flatware
Rose Gold Salad Set
DIY Rosemary Wreath Place Cards

DINNER
Acorn Squash and Pancetta Soup
Autumn Arugula Salad
Caramelized Coconut Butter Apples
Caramelized Sweet Potatoes
Citrus and Herb Roasted Turkey
Herbed Bread and Cherry Cranberry Stuffing
Honey Maple Beer Bread
Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Pumpkin Sage Polenta

DESSERT
Greek Style Pumpkin Pie
Honey & Whiskey Apple Tarts
Maple Pudding Cakes

9

Holiday Dresses

Holiday-Dresses-2-Design-Crush

Cherie Dress – Anthropologie // Dutchess Satin Skater Dress – TOPSHOP // Love Shift Dress – ASOS

It’s that time of year! Plenty of dinners with family, plenty of parties with friends, and plenty of outfits necessary to make the whole season go off without a hitch. I prefer at least one dress that’s super versatile and can be changed up in a big way with the right accessories and footwear, and a maybe a second that’s a statement on its own.

 

Holiday-Dresses-4-Design-Crush

Texture Range Shift – Anthropologie // the Narie – M.M. LaFleur // Well Fancy That Dress – ModCloth

 

Holiday-Dresses-3-Design-Crush

Soutache Swirl Dress – Anthropologie // Leather-Center Studded Dress – Michael Kors // Premium Draw Waist Dress – TOPSHOP

 

Holiday-Dresses-1-Design-Crush

Amalie Dress – Anthropologie // Aurous Anniversary Dress – ModCloth // Apiece Apart Talia Vest Dress – MILLE

1

Happy Thanksgiving

ART: Dear Hancock’s Thanksgiving Cranberry card

Happy Thanksgiving, America! How are you spending your day? It never feels like Thanksgiving until I’ve watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, so that’s first up. Then later I’ll be heading over to my mom and stepdad’s for a feast (my mom’s sage stuffing is out of this world). I hope whatever you’re doing and wherever you are there’s lots of love, food, and thankfulness all around you.

0