You’re Invited: Thanksgiving

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!