With these 6 Festive Fall Ideas
Most folks who live in Southern Florida come from another state, another continent. And for many, traveling home for the Thanksgiving holiday isn’t an option. Being alone for Thanksgiving can feel a bit…well… lonely. Friendsgiving celebrations are quickly becoming a tradition with-in our culture. You know that saying, “You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family”. In Florida our friends are our the family that we can choose. And Friendsgiving celebrations are where we gather to create wonderful and lasting memories together.
Friendsgiving can occur anywhere between November and well into December. If you are planning a Friendsgiving gathering, here are a few ideas that I curated from Pinterest to make your soiree extra special. If you are celebrating with friends from afar via Zoom, still decorate for the season. It will lift your spirits as well as theirs. Be sure to scroll all the way to the end for my special oatmeal white chocolate chip cranberry orange cookie recipe. …Perhaps I should just call them my special Friendsgiving cookies for short.
How to Make a Cheese Plate: The great thing about Friendsgiving celebrations, we don’t have to spend endless hours or even days preparing. It can be super casual. Celebrate with a pot luck dinner incorporate a theme for the dish. Put out an elegant cheese platter, add some wine, good company and uvula, you have a night to remember. Andie Mitches offers up some really great suggestions on how to make an easy and affordable cheese plate. For more cheese board ideas check out my article Simple Cheese Board.
Colorful and Festive Fall Decor: I am naturally drawn to the turquoise, greens and lavender color pallet of this by Edith & Evelyn. Aside from the uniqueness, this totally goes with my decor. It has a charming beach vibe.
White pumpkin and eucalyptus centerpiece ideas: The trend of white pumpkins has been around for several years now. And they never get old. This beautiful table scape, by Julie Blanner uses small white pumpkins with eucalyptus leaves.
Place Settings: Georgia Pellegrini has some delightful place setting ideas on her blog post entitled “Eight Ideas To Elevate your Thanksgiving Place Settings”. This setting with the white pumpkin placed atop of each plate was my favorite. To take this idea even further I would hand letter my guest’s names onto each each of the pumpkins. A fancy script gold or black lettering is a fun look.
BFF Gift Ideas: If you will be exchanging gifts during your friendsgiving celebration, then you will want to check out my new line of gift wrap that will take you from November straight through to December. Unique and vibrant, this set features a watercolor poinsettia in various shades of pinks, oranges and turquoise.
Oatmeal White Chocolate Chip Cranraisin Cookies: Do you have any Friendsgiving memories or inspiration that you would like to share? Be sure to share them in the comments section at the end of this blog post. Ahhh…cookies. Is your mouth watering yet? Below is my recipe that you have been patiently waiting for. Trust me, it is amazing.
Cranberry & White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
1 Egg
1 Tblsp Water
1 Stick of Butter Softened
1 tsp. Orange Extract
1/2 Cup Chopped Almonds
1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts
1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
1/2 Cup White Chocolate Chunks
Zest of One Orange
1 Pkg Betty Crocker Oatmeal Cookie Mix (or if you are feeling inspired, you can make your oatmeal cookies from scratch)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl stir together butter, egg, water, and orange extract. Stir in cookie mix, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, white chocolate chunks and zest of orange.
Drop by teaspoon full onto un-greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-11 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet and allow to cool. Makes 4 dozen cookies.
You may also enjoy this article What Is A Friendsgiving Party?
Save this Pin to refer back to it for your fall party planning inspiration…and check out my other fun Fall Party Ideas Pins.