Add Row 
Add 
Transform Your Outdoor Space into a Friendsgiving Haven
Why settle for a stuffy dining room when you can host Friendsgiving under the open sky? This year, I took to the garden, embracing the chilly air and colorful backdrop of fall foliage. Whether you’ve got ample space in your backyard or just a cozy patio, turning your outdoor area into a magical gathering place is easier than you think.
Every garden space I’ve called home has been designed with entertaining in mind. Some of my fondest memories are those long, laughter-filled evenings surrounded by friends and nature. My dream has always been to have a large table in the middle of the lawn, ready for an outdoor dinner, and now that reality is finally here. The veggie garden is thriving, the outdoor décor is set, and my vintage trailer adds charm to the ambiance. Hosting Friendsgiving here seemed like the perfect chance to celebrate the beauty of the season.
How to Create Lasting Memories with Friendsgiving Décor
Your outdoor Friendsgiving should resonate with warmth and personality, just like the gratitude you want to express. I decided to combine three folding beer garden tables into a welcoming space for just twelve guests, outfitted with benches to encourage cozy conversation. Each invite highlighted the outdoor nature of the dinner party, urging guests to dress warmly in stylish layers of wool and velvet, adorned in the rich colors of fall.
Lighting is essential for setting the mood. Outdoor string lights draped between trees create a twinkling atmosphere, while an array of candles on the table not only illuminates but also enhances the ambiance. Layering mismatched tablecloths added depth and interest, and freshly harvested flowers from my cutting garden brought vibrant colors to the settings.
Gifts for Your Future Self—Planting Seeds of Intention
This year, I wanted to embed a theme of reflection and intention into our gathering. Each guest received a jar filled with tulip bulbs as a gift from me—those exquisite flowers that promise to bloom in spring. I encouraged guests to write their intentions on pieces of paper to plant alongside the bulbs, fostering a deeper connection with both the present and the future.
Planting fall bulbs now, like tulips or daffodils, provides a reminder that spring will inevitably follow winter. This act of giving is deeply personal to me; in similar gatherings in the past, planting bulbs brought me immense joy when they bloomed in the spring. Sharing this experience with my friends not only strengthens our bond but also inspires us to dream about what we can nurture over the colder months.
A Feast That Celebrates Friendship and Abundance
The menu for Friendsgiving was a delightful reflection of our cooking talents. My friend, an incredible chef, prepared tantalizing Chinese dumplings while I prepared a traditional turkey dinner. The centerpiece was a beautiful cranberry-themed cheeseboard filled with delicious bites, including cranberry chevre and burrata with cranberry balsamic.
The vibrant desserts—a collection of cakes mirroring pumpkins and acorns—set a cheerful conclusion to our meal. It was a creative way to celebrate the season, encouraging us to delight in collaboration and sharing, which lightened the burden of cooking alone and made the evening more enjoyable.
The Joy of Friendship and the Spirit of Giving
Gathering friends to share a meal is more than just a festive occasion; it’s about sharing life, love, and gratitude. This Friendsgiving allowed me to express how much these relationships mean to me, while offering a tangible reminder of our connections through the planting of bulbs. As we celebrated together, I could see the smiles—each bulb planted was a promise of warmth come springtime, or simply another reason to cherish our memories.
By hosting a Friendsgiving in your garden, you not only relish the abundance of your own space but also share it with loved ones in personal, meaningful ways. Take the time to celebrate your own relationships this season with warmth, light, and joy. Gather your friends, create your own cozy outdoor setup, and make your intentions known this fall.
So, what will your Friendsgiving look like? As you start planning, remember the beauty of your greenery, the bonds of friendship, and the gifts you can give—not just for the present, but as seeds you sow for future joy.
Write A Comment