It's Giving....

The Thanksgiving Issue

Nov 16, 2024

Hi!

Wow, November really knows how to fly by. It’s allll happening. I hope this holiday season brings you some joy and relaxation and gives you quality time with your family, friends or chosen family. It can also be a bit of a stressful time with travel, hosting, family dynamics and feeling stretched thin. Especially for those hosting, this is a reminder that it’s supposed to be fun and that you don’t need to be perfect or do too much. I personally love hosting and my family subscribes to the tradition of being un-traditional come thanksgiving time. We forgo the usual turkey in favor of spicy lobster pasta, stuffed quail or a side of salmon. Today I talk about some fun ideas for your holiday menu, table and, of course, outfit. If you have any other questions, pop them in the chat or comments!

THE TABLE

When it comes to setting the table, I am not precious at all about everything matching and perfectly pressed linens. But I do like to make things feel special with nice glassware, a touch of silver, and, the obvious, great food and wine. I think it’s nice to pick up a few new touches to make your holiday tables feel fresh and mix with some pieces you already own. This can be easily achieved with a new tablecloth or napkins. I also love this brown gingham linen on Etsy for a great price. If you have a lot of people and don’t want to risk ruining your nice linens, a canvas dropcloth from Home Depot does just the trick! If you have time, steam out the creases. I usually go for either a patterned tablecloth with a more plain napkin or vice versa. You could really go so many ways with it but here’s an idea for a beautiful table: neutral tablecloth, these cream plaid napkins, with tortoiseshell napkin rings and Sabre flatware! You could then bring in some cool candlesticks with tapers and, to add in some greenery, clip some olive branches to arrange down the center. As much as I love a dramatic centerpiece, it can interfere with eye contact and conversation across the table! Opt for bud vases and lower profile flowers as an alternative. Another cute idea would be to use a persimmon pinned with a place card at each seat. Or give the kids something to do and have them make/decorate a place card for everyone.

If you want a fresh set of dishes, I just got some from Year and Day and they’re really lovely. The moon color looks great and they are having a site wide sale with code EARLY20! Their serving platters and bowls are also great.

I recommend treating yourself to a new platter or two. Makes a big difference! I love my giant striped bowls from Porta or you could wow everyone with a lil Ginori. This silver tray would be gorgeous holding snacks or drink fixings on the bar.

Those who know me, know that glassware is my passion - something I inherited from my dad and growing up as a restaurant brat. The right (or wrong) glass can completely change the experience of whatever you're sipping on. Generally, I prefer a lightweight glass with a thin lip. If you’re having an intimate gathering on the smaller side, you can either bring out your finest like Zalto’s (the most delicate, divine glass omg) or these Waterford coupes for bubbles. A great mid-range option are Gabriel glasses. Really nice, decent price, super versatile. For a larger party or more cocktail focused crowd, I use my trusty bodega glasses. However, I’m going to purchase a bunch of these all purpose white wine glasses for parties. Dishwasher safe and great price.

I personally (and most wine people I know) usually go for an all-purpose white wine glass even when drinking Champagne or red wine at home. No need to get super caught up in changing glassware for each wine unless of course you have a massive glassware collection and love hand washing dishes! Another pro tip: ditch the flutes. A white wine glass is the professional’s choice for drinking bubbles. Coupes are fine if you wanna have some fun with it! But flutes do nothing for the wine in your glass. It doesn’t allow enough oxygen for the aromas to come through, therefore dulling the experience!

Part of loving glassware is knowing sometimes, they will be broken and such is life. Goes without saying, but as a host, never make anyone feel bad for breaking something. And if you break something, don’t fret, just order a replacement! And if it was irreplaceable, well, hopefully a beautiful bouquet or bottle of wine with a heartfelt note will ease the tension.

THE MENU

For friendsgiving, I like to do something autumnal but not exactly thanksgiving food. I start with freshly shucked oysters and a frozen granita mignonette. And/or a caramelized onion tarte. Another fave for a first course is homemade butternut squash ravioli with sage butter sauce, lots of parm, and freshly cracked black pepper (My fave pepper grinder). Serve with a radicchio salad with toasted pistachios, pomegranate seeds and shaved Manchego. My friend Max loves to do pork chops with persimmon and that would be a delicious too.

For Thanksgiving with my family, we do things a bit differently. As I mentioned above, we forgo the usual turkey in favor of spicy lobster pasta, stuffed quail on the plancha, or a side of salmon. Here are some other fun ideas you may want to throw in the mix! A few grilled branzinos with chimichurri, Gjelina’s spinach salad, Daniel Boulud’s stuffed pumpkin, spaghetti vongole, roasted kabocha squash with tahini. I leave it to my friend’s to bring the dessert, pie of any kind is always welcome this time of year.

THE DRINKS

Thanksgiving is a marathon, not a sprint, so drink accordingly (this is advice for me as my family goes big)! Starting things off with a low ABV cocktail like Nonino (a citrusy and spicy amaro) over ice with tonic with lime is a fun, easy cocktail to sip on while cooking. I always offer guests a glass of bubbly when they arrive. Bereche is my go-to Champagne and for something domestic, our Lorenza Sparkling Picpoul is really fun to pair with smoked salmon blinis or caviar. We’ve also just launched an Alcohol Removed Blanc de Blanc and it’s dry, tastes like wine, and is truly delicious. I’m kind of obsessed! Nice NA (non-alcoholic) options are a must so everyone feels welcome and considered. Thanksgiving wine should be lively, food friendly and low alcohol. We have a great Discover Lorenza bundle that will cover all your bases if you’re looking for a one stop shop. Crisp, dry white wines like our Picpoul Blanc are always welcome in my glass to refresh the palate and to have with oysters or crudite. Rosé is not just for summer! It’s a great thanksgiving wine because it goes with everything on your table and has nice acidity to cut through the rich flavors. Really nice with vegetarian entrees like roasted veg, stuffing and goes great with cranberry sauce. For reds, I like to keep it light and juicy with smooth tannins. Our Cinsaut does just that with its ruby red color and flavors of plum, cherry and baking spices. I poured this at a women winemakers event in LA this week and everyone was saying, “Thanksgiving Wine!” I have to agree. As a small, family-owned business, it means the world to my mom and I to have our wines shared on your holiday tables. If you’d like to try them, use code AMUSEBOUCHE15!

THE LOOK

Snakeprint pants, fisherman sweater, boots

For friendsgiving, I wanna dress up and have fun with it! This year I’m loving these amazing faux snakeskin party pants with my new fave boots and a silky top. It’s giving Tom Ford for Gucci vibes. Saucy! Or you could do a cute cardi (I have my eye on this one with sparkly buttons) and a satin mini skirt with some boots!

For family Thanksgiving, I go for something comfortable I can wear all day but still feels elegant. This gorgeous coffee brown blazer, trouser and waistcoat will have your family thinking you really have your shit together. I wore a gold slip dress one year with cowboy boots and felt great! This wine colored silk slip would be divine with a chunky knit sweater (on sale! I have it and love it). I also love this sweet dress from Christy Dawn as well. This week, as part of our holiday campaign, Banana Republic asked me to share some hosting tips and tricks on IG, paired with a great seasonal look! I’m obsessed with the silver earrings, necklace and bracelet!

photos by Pia Riverola and Linnea Stephan

This week, I was lucky to attend a NY in LA friendsgiving hosted by the very cool mag, Family Style and Polo Ralph Lauren. They pulled out all the stops and made it so special with a New York inspired menu by Camille Becerra. The table was so beautiful with tons of candles and flowers and everyone looking chic in their Polo looks. I am obsessed with the jacket I wore. Immediately going on the wish list! Everyone was warm, friendly and interesting. Exactly what you want in a friendsgiving.