FRIENDSGIVING Hosting in Style

This year, Friendsgiving is upping the ante on traditional Thanksgiving gatherings. (But don’t worry, family! There’s room for both). From gourmet desserts, chic table scape décor, and classic serving ware to must-have gifts for the host or hostess and uber trendy sweaters paired with cozy, stretchy pants perfect for that extra serving of whatever-your heart- desires, you and your best pals will make this annual tradition a favorite. And you don’t have to go far to make it all happen. Find Friendsgiving favorites at the must-visit retailers throughout Midway’s Districts that will make your gathering as chic as it is effortless.

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Décor Favorites

For serving and showcasing those mouth-wateringly delicious sides, pies, and Thanksgiving staples, use serving plates and dishes in neutrals and crisp whites to let the food shine. Add pops of color with seasonal florals, gourds, and pumpkins as a centerpiece.

The meal is the star of the show on any holiday table. Let that golden-brown turkey take center stage and give those beautiful, candied yams the spotlight they deserve, served up on classic porcelain serving platters and dishes from Sur la Table at CITYCENTRE. The Coupe Porcelain Serve Platter is classic and modern— they can effortlessly go from a lowkey feast to a more formal affair. Bonus? These platters are dishwasher approved so the post-party cleanup won’t be a fuss.

There’s always room for charcuterie on your Friendsgiving table. Get the gathering going with charcuterie artfully displayed on cheese boards that you found from West Elm CITYCENTRE. The sleek slate cheese board adds a neutral pallet to the table that goes with any décor and is sturdy enough for whatever you’re serving. Go with traditional cheese, meats, and fruit or get creative with mini pies, chocolates, and different desserts.

Seamlessly pair each course with a celebratory bubbly or your favorite vintage chilled to perfection in a Hudson Wine & Champagne Bowl or the Noir Champagne Bowl from décor and interiors shop, Z Gallerie at CITYCENTRE. For the red varieties, elevate cocktail hour and pour from a hand-blown decanter available in a variety of styles. Cheers, y’all!

Maybe you’re concerned the room will look a little cramped with all your guests—well, mirrors always open up a room. Lam Bespoke at Memorial Green has a range of options to add the subtle touch to bring a little space to your holiday place. Be sure to check out their line of locally made, customizable furnishings.

Sweet Treats

Move over, pies. There’s room for more than just traditional pumpkin and pecan on this year’s dessert table. Whether you’re the host or hostess or bringing your own dessert to the celebration, cut down on time in the kitchen and bring a delicious dessert sure to delight and surprise from the team at SWEET in CITYCENTRE. Decadent and simple for sharing, choose a variety of bite-size truffles like chocolate or red velvet. Or, put a spin on the flavors of Thanksgiving with their three-tiered pumpkin signature cake.

What goes better with dessert than a soothing warm beverage? Galleria Spa, Salon, and Boutique at Century Square has a charming selection of patterned mugs and organic teas as well as quirky kitchen décor to put the finishing touches on a fabulous meal and presentation.

For those of us who prefer to drink our desserts, in addition to their excellent selection of takeout menu items, try M&S Seafood | Steaks | Oysters “HAPPY HOUR at Home” Signature Cocktail Kits at GreenStreet to make steakhouse-quality cocktails in the comfort of your own home.

Cozy, Meet Chic

This year, nix that stiff , uncomfortable attire and opt for comfort without compromising on panache. The answer? The perfect sweater. Find your favorite slouchy sweater at boutique clothing store Altar’d State in CITYCENTRE. Add your own signature style with the best-selling burst tag monogram necklace in 18k gold with an anti-garnish finish, the perfect pop to your sweater.

And while denim is always a favorite, lean into the season with lululemon casual wear, located at CITYCENTRE and Century Square. The stretch high-rise jogger is designed for casual wear and can easily be dressed up or down. Not to mention, they are the go-to for an evening where an extra helping might be on the menu. Pair the copper hue styled with a cream sweater.

After the meal, start thinking about recovering from your deserved indulgence with a pleasant juice cleanse at Clean Juice at Memorial Green.

Give Thanks

After a toast to a wonderful evening, give a little extra thanks to the host with a small token. Clothing and lifestyle store Lily Rain CITYCENTRE has curated trending styles, unique finds, and unexpected assortments of gifts, clothing, décor, and more. Gift an evening of relaxation with the soothing Capri Blue volcano candle and a calming set of eucalyptus and mint shower steamers. A Friendsgiving gathering as fabulous as this deserves a day of pampering to follow. Until next year!