How to Set The Ultimate Friendsgiving Table

Nov 14, 2014

Friendsgiving is basically the best. It gives you a chance to share in some holiday cheer with those you love like family. And it sure beats the pants off of dealing with weird family dynamics. Yup, whoever held the first Friendsgiving was a brilliant person. And if you’re hosting the shindig this year, you’re going to have to set that table so it should look as good as all those beautiful people sitting around it. Here are 30 inspiring tablescapes that look way, way, way better than good.

1. Black and White: Black and white is always classic, even on Thanksgiving. (via Kristi Murphy)

2. Natural Decor: Natural elements like pine cones and beeswax candles give a rustic chic look that we’re loving all season long. (via Style Me Pretty)

3. Pumpkin Centerpiece: Placing pumpkins on your table will give you a large and bright centerpiece that’s easy to move when the turkey comes out. (via A Beautiful Mess)

4. Tablecloth: Whether it’s lace, linen or a simple runner, a tablecloth is to an event what a rug is to a room. It just pulls it all together. (via The Glitter Guide)

5. Boho Style: Sitting on the ground during a dinner party makes for a more relaxed atmosphere, giving guests the urge to kick off their shoes and really make themselves at home. (via Free People)

6. Fall Foods: Fall has such a bounty of fruits and vegetables that are so rich in color. Replace the flowers on your table with fall’s harvest instead. (via The Kitchn)

7. Include Some Fur: Do you see it? Do you see what they did? They used faux fur wrapped wine bottles as centerpieces. You should totally do that, too. (via Griffanie)

8. Candles: While candlelight can be thought of as strictly romantic, those flickering flames will give your table a sense of intimacy and give your guests a sense of warmth. (via Wedding Chicks)

9. Quit the Corn: Autumn fields produce more than just corn and beans. Decorate with cotton and wheat for a unique and soft look. (via Just Destiny)

10. Magnolia Leaves: Three words. Magnolia. Leaf. Garland. (via Style Me Pretty)

11. Porch Dinner: Don’t abandon your outdoor dinner plans for a little rain. Set up everything on the porch for a dry outdoor meal. (via Yellow Bliss Road)

12. Go Vintage: A few vintage pieces that boast some serious sparkle is what your table needs. Head to your nearest thrift store to pick up some of that glam for your table. (via Lauren Kelp)

13. Finest China: You’re in charge here. So if you want to take dinner outside but still bust out the good stuff (or, whatever, the vintage stuff!) you can do just that. (via Style Me Pretty)

14. Mixed Metallics: Silver, copper, gold — take everything metallic in your house and throw it on the table. (via Making Lemonade)

15. Wooden Accents: Adding some bark to your table will bring some earthy-ness to the scene. (via The Sweetest Occasion)

16. Succulents: Just because it isn’t summer doesn’t mean we have to give up our precious succulents just yet. Use their greenery for your Friendsgiving table centerpiece. (via Style Me Pretty)

17. Unique Seating: Folding chairs = zero charm. Hay bales covered with quilts = charm to infinity. (via The Sweetest Occasion)

18. Wooden Serving Platters: Serving your turkey and veggies and potatoes on wooden platters certainly brings a cozy cabin feel to the table. (via Style Me Pretty)

19. Keep it Simple: If you’re short on time, forget the flowers and candles. Instead of stressing, choose a simple centerpiece that says fall, like this pumpkin. (via Dreamy Whites)

20. Jewel Colors: Don’t shy away from darker hues like plum and forest green. They complement your linens and china so well. (via Apartment 34)

21. Turkey Centerpiece: Surround your turkey with candles and let that bird strut its stuff on your table. It is the centerpiece dish, after all. (via The Effortless Chic)

22. Destination Dinner: Maybe you live in an apartment with no yard to speak of. If that’s the case, take your dinner elsewhere, like a park or orchard. (via The Style Files)

23. Backyard Decor: With just a little effort, the branches and leaves in your backyard can make just as pretty a centerpiece as candles and flowers can. (via The Pretty Blog)

24. Simple Supper: Irrational fear of cooking a whole turkey? That’s okay. Serve up a simple cheese plate for a classy yet uncomplicated supper. (via Camille Styles)

25. Blankets and Comfort: Eating outdoors can be a chilly affair in November. Make sure you provide plenty of blankets and pillows to keep guests warm and comfortable. (via His Potion)

26. Dessert Centerpiece: Holiday desserts are always so gorgeous. Why not make them the centerpiece to your table, although you might have a hard time keeping your guests from spoiling their dinner. But that’s alright. This is Friendsgiving! (via The Effortless Chic)

27. Green Chandelier: Have you filled up your table edge to edge with all the necessities? Take your decorations up high by hanging the greenery above the festivities. (via Being Determines Consciousness)

28. Farmhouse Friendly: Old boxes and canning jars on the table can help bring a sense of home and nostalgia. (via The Glitter Guide)

29. Food Table: Small apartments aren’t very accommodating for dinner parties. Dress up your table with the food and let guests sit where they may. (via A Better Happier St. Sebastian)

30. The Most Important Thing: Throughout your planning process, keep in mind that your friends are the most important part of your dinner, not the food or the centerpiece. Although antlers are almost better than your happy hour buddy… nah, just kidding. (via Coordinately Yours)

Have you ever hosted a Friendsgiving dinner? Tell us all about it below!

14 Totally Easy Last-Minute Thanksgiving Decorations

Between the turkey, all the fixin's, and dessert, the last thing you have time to worry about on turkey day are all the Thanksgiving decorations. But you don't need to drop a lot of cash or devote all your time to transforming your place — you can still do it yourself without feeling overwhelmed. To help get those creative juices flowing, we've scoured the Internet for these 14 DIY decorations that you can whip up the day before. Now that's something to be thankful for.

Leftovers Station

Set up a leftovers station before the big meal and make sure no one goes home with an empty hand (or belly). Bonus points if you use some super cute take-home boxes! (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Place Cards

Never underestimate the power of a tiny pumpkin! Dress up your table with tiny pumpkins and a sweet personal touch. (via Brit + Co)

Thankful Garland

Remembering that we have a lot to be thankful for never goes out of style, no matter what season it is. This DIY is so good that you'll want to keep it up all year long! (via Brit + Co)

Friendsgiving Printables

Don't have time to customize everything on your table? Use this pre-made packet and fill in the blanks as you go for the perfect balance between personal and easy! (via The House That Lars Built)

Painted Wood Placemats

Believe it or not, with wood scraps and paint you can put together a tablescape fairly quickly. We love that this DIY means you'll have a Thanksgiving look that is totally unique to you and yours. (via A Bubbly Life)

Last-Minute Table Runner

A make-it-yourself table runner that adds color to the table *and* allows people to write down what they're thankful for? Yes, please. (via Paper & Stitch)

Printable Food Label Cards

When you're in a time crunch, who has time to do all that fancy calligraphy? Print, fold, and forget about it. These are cute, colorful, and can be reused for every holiday! (via Lovely Indeed)

Upgraded Napkins

We're sure that we all have some napkins that are so last year, but there's no need to buy (or sew) new ones when you can spruce up your usuals! Just add few small details will have them looking totally trendy. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Metallic Napkin Rings

If you have a tree in your yard and a gold marker in your office, then you can consider this DIY done! Super easy and it'll add some nice detail to your table. (via Demetres)

Faux Handmade Pie

Now that store-bought pie you were going to eat on your own can look like it came from the fancy bakery. What's better than that? (via PMQ for two)

Gourd Vases

Are your guests arriving in just a few hours and you totally forgot to put together a centerpiece? Carve up gourd-geous vases with plenty of time to spare. (via Tell Love and Party)

Ombre Painted Pinecone Wreath

Adding a little color to your decor will transform your space, so pull out your paint stash and take plain pinecones up a notch. Your wreath is sure to turn heads. (via WhimZeeCal)

DIY Decanter Tags

If everything else is under control and you still have time to make simple additions, whip up these decanter tags that make you hostessing skills look as polished as the silverware. (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Donut Pie

Putting those leftover donut holes to good use is a great way to save time and be creative. Plus there's a good chance that if someone doesn't like pie, adding donuts will peak their interest.(via Aww Sam)

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This post has been updated.

16 Foods To Instantly Give Your Skin An Inside-Out Glow For Summer

What you eat can greatly affect your skin, causing different side effects, both good and bad. Luckily, there are so many foods that can revitalize your skin and get it back to feeling radiant and looking glowy from the inside out — and just in time for summer! If you don't know where to start, we've got you covered with expert advice on all the best foods for your skin, plus all those bites you might wanna avoid.

Best Foods For Your Skin

Photo by Olena Bohovyk/Unsplash

Grapes, Strawberries, Blood Oranges, and Watermelon

Elina Fedotova of Elina Organics, says that colorful fruit are key to achieving good skin! She says, "Colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, and healthy fats like butter or plant oils help improve skin immunity and protect against environmental UV damage. Liquid collagen is popular as a skin-rejuvenating food or supplement, but when you do that, make sure you are making the smoothie with collagen peptides. The collagen is broken into small pieces called peptides which absorb much better and signal your body to regenerate collagen." So clearly, collagen is vital if you want to have glowy skin.

Elina also says, "It is a scientifically proven fact that people who eat very high levels of antioxidant-rich diets with fruits and vegetables and anthocyanosides — they can stay in the sun without any protection much longer because their body can protect them naturally from UV damage." Her three rules for healthy skin?

No processed foods.
Eat tons of antioxidants.
Use an SPF — preferably one that is a mineral Zinc Oxide based — alongside protective hats in the sun.

So not only can certain foods make your skin look radiant, they can also protecting you from the sun with proper precautions! We love to hear that!

Photo by Dose Juice/Unsplash

Leafy Greens, Broccoli, Asparagus, and Edamame

Leafy greens, broccoli, asparagus, and edamame are some of our favorite foods to eat that will give you that inside-out glow. Nutritionist and wellness expert Jessica Green says, "Silica rich foods are a great place to start — these include celery, asparagus, banana, cucumber, green beans to name my favorite. When you juice some of these, they can become more bio-available. Celery juice for instance is excellent at giving your skin a beautiful natural glow. Collagen rich foods can help improve skin elasticity — bone broth is my absolute favorite for not only its skin benefit but bone broth is also very calming for the gut."

Skin elasticity can easily be improved through these foods and can make you look 10 years younger! I definitely notice a significant difference in my skin when I regularly eat collagen-rich foods than when I don't!

Photo by Thought Catalog/Unsplash

Avocado and Olive Oil

Avocados and olive oil are really going to up your skin game, and giving you that gorgeous glow for summer we're really looking for. Kristen White, RDN, CLT, says, "Clean fats like olive oil, avocados, coconut oil, and tallow in our diet help replenish needed vitamins and fatty acids to help skin look its vibrant best." That's exactly what we want!

In regards to olive oil, it really is the must-have when it comes to achieving a glowy complexion. Jenny Jiles, a holistic nutritionist says, "Olive oil is the GOAT. We know why all of those women in the Mediterranean look so vibrant and sexy as they age, because olive oil is such a staple in their diet. Don’t be afraid of this healthy fat, it’s filled with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids which help protect your skin from free radicals to reduce those fine lines and help you glow from the inside out. Add olive oil to any and all of your meals, savory or sweet (yes, trust me on that)." So I guess the key to looking like an Italian goddess this summer (and always) is olive oil!

Photo by Maddi Bazzocco/Unsplash

Chia, Flax Seeds, and Sunflower Seeds

Many seeds and grains are going to be crucial in giving you radiant skin. Plus, they have so many healing properties that can help reduce redness and inflammation in the skin. Christine Glaser, CEO of DIY Skincare Business, says, "Chia and flax seeds are also helpful for all skin types and can aid in toxin removal." And sunflower seeds actually have antibacterial properties too that help get rid of toxins in order to keep your skin looking fresh and clear; thus the radiant skin we're trying to achieve here!

Photo by María Sainz Cabezalí/Unsplash

Red Bell Peppers, Carrot, and Tomatoes

You always want to have a variety of colors when eating fruits and vegetables because this will help you get the most out of your diet and achieve maximum radiance. A health expert and dietician, Chrissy Arsenault of Kori, says, "Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Choose 2-3 colors of fruits and veggies at every meal – fruits and veggies are rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E) that protect your skin from damage." And tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers are very rich in color so they will give you so many great nutritional benefits that will assist in giving you a perfect inside-out glow!

What foods should I avoid for my skin?

Photo by MART PRODUCTION/PEXELS

If you want radiant, clear, acne-free skin then you definitely want to avoid foods high in dairy or sugar. Jessica Green says, "When it comes to foods to avoid for radiant skin, sugar and dairy float to the top. Both are inflammatory. Sugar causes glycation which damages the skin's elasticity. Dairy (cow dairy specifically) tends to be one of the most common foods that cause reactions for people including acne and puffiness." I'm definitely taking note to try and cut our these foods now!

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9 Must-Haves To Shop From The RHODE + West Elm Collection To Dress Your Home In Style

Ready-to-wear fashion brand RHODE and global design company West Elm have collaborated for a fashionably floral homewares collection that’s simply *perfect* for the summer season. When warm weather calls us outside for one-too-many-glasses-of-wine dinner parties, this latest 40-piece collab’s covered-in-blooms dinner plates and funky serving tray come into play, making for a stylish table spread. Decorative linens from the likes of pillowcases and tea towels join the collection by striking a balance between polished and playful.

The two retailers joined forces to elevate your spaces, inside and out. You can shop the pieces, ranging from $39-330, exclusively at westelm.com beginning today. Find our favorite picks for summertime entertainment and leisure below!

Wiggle Round Pillows ($39)

Each of these rounded pillows complements the other in *such* a satisfying way. The primary color palette keeps things wondrously juvenile, which strongly correlates with our everlasting dopamine decor dreams.

“This collection is full of inspiration from our travels and intended to mix and match unabashedly," said RHODE Creative Director and Co-founder, Purna Khatau. "It was such an incredible process to collaborate with West Elm and bring our signature prints to life with their team."

Mushroom Reversible Sham ($50)

This pillow gracefully works texture into your bedroom or living room spaces. The earthy hues bring the summer season inside, highlighting delicate floral imagery.

Lacquer Tray ($50)

We're so ready to serve our girls only the bestsummer cocktails via this groovy serving tray. The piece really embraces fun with waves and bright blue.

Begonia Pillow Cover ($49)

Each color on this throw pillow balances out the other with harmony. The ruffle edging adds visual interest to a piece that might have otherwise been dangerously simple.

Wiggle Rope Bath Mat ($45)

Your bathroom is incomplete until you've laid out an eye-catching bathmat. This round one from the RHODE + West Elm collab marries the rest of the collection with ease, utilizing the wavy green line detail. It's playful in shape, but the color palette keeps this accessory elevated.

Begonia Napkin Sets ($40 for set of 4)

Mix and match your kitchen linens by beginning with this combo. The wavy green hem is the perfect pair for the more simple tea towel, which gets a barely-there yellow stitch finishing.

Echoing the sentiment, “In working with West Elm, we truly went back to our origins," RHODE Co-founder Phoebe Vickers said. "We included a few of our signature prints — bringing the DNA of RHODE to a new medium, which has been incredibly exciting."

Batik Pillow Cover ($59)

This skinny accent pillow is sure to find a home on your lush bedspread or sofa. The patterned fabric has a hand-drawn feel that amps up your home's personality.

Salad Plate ($52 for set of 4)

This patterned plate will undoubtedly complement your best summer appetizer recipe – the organic shape, alongside ornamental vine and flower decals, gives this piece a touch of nature – super suitable for a garden party!

Mushroom Pillow Cover ($49)

We could truly get lost in all of the whimsical details on this throw pillow's fabric. Dotted in adorable little tars, foliage, and flowers, this pick will make you feel warm and cozy inside – just the way being at home should.

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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images via RHODE + West Elm

RIP Rory Gilmore, You Would’ve Loved These Two “Tortured Poets Department” Songs

If there are two things you can count on, it's that I'm always thinking about Gilmore Girls and I'm always listening to Taylor Swift. As soon as I pressed play on The Tortured Poets Department, I could tell this album would resonate with so many experiences I had a child and a teenager. I've always been imaginative (and, admittedly, a bit spacey), and to this day, I never leave home without a book.

I've built thousands of imaginary worlds and crafted endless stories, but have always had difficulty keeping up with real-world relationships. So, needless to say, when I listened to Taylor Swift's new album and heard "I Hate It Here" and "The Bolter," I felt seen. I also realized these two songs would speak to Rory Gilmore in the same way!

Rory Gilmore Would Love "I Hate It Here" By Taylor Swift...

Image via Warner Bros. TV

"I Hate It Here" totally showcases Taylor Swift's ability to express raw emotions, and it also perfectly captures Rory Gilmore's struggles during certain periods of her life. The lyrics reflect frustration and dissatisfaction we can all feel sometimes (I know I've definitely felt them), and while Rory and Taylor's dreams in and of themselves are different, they both want to leave their small towns to achieve them. Whether it's feeling overwhelmed by expectations or facing setbacks in her career in Gilmore Girls season 5, Rory has moments throughout the series where she feels a bit trapped.

But even more than the physical meaning of the song is the imaginary one. Taylor sings about creating worlds in her mind and diving into books to escape the mundane. Rory reads more than any fictional character I've ever seen before because she also craves that escapism! The lyrics of "I Hate It Here" resonate with Rory when she wants to live different lives, and it encapsulates the moments when she struggles or questions her decisions — relatable!

...And She'd Feel Attacked By "The Bolter" By Taylor Swift

Image via Warner Bros. TV

TBH, I'm half convinced "The Bolter" is referencing Amy March (after all, Amy has been "reviled" by readers for hundreds of years, and she "almost drowned...in frigid water" like Taylor sings), which is just another literary reference Rory would pick up on.

In "The Bolter," Taylor Swift captures the essence of a woman constantly seeking adventure and change, just like Rory Gilmore, and it's all about the idea of a restless spirit. While the lyrics can be taken from a hypothetical standpoint (feeling trapped by relationships or other people's expectations), we can also talk about it literally considering Rory physically runs away from Jess.

Rory might desire love, but the idea of it also scares her — two facts that don't cancel each other out! Just like Taylor Swift, I think Rory's thrilled by the idea of escape simply because she's so risk averse in other areas of her life. Once again, I say, relatable!!

"The Bolter" and "I Hate It Here" are both incredibly engaging songs because they highlight just how complex we are as humans — both in the ways we relate to ourselves and other people. And they're just two Taylor Swift songs Rory would definitely add to her playlist.

Which Taylor Swift and Rory Gilmore parallels do you see? Follow us on Facebook for more pop culture musings!

Lead image via Warner Bros. TV

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Book Nooks Are The Trendiest Bathroom Decor Ideas Right Now

Bathroom decor is having a moment, becoming more than just a place to wipe and wash. Instead, they're turning into what some are calling spathrooms with big bathtubs, open showers, saunas, and spa-like amenities, according to 2024 design trend report by Cosentino. One trend putting the "room" in bathroom is the bathroom library, which fits right into the vintage, grandmillennial and cottagecore trends, with built-in shelves above vanities, around commodes, and front and center to warm up a bathroom vibe. Here's the skinny on these neat nooks and how you can make one yourself!

Design: De Rosee Salon | Photo: Astrid Templier

But some of us at here aren't so sure. What do you think? For me, I'm a bath lover and reader, so the combo is definitely appealing. However, I definitely would worry about moisture ruining my precious novels, or guests lingering in the bathroom too long, wrapped up in a good book. But those cons aside, I dig the idea of a book nook in my bathroom, especially for my kiddo who loves when I read to her in the bath, and is even now a voracious reader herself.

Photo by Levi T./Unsplash

If you're into the idea and want to start with a small library vs. splurging on some fancy built-ins, then here are some shelving ideas that are perfect for books in a bathroom.

Shop Book Nook Bathroom Decor Ideas Here!

Mason Curio Cabinet

Display your favorite books, trinkets and towels in this arc-shaped cabinet with glass door and five adjustable shelves.

Mayfair Wall Cabinet

This bathroom-rated cabinet is perfect for hiding literary treasures. Love the green stain inside!

Camylle Bookcase

Add a pop of pink to your paperbacks with this mid-century piece, perfect for larger baths.

PB Haven Arched Bookcase

Create a little book caddy with this arched bookcase made of mango wood.

IKEA Billy Bookcase

This is IKEA's best-selling cabinet and for good reason: glass doors keep your book collection dust-free but still visible and the sleek design is space-saving.

Ederra Accent Shelf

Hang this shelf vertically or horizontally and showcase your best reads to reflect your good taste in books and design.

Crate And Barrel White Oak Reversible Shelf Set

Make the most of your bathroom wall space with this modular piece that allows you to attach three shelves to a mounted panel — one flat and two reversibles that can be hung on top or underneath to give you lots of storage options.

Hefling Metal Wall Bathroom Cabinet

This vintage-inspired cabinet would look charming above a sink instead of a mirror.

Ajax Narrow Ladder Bookcase

Save space with this vertical stainless steel bookcase available in several eye-catching colors. Once filled, the floating shelves vanish, keeping your tower of literature clean and organized.

Etsy The Curious Shelf

Have fun with your library with these whimsical shelves available in mustard, sage, white, lilac and pink.

Babyletto Spruce Tree Bookcase

Encourage future bibliophiles with a little bathroom library of their favorite books. Each shelf on this pine wood tree holds 12 to15 books.

Oscar Bee Scalloped Shelves (set of 2)

Love the scallop design here. Mount a set of these near your bathtub so a great read is always within reach.

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Main Photo by Vlada Karpovich

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