Friendsgiving

November 24, 2015

CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_112Something about the holidays brings out my sentimental side. So much so, this year I decided to round up some of my closest friends for a “Friendsgiving” before the holiday hustle kicked in. When I think about some of the things I’m most grateful for, my close-knit group of buddies (and our minis) are at the top of the list, so I wanted to give them something extra special while celebrating our growing families.

CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_062I picked one of the most special places I know to host our Friendsgiving—my in-laws home which is surrounded by lemon orchards, also where Todd and I got married. There’s endless spots to have an outdoor dinner and tractor rides provide a lot of entertainment for the kiddos.
Friendsgiving-Could-I-Have-ThatCIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_119We set up a table right smack dab in the orchard for a fun ambiance. It was a true Indian Summer night so there was no need for blankets or sweaters.
Friendsgiving-Could-I-Have-That-2CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_040A welcome drink—Rosemary Pomegranate Southside—and bocce ball preceded dinner.
Friendsgiving-Could-I-Have-That-4At each place setting there was a little surprise—a handwritten note to each guest along with a Hershey’s KISSES DELUXE chocolate. A decadent treat to gift, these chocolates are double the size of a regular kiss filled with a creamy chocolate center that surrounds a whole roasted hazelnut. Hearing everyone read their notes and laugh was one of the best parts of the evening.
CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_098CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_050Among the group, two of my longtime girlfriends. We all got married the same year and had babies within months of each other. Completely unplanned, we promise. CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_104CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_067Friendsgiving-Could-I-Have-That-3

The table had a rustic feel mixed with bits of brass and accented with Olive leaves. The gold wrapped Hershey’s KISSES DELUXE chocolates blended in perfectly adding a sweet element to the table.

CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_106 CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_130 CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_134

We displayed Hershey’s KISSES DELUXE in tiny brass cups at each setting next to the personalized note.

CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_127 CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_131 CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_132 CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_137 CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_141A toast? To do the same thing next year. Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment telling me how you plan to say more to your loved ones this Thanksgiving. CIHT_FRIENDSGIVING_STILLS_2015_145

Photography + videography by Arna Bee // Food by Duo Events // Styling by Kelly Oshiro // Illustration by Joya Rose

Plates, flatware, platter, water pitcher from Anthropologie // Glassware and napkins from Hudson Grace // Tin platters, bar tools and cocktail glasses from Porch.

Thank you to Hershey for supporting this post! 

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