Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Host An Effortless Friendsgiving
21
items Ok, I'm not saying this is going to be easy…but I will say that I like to prep things ahead of time so that when I'm hosting I can still enjoy myself. This list contains my tried-and-true recipes and my tips for how to set yourself up for a Friendsgi...
Sections
5
Set The Tone
To Drink
To Snack
The Menu
The Dessert
Set The Tone
Mise-en-scène
Turn this playlist on and your gathering has officially begun.
NOVEMBER 2024
1
To Drink
tchin-tchin
Mulled wine is essential for any of my fall or winter gatherings. Its so easy to set in a dutch oven and I like to keep mine on a warmer where guests will be so that they can help themselves all night.
Mulled Wine
Make a large thing of cold brew a night or two before and people will be very impressed with these cute coffee shop worthy drinks.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam Cold Brew Coffee
Classy and delicious, I always serve these. Also, three ingredients? It doesn't get better.
Dirty Martini
My favorite non-alcoholic apertif. Great for anyone who wants to go a little lighter with their evening.
Ghia Soda
I love a port for a dessert wine. Also a great excuse to get pretty vintage cordial glasses…you're welcome ;)
Graham's 10 yr Tawny
To Snack
hors d'oeuvres
You're making the meal so don't fuss with the snacks. That's my motto. Give a friend this recipe and have them help you out in the kitchen. From my experience, people love to be included in your preperations!
Warm Olives with Lemon Zest, Rosemary, and Almonds
I'm obsessed with these and they add a touch of elegance. If you want to go crazy, pick up some creme fresh and caviar to go with.
Savoursmith Chip Tin, Somerset Cheddar & Shallot
I love having nuts out with a cracker, I think it's so festive. And again, it's something you don't have to cook.
English Walnuts (In Shell)
See previous.
Vintage Nutcracker Set
Ok hear me out. The cocktail shrimp at the grocery store is usually delish. I take mine and serve it on a vintage tray with ice and lemons and people think we're at a fancy seafood restaurant.
Peeled & Deveined Tail On Cooked Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
The Menu
Bon Appétit
I usually do friendsgiving on Thanksgiving because I live far from family, so I like to do a turkey. It's impressive and delicious and requires a bit of thought and attention but the payoff is high. If you don't want to do a turkey I think a roast ch...
The Best Roast Turkey
I like having a vegetable that doesn't need to go in the oven. I cook this asparagus last because it only takes about 12-15 mins and is best served hot.
Simple Sesame Asparagus
Mashed potatoes are a must for me but I like to mix it up. The purple adds such a pretty touch to your table.
Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes - with Butter Herb Sauce
You might be thinking, just a plate of shallots for a side? And to that I say, just try it. The shallots get caramelized and soft and have the perfect touch of spice. Also the sauce from these goes well with the turkey and potatoes.
Glazed Shallots With Chile and Thyme
Personally, I think things can tend to get heavy and monotonous when it comes to a traditional thanksgiving meal. I like to have some kind of salad that stays crisp and light. And this couldn't get easier. Make this in the morning and set it in the f...
Raw Carrot Salad
Cornbread is a must for my table and I always use this recipe because of the buttermilk and corn chunks.
Buttermilk Cornbread with Fresh Corn
The Dessert
la fin
This is has been my fool-proof pumpkin pie for the last few years. Everyone goes crazy for it and it's not too challenging to put together.
Pecan-Rye Pumpkin Pie
Pie weights really help with the turnout of the pie. If you don't have or don't want to purchase, you can use dried beans instead.
Pie Weights Jar
I wouldn't want pie if there wasn't whipped cream on top tbh…
Easy 5-Minute Homemade Vanilla Whipped Cream
Make it easy on yourself and buy the second dessert! Or ask a friend to bring one.
6” Quadruple Chocolate Cake