Hello Beautiful Friends! Today is exciting. I have the opportunity to join the Supper Club ladies and we are all doing Friendsgiving ideas. Doesn’t that sound fun? You can see all of the ideas at the bottom of this post. I’m sharing how to host an outdoor Friendsgiving and keep it both simple and charming. I love hosting and when setting a table for people I cherish it’s even better. If you’re visiting from Brick’s & Blooms, welcome. I know your jaw dropped seeing her table!
How To Host An Outdoor Friendsgiving And Keep It Both Simple and Charming
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During the holidays things get busy and sometimes chaotic. Here are my ideas for keeping the task as easy as possible. As we begin keep F.I.T.S. in mind – Friends chipping in, an Inspiration piece, a Theme and Shop your house.
Outdoor Friendsgiving table with a vintage vibe
A long time ago I learned I was controlling which was hindering my joy and breaking my back so I decided to let others help. That’s the “F”. After you decide the menu, have your Friends bring the side dishes and dessert. All you’ll have to do is the main course, drinks and set the table. Totally doable!
After Friends comes the Inspiration piece. Most Friendsgiving’s are gathered around a table so make it awesome. My table began with a vintage style table runner (thanks Mrs. Jones for the idea). It’s white with fabric strips in cream, white and tan. Having an inspiration clears the mind, helps me concentrate better and things come together easier.
Once you have the first two taken care of, it’s time to come up with your Theme. Themes can be a style like rustic, vintage, romantic, etc., or you can decide to use color for a theme. You can never go wrong with seasonal colors or keeping it monochromatic. This gathering has a theme with shades of white and vintage pieces. My fave!
Make your table extra special with silverware or new fun napkins
I try to be budget conscious when it comes to the holidays and parties because it’s easy for me to go overboard. I frequently have to tell myself to calm down even though I love saving money. The only thing purchased were the napkins. The colors and fringe will work with future tables. Now that theme is taken care of, that brings us to the “S”. Shopping the house!
Vintage dishes using Spanish Moss for chargers
The dishes are old, chipped in places and a little discolored in spots. Usually I don’t use them but a couple of weeks ago my bestie said I didn’t need to apologize for that stuff. She said just put a sign out that says – It’s vintage, deal with it! I seriously need one of those. Maybe I need one to hang around my own neck as well?! LOL.
“It’s (I’m) vintage. Get over it.”
Instead of using chargers I don’t have I opted for using natural Spanish Moss. We have plenty hanging from the trees. If you want to make moss chargers, simply cut a 14″ circle out of cardboard and glue on the moss with your go-to glue. Spray it with clear sealer and boom – fun chargers for all kinds of fabulous occasions.
Double hung lamp frames with leaves used for coziness
Depending on where you are, being outside can make you feel vulnerable. If you can hang something over your table, it will help tremendously. A branch from a tree works, the ceiling on a porch or even string lights over a patio will do. One of my favorite gifts of all time is this rod that attaches to my table. Talk about cozy! I’ve hung garland, twine and glass jars with candles or flowers on it. The ideas are endless. Today I used two old lamp shade frames and hung several artificial leaf stems around it. So cute!
Keeping your theme in mind, continue shopping your home for anything that will work with your table. The centerpiece is always important. The old piece of chippy wood in the center pulls double duty. It helps weigh down the runner (it was windy that day) and elevates the rest of the centerpiece.
I’ve made these pumpkins with doilies years ago. You can see a tutorial for them here. The vintage candelabra is rarely seen and another favorite for me so it rounds out the shades of white vintage themed table. Well that’s really it folks. Keeping F.I.T.S in mind is how to host an outdoor Friendsgiving and keep it both simple and charming.
One more thing. If you want to have a gift for your friends, there’s nothing wrong with store bought. Don’t let anyone tell you that’s tacky. If they are true friends, they won’t care. Remember, it’s the thought that counts. Not the price or time spent doing it. Hope y’all get to have a fun and meaningful Friendsgiving this year.
Next up on the Friendsgiving tour is Michele at Vintage Home Designs. Then click on the links below to see the rest. There are so many great Friendsgiving ideas!
Midwest Life and Style
Simply 2 Moms
The Ponds Farmhouse
Cindy what a gorgeous table! I’m so glad you joined us this month!!!
Author
Thank you Stacy. I’m glad too. Pushed me to get off my bum. LOL!
Cindy,
Oh my gosh! I love the old lamp shade with the leaves. So clever! I’ve got to get one of those rods. I also loved the romantic vintage feel. The lacey pumpkins are just perfect.
Author
Aww, thanks Rachel. Love your enthusiasm. And you will LOVE LOVE LOVE having that rod! There’s a link in the post if you need it.
Your tablescape is so pretty. I love the Leaf chandelier. Such a great idea.
Author
Thanks Renae. It really made the table more cozy.
I love everything about this Cindy! Every vintage detail is perfection and I’m so glad you joined us this month!
Author
You are so sweet, thank you Michele!
I love your cozy outdoor set-up, Cindy. It is so pretty and the leaf chandelier is such a unique touch! So happy you could join us this month and can’t wait for the brunch menu on Saturday!
Author
I’m so glad I was able to join y’all. Loved setting the table and making a recipe for it. Such a cute idea. Thank you Jen.
I love this Cindy, the tablescape is perfect! I am awaiting my invitation in the mail any day now. LOL!
Author
I wish you’d actually come and I’d definitely send you an invite! Happy Fall Yami!
So good, Cindy!!! You had me at ‘vintage’….I love all of it. That candelabra is AMAZING. I want those dishes..I don’t care if they are cracked or not. They are gorgeous!! I love how you styled it all outside under the beauty of nature. The creamy white palette is so refreshing and simple. Amazing job!!
Author
You are so sweet Rachel, thank you. Made my day reading this. Happy Fall!
this is so pretty, Cindy. I love that you used that recycled chippy board as a base for your centerpiece! That candelabra is so wonderful!
Author
I got that board so long ago. I remember the Mister asking why I wanted it. It’s been on our table for years. Funny how we can love something so plain. Thank you Debra!
The double lamp shade frame is so pretty Cindy! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving 🙂
Author
I appreciate that, thank you Cindy!
Such a pretty table! Love the vintage candelabra and the leaves hanging on the lamp shade skeletons; brilliant! The rustic spanish moss texture is so good with those gorgeous creamy dishes. Absolutely beautiful.
Author
I’m so glad to see someone else likes what I like. Thank you Lora.
This is so beautiful. I love how white can just look so warm with the right pops of color. Beautiful.
Author
I thought that same thing! Thank you Angie.
Thanks so very much for joining us this month. Your table is just so pretty set outside. Love the hanging leaves…such a fun idea! Pinned.
Author
So glad to have joined y’all and it was perfect timing. Had some friends from out of town and they helped. So besides being fun and learn things from y’all, it got me off my bum and made me post. 😉