The day of Friendsgiving was gray and dreary, but those gray skies made the leaves and lingering foliage pop. Bright reds, oranges, and yellows fluttered on vines as the kitchen windows fogged with the steam of cooking a feast.

The same bright reds, oranges, and yellows graced the table with dried bouquets – the last, beautiful bursts from the garden. Inside was warm, cozy, and boisterous – a mix of music, laughter, and the sounds of a meal coming together. Everyone added their special touch.

We took our seats, clanked our glasses, shuffled casserole dishes, salad bowls, and the coveted turkey plate. Amidst the excitement to eat, we did pause. We took time to share what about this friend group filled us with gratitude in the last year, and I’m so grateful we did. The table, the food, the drinks are memorable, but those sentimental moments are what truly mark these occasions.

We expressed gratitude for each of our unique personalities and contributions, for the extra-ness of our times together, for the ways our friendship has been tested and adapted, for the depth of our relationships, for the belief that these friendships matter and will weather many a storm.

When I think of our Friendsgiving gathering, as I shared in my video recap, one of my favorite songs comes to mind. The Highwomen really said it best…

If we want a garden
We’re gonna have to sow the seed
Plant a little happiness
Let the roots run deep
If it’s love that we give
Then it’s love that we reap
If we want a garden
We’re gonna have to sow the seed

Yeah I want a house with a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone
Let us take on the world while we’re young and able
And bring us back together when the day is done

The door is always open
Your picture’s on my wall
Everyone’s a little broken
And everyone belongs
Yeah, everyone belongs

The “Everyone’s a little broken” part gets me every time. We are all beautifully imperfect. This is my reminder.

Our Friendsgiving Menu:

The Welcome Cocktail:
a riff on this Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz

The Feast:
Roasted Turkey & Gravy
Cranberry-Walnut Stuffing
Harvest Salad
Cranberry Salad (the last of the berries from our cranberry farm trip)
Roasted Garden Squashes
Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Roasted Carrots
Wise County Biscuits

Dessert:
Apple Sweet Potato Pie
Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream

Here’s to the crowded tables!