Friends are the Spice of Life

Let's host a gratitude luncheon!

People don’t often associate the many sights and scents of fall with the California central coast. However, as I stand in the garden enjoying my morning cup of coffee, I see the changing leaves create a mosaic of colors, and I’m enveloped by the sweet-smelling, crisp air- a welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat of summer. I am quickly reminded of how special autumn is in our little corner of the world.

Fall is when I tend to start thinking about all I am grateful for, especially in the days leading to Thanksgiving. Family, good health, shelter…these are always at the forefront of my gratitude list. This year I am especially thankful for a group of people who have loved me unconditionally, cheered for me over the victories and achievements, and stood by me as I trudged through dark valleys. My girlfriends. I decided they needed a special day of their own so I gave them a luncheon to show my gratitude for the love, friendship and the spice they add to my life.

This is such a lovely way to celebrate the friendships in your life. You can make it as elaborate or simple as you like, using what you probably already have.  I included two easy DIYs that anyone can do, with just a few items you can find in your yard, your pantry, and any craft store.

Let’s start by setting the table! For this luncheon I wanted to incorporate the rich colors of fall and add some pops of blue, white and gold. I love to layer my tables so I started with a beautiful vintage lace tablecloth. Next I twisted some linen with a berry garland and placed that down the center, adding some thrifted gold candlesticks. I used brown craft paper placemats and included a pen at each place setting so my guests could write down their gratitude lists and share with each other! Thrifted white ironstone dinner plates, blue and white salad plates, amber goblets and gold flatware tie together all of the colors of fall!

I added simple DIY placecards on each plate. For these placecards you will need:

•leaves from the yard(you can also use faux leaves)

•alphabet stamps

•ink pad

To make these all you need to do is simply stamp the names of your guests onto the leaves! This is so simple yet adds a beautiful personal touch!

I created darling mulled spice sachets and stamped them with “Friends are the Spice of Life,” then put one in each goblet. These are perfect for mulled wine, spiced cider, really any beverage of your choice! Again, you only need a few items to create these darling bags, and have extras so each guest can take one home! I also added a recipe card at each place setting.

Supplies:

•Muslin bags

•wine corks

•small eye hooks

Ingredients (for each bag):

2 Tsp Cinnamon sticks, broken into small pieces

1 Tsp Cardamom

1 Tsp Allspice, crushed

1 Tsp Cloves

2 Tsp dried Orange peel

2 Tsp dried Lemon peel

1 Nutmeg, crushed

Place in a small, Muslin drawstring pouch. Attach eyehook to wine cork and attach to bag.

I finished my table by creating what I like to call an end piece, rather than centerpiece. This allows your guests to see and chat with each other without a huge arrangement blocking their view! I love to use a mixture of edible items along with faux and fresh flowers to create my arrangements. For the vessels I encourage you to look at ordinary items in a different way. I used an old wooden ice cream bucket to hold faux fall foliage, baguettes and produce. I created a beautiful floral grouping in a vintage casserole dish!

This tablescape and luncheon does not have to be expensive! I encourage you to shop your home, scour thrift stores for serving ware, and keep your menu simple. The most important thing is to celebrate good friends and sprinkle the day with gratitude!

Hugs,

Tracy