A Memorable Friendsgiving

Table Setting

For my Thanksgiving table setting, I drew my inspiration from nature and the changing seasons. I wanted everything to feel really organic, warm, and welcoming. I really like to take my time so I can make things perfect before I have guests over.

I found these gorgeous gourds and miniature pumpkins at my local farmers market. In the spirit of holiday abundance, I covered the dining table with pumpkins, gourds, and beautiful fall-colored flowers like sunflowers. For each individual setting I used a metallic charger, fall-colored napkins, and white plates. I also alternated between adorable dried baby corns and mini pumpkins.

My friends commented on the attention I gave each place setting, and the whimsical treasures on the table made for a nice parting gift for them to take home.

Gratitude

They say that it's impossible to be grateful and unhappy at the same time. So for those who like to claim an attitude of gratitude, you're actually signing yourself up to be happy. In my pursuit of happiness, I make a conscious attempt to find things in my life to give thanks to.

A few years ago, a friend of mine was helping me through a difficult time and they suggested I write down five things every day that I'm grateful for. Despite my challenging circumstances, each evening was filled with positive emotions as I recounted all the things I was grateful for that day — small and large.

The practice of giving attention to all of the abundance in your life has a way of perpetuating more goodness.

Right now, these are five things I am incredibly grateful for:

• 1. My Health — With attention to a nutritious diet, exercise, yoga and proper rest, I am so grateful to wake up in the morning feeling well and vibrant.
• 2. My Amazing Family — We've been through a lot of tough times together over the last few years, but we've always shown up for each other with love and support. I am grateful to be a part of a fun, adventurous, and loving tribe!
• 3. Skiing — This is the time of year where I get warm fuzzy feelings thinking about the snowfall, mountain adventures, and powder days ahead! I am truly grateful to be able to do what I love most as a profession.
• 4. My Sanctuary — My home is truly my sanctuary, and for that, I am so grateful. Over the last couple years I've really put love and attention in to making my home as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
• 5. Food — I am so grateful to have access to fresh, organic, and delicious food! Sitting down to a beautiful meal with my family and friends is such a treat for me and I am thankful every time!
• What are you grateful for this beautiful holiday season?

Apple Pie Recipe

I come from a long line of family baking. My great-grandmother baked fresh bread every day, my grandmother owned a bakery for over 15 years, and my mother was always pulling fresh cookies and pies out of the oven for my brothers and me to enjoy.

One of my Grandma's specialties was her freshly picked apple pie with homemade crust topped with crumble and freshly whipped cream. When I was young, I used to love picking apples from the neighbor's trees and watching my grandma turn my forage into a delicious treat.

Straight from her recipe cards:

Ingredients

• Pie Crust
• 1/2 cup butter diced and chilled
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2-4 tablespoons ice water


• Crumble
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 cup oats
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt


• Pie Filling
• 6 cups thinly sliced apples (6 medium apples)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

• Pie Dough
• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water a tablespoon at a time until mixture forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Roll dough out to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place crust in pie plate. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of the pie plate.


• Pie Filling
• In large bowl, gently mix filling ingredients and spoon into crust-lined pie plate. Top with crumble.


• Crumble Topping
• In a large mixing bowl combine all the ingredients except the butter. Cut butter into mixture until it resembles coarse bread crumbs. Spread crumbs over prepared fruit mixture of your favorite fruit pie. If crumbs become too dark while baking, cover loosely with foil.


• Bake 40 to 45 minutes at 450 degrees or until apples are tender

Friendsgiving is the perfect opportunity for a group of friends to come together and celebrate the classic traditions of the Thanksgiving holiday. We all look forward to the time of the year when we can sit down and revel in the familiar flavors and magical moments of our favorite fall festivities. Join us in Friendsgiving where we cherish these moments together and celebrate what we are truly grateful for.