Unfortunately I don’t think I was blessed with the natural hostess gene. I am always in awe of Camille’s ability to create a beautiful experience for her guests and manage to relax and enjoy herself too. So I was more than a little relieved to read Camille’s hilarious account of the first Thanksgiving she hosted in the new book. From the blackened, frozen turkey to the emergency plumber, her story gave me hope that I too can master the art of hostessing… one day. The first Thanksgiving I ever hosted, I had just moved in to a new apartment in a new country, and I was desperate for a taste of home. The search for ingredients took me on a scavenger hunt all over town, and the pressure of providing my guests with their first Thanksgiving weighed heavily on me. So when I discovered on Thanksgiving that my new oven would not light, I resorted to cooking the entire meal (including the pies) outside on the barbecue. It wasn’t quite what I had envisioned and certainly didn’t taste like my mom’s cooking, but it’s a day I’ll never forget.
Ship chandelier – This is the perfect statement piece if your home is in a neutral palette. It is certainly a conversation starter, but it isn’t loud or overpowering in the space. And while it may look like one of a kind, you can find accessible versions of this antique in stores like ZGallerie.
La Cocotte – The ship chandelier is epic, but the leading role of Thanksgiving is of course the food. This warm and cozy meal by Love and Lemons is served in mini ramekins, ideal for cold weather entertaining.
Flatware – I’m partial to brushed gold or polished silver but this rustic, steel flatware is simply made for hearty winter meals.
Table – If you love the look of marble countertops but a kitchen renovation isn’t in your near future, then this marble top dining table is a good way to bring the finish in. Just be sure to use coasters and placemats because marble is porous so wine, lemon or vinegar can leave a permanent mark.
Oyster salt cellar – Raw woods or in this case, shells, are a beautiful way to bring natural textures into a table setting.
Menu pumpkin – This DIY menu is a brilliant use for your leftover Halloween pumpkins.
Rug – The beauty of a multi-color rug like this one is that it seems to suit every season.
Chair – You didn’t think we’d go a whole post without a nod to mid-century modern? It feels like this design is omnipresent but that’s because it truly does go with everything!
*inspiration photo Lonny Magazine
