Find inspiration for simple fall friendsgiving table decor and a low-maintenance self-serve food station! With simple fall decor and an easy, crowd-pleasing charcuterie board, you'll be inspired to invite your friends over for a laid-back friendsgiving party.
It's been a while since you've seen my dining room. I haven't spent much time decorating in here, but I did paint the walls a gorgeous Kendall Charcoal right after we moved in.
I haven't tackled this space as far as makeovers go. I simply moved in the furniture we already owned: my DIY farmhouse table, DIY media console and all-time favorite mirror. It's much more farmhouse-y than the rest of our new home, but I'm grateful for the furniture I built and held onto over the years.
Recently I added a couple of art pieces, as you'll see in the photos below. I'll tackle the room eventually, build a new table, hang curtains and so on, but for now it works great for hosting small gatherings!
(I eventually DID do a makeover in this space. See the traditional dining room reveal here.)
And this year I'm hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time ever! I'm excited to use this space to host and share this special holiday with family and friends who feel like family.
Thanksgiving vs. Friendsgiving
Thanksgiving is commonly celebrated as a time for families to come together and give thanks. It often involves large family gatherings and elaborate meals rooted in tradition, with a side of family drama. Ha! And while it can be a fun gathering for some families, it may feel formal and stiff for others.
Friendsgiving, on the other hand, is a gathering of chosen friends who feel like family. A "framily," if you will. These lend themselves to casual, less formal and more fun get-togethers! Whether it's a potluck dinner or a relaxed brunch, Friendsgiving is all about good food and laughter without the stress of formalities.
So the focus is definitely on a casual, fun time with friends, and far less stuffy and traditional!
Easy Friendsgiving Decor Ideas
1. Table Decor Ideas
Let's start by decorating the tabletop, shall we?
I'm a big fan of casual tablescapes and simple centerpieces. I don't usually buy much new stuff to decorate my tables. I like things simple, easy and inviting so people feel special without being overly fussy. We're just not fancy people.
Click/Tap the images below to shop my dining room:
I always start my table settings with the same white plates and hyacinth place settings. I love their classic appeal, which works with every season and holiday.
Then I add a small plate and bowl, along with a simple napkin in the middle. You can use seasonal plates, seasonal napkins or napkin holders, but the base can always stay the same. Learn how I decorate my table for Thanksgiving dinner with simple dishes, chargers, tablecloths and napkins.
This year I spotted these plaid placemats and a matching plaid table runner, and I just had to have them to add a fall touch to my dining table. They can be used all year, too.
Oh, and the gold flatware was a new budget-friendly buy. I love how it ties in with the other brass and gold details in my home. I used evergreen napkin rings to set the napkins in a bowl on top of the salad plate. You could add place cards, too, if you'd like!
The art between the windows is a beautiful landscape piece I bought for the kitchen, but it didn't end up working there. Oh well! The kitchen's loss is the dining room's gain, right?! (It ended up in the powder room as its permanent home.)
2. Easy and Simple Centerpiece
In the middle of the table I filled a centerpiece with real orange and white pumpkins, a bundle of wheat, some books and candles I already had. But you could use anything you have, like gourds, vases, colorful leaves or lanterns... really anything that adds depth, layers and texture!
The brass candlesticks and taper candles in the center of the table aren't my favorites. I have some others I love, so I should have used those instead.
If you're looking for some, grab these gold candlesticks. They're lovely and budget-friendly (and they go in and out of stock often, so check back frequently if they're sold out right now).
3. Easy Food Options
Since I was going for a casual friendsgiving table, I thought this would be the perfect time to try my hand at a charcuterie board. Isn't it the most natural, casual way to feed a crowd? I think so!
I had never made one before! If you've been intimidated by these beautiful snack boards, I'm here to tell you they're SO easy and perfect for special occasions! My girls were so enamored with it that we had to recreate it for lunch the next day. I foresee quite a few charcuterie board lunches in our near future.
The buffet in the dining room is the perfect place to set out food for a self-serve gathering.
If you've never made a charcuterie board before, I spelled out exactly how I made mine on my sister site, Comfort Food at Home. (Surprise! I've started a food blog.)
Try these other easy fall dishes that are perfect for snacking at Friendsgiving:
- Bacon-wrapped Chicken Bites
- Loaded Smashed Potatoes
- Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Baked Apple Slices
- Bacon Cracker Appetizers
Click/Tap the images below to shop my dining room:
This view of the other side of the room includes another favorite abstract art canvas (no longer available). I love bringing abstract pieces into my collection, and I think this one looks so much pricier than it is! Those colors are my favorite.
I hope my tablescape and fall decorating ideas this year inspire you to gather and celebrate with loved ones this holiday season. (Even if it's a very small gathering, since we're still living with the pandemic.)
Your decor doesn't have to be fancy. Just use what you already have to create a beautiful, welcoming space. I know your guests will love any effort you put in!
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