Why settle for a stuffy dining room when you can host Friendsgiving under the open sky? This year, I took to the garden, complete with cozy vibes, fall bulbs, and a few picture-worthy Friendsgiving ideas. Whether you’ve got a big backyard or a small patio, here’s how to turn your outdoor space into a magical fall gathering.
In every garden space I’ve had the pleasure of calling home, I always prioritize an area for entertaining. Some of my favourite memories are those long, lazy afternoons and twinkle-lit evenings spent outside, surrounded by greenery, laughter, and the people I love.
When I first moved into this house, I had a very specific dream: a big table right in the middle of the lawn, set for an outdoor dinner for 12. I don’t have a dining room in the house so the big dinners move outside. And garden-side entertaining is magical.
Fast-forward to now. The deck is done, the veggie garden is thriving, and Lola (my stylish, vintage trailer sidekick!) is tucked into her corner like she was always meant to be there. It finally felt like the perfect time to throw a little garden gathering.
This year, I wanted to switch things up and reflect not just on what we’re thankful for now, but also on the gifts we can give our future selves. I planned a little magic for my garden table, and perhaps it will inspire you to create your own unforgettable evening with these garden-themed Friendsgiving ideas.
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Sponsored: This post is sponsored by Flowerbulb.eu, who graciously provided the bulbs we used to write our intentions and gift to our future selves. Flowerbulb.eu aims to educate those on the beauty and joy of flower bulbs. Go to Flowerbulb.eu for inspiration and education!
Friendsgiving Décor in the Garden
When I designed the garden, I always planned that the lawn would become an outdoor dining area for the bigger events. I combined three folding beer garden tables to make one square table big enough for 12, with benches around so 4 people could sit on each side.
The invites were clear that it would be an outdoor dining event and to dress accordingly. And, of course, that’s part of the fun! Everyone dressed stylishly warm in wool and velvet fabrics, brightened by the rich colours of fall. I also provided blankets for everyone on the bench seating to ensure the guests did not get chilly.
Lights are the number one way to set ambience. Outdoor string lights with Edison bulbs are strung from the deck to the large hazelnut tree, so they light up the table and Lola. The table lighting was simple as well: an array of candles to set the mood.
To set the table, I layered tablecloths. Each setting had different vintage, colourful plates. All together, it perfectly matched the vibrancy and eclectic nature of the garden.
On the table, I set out flowers freshly harvested from my cutting garden, In this season it is filled with zinnias and sunflowers, but the garden gives flowers from early spring in succession from the bulbs I planted: tulips first, then ranunculus. Next summer, I plan to include dahlias for a huge selection of flowers through to the fall.
I filled in the center of the table with other items harvested from my garden: acorn squash, rosemary sprigs, and dried hydrangeas. Truly celebrating the abundance that can come from the garden.
Finally, I added pretty 1-litre Mason jars filled with tulip bulbs. These make for cute and useful gifts that each guest can take home. These also became an activity later in the night.
A Gift for Your Future Self
At all my dinners, I like to host an activity to bring everyone together and share my gratitude for friendship. For Friendsgiving this year, my theme was “A Gift to Your Future Self.” When we finished the main course, I thanked everyone for being part of my family and then explained the reason there were jars of tulip bulbs on the table.
This gift was how we could collectively explore appreciation for a period of winter’s rest and acknowledgement of our future selves. Giving fall planting flower bulbs is the example.
If you plant fall bulbs now, such as tulips, daffodils, crocus, and other showstoppers, they bloom in the early days of spring. Exactly when you need a reminder that winter does, in fact, end in a new season, spring. This is a very personal concept for me, and one that I experienced in full colour this past year.
When I first moved into the house, it was fall. I planted a lawn full of fall bulbs that brought me so much joy in the following spring when I didn’t have any other plants or flowers yet. Since I hadn’t been able to do any garden work yet, having those bulbs come up in the spring was a really lovely gift and kick-started my year of gardening ahead.
I loved it so much, I planted more tulip bulbs last fall so I could have even more flowers. I harvested so many tulips to use as bouquets, thanking past me for this abundance and feeling such joy that I gave this small gift to myself.
At Friendsgiving, I wanted to pass on this abundance and joyful feeling so that my loved ones could nourish themselves over winter.
Every couple or family got a jar of tulip bulbs alongside some pieces of paper. I encouraged everyone to write an intention and what they hoped spring would bring them. What gift would you love to receive in the spring that you’re nourishing now?
Once written down, we folded the pieces of paper and put them in the jar. When they bring the bulbs home, they can plant the paper with the bulbs. After a little winter rest, the flowers will grow in the spring alongside your intentions. And you’ll remember the gift you had given yourself.
Friendsgiving Foodie Feast
In the center of my vegetable garden beds is the Gardener’s Table. Like a Chef’s table, it is set for just two people to enjoy an intimate meal.
It’s framed with a U-shaped vegetable garden and a bean arch. I removed the two chairs for this party and tossed a tablecloth over top of the table to serve wine and a cranberry-themed cheeseboard. After dinner, I set dessert on that table as well. It kept everyone moving around the garden for the different courses.
For the main course, I cooked a turkey dinner. My friend, who happens to be an amazing chef, also cooked Chinese dumplings for everyone, which we enjoyed as a second course.
For dessert, I served hyper-realistic fall-themed cakes that looked like pumpkins, green apples, acorns, and mushrooms. They were absolutely stunning but 100% cake, so no worries about the mushroom being poisonous (it was pistachio raspberry-flavoured cake and mousse. Yum!). I got the cakes from a local bakery, making things simple for me and enjoyable for my guests.
What you serve at your Friendsgiving is personal and doesn’t have the follow the Thanksgiving norms. Collaborate to lessen the stress of doing it all yourself, and you can enjoy what your friends love to cook as well.
The Joy of a Thanksgiving Garden Party
Having friends over for any kind of celebration is a way to share your life with them. This Thanksgiving garden party was a way to share something meaningful to me: planting fall bulbs and the abundance they can provide next spring. I knew how much joy it gave me, and I wanted to pass that feeling and intention to the people who are important to me.
Bringing them together, cooking them dinner, and gifting them these bulbs also allowed me to feel the abundance of their friendship. It is my hope that by passing on the gift of tulip bulbs to them, they’ll be reminded that they’re special to me.
And better yet, inspire the intentions and dreams they’ve made this fall to come true next spring.
I hope you found some inspiration for garden-themed Friendsgiving décor, and most importantly, feel inspired to set your own intentions this fall. Be sure to check out Flowerbulb.eu for more bulb inspiration and tips!
More Ways to Celebrate the Season
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
