before november ends, it is imperative that i share my favorite part – well, at least my favorite part that took place in the u.s. friendsgiving 2024 was one for the books.

thanksigving has always been my favorite holiday – it really taps into my favorite love language more than any other holiday because it is all about quality time. with me being the one to host friendsgiving, it taps into my second love language – acts of service. last year, i spent thanksgiving in a hospital hotel with my dad as he went through a stem cell transplant to treat his cancer. to say i was grateful for a change of pace (and scenery) would be a gross understatement. let’s be honest – i am even more grateful for him being in a healthier space. last year, my christmas cocktails with kristin party was a hit and the girls were adamant that i did it again this year. little did they know, i only hosted that because i did not get a true thanksgiving. however, i figured: why not do both? invites to both friendsgiving and christmas cocktails with kristin went out in august.

because i knew i would be hosting in december as well, i did not want to be totally overwhelmed. i figured if i provided a little charcuterie board, ham, turkey, my baked mac & cheese and stocked the bar, each guest could bring a side dish or dessert they loved. it was the absolute best and now it looks like i will be hosting two holiday parties each year. there is something so special about having so many of your favorite people in one place.

did i have a mini meltdown when the honey baked ham company cancelled my order the day of just minutes before pickup when i had placed it a few days in advance? absofuckinglutely. did i pivot and place a new order for sliced pieces instead of having to carve into an entire animal? indeed. did that mean i had not changed or finished my makeup when my friends arrived? you betcha! am i relieved my friends are my chosen family who were down for me to spend the time doing my makeup at my dining room table so i could look remotely together for a few photos? GIRL, YES.

each person there had met at least one other person before friendsgiving however with me having multiple groups, it is always a roll of the dice when combining this many people. i must be the luckiest girl alive because the evening went seamlessly. whether it was politics, sports, upbringing, holiday plans, parenting, dating or anything else under the sun, the conversations flowed effortlessly and people did not need to agree in order for the conversations to be fruitful. nick had each person go around to say what they were grateful for and asked for people to choose one serious thing and one funny one – the answers are permanently seared into my head and my heart. i feel rich with the people in my orbit. i hope you felt the same way this thanksgiving.

what was your favorite part of november?

xoxo,

k.tap