11-18-2015
Holiday Hostess // Tips for a Fab Friendsgiving
FILED IN: Education, Holiday & Seasonal
Posted By: Jamie Kutchman
Drum roll. Today I'm introducing a new series on the blog called "Holiday Hostess". It's no secret we adore everything hospitality, styling, community, and friends & family around here. So, it only makes sense to track down our favorite 'Hostess with the Mostess' Vickie Theodorou and pick her brain on the much-loved Friendsgiving trend.
Image: Heirloom DC
Vickie owns DC-based Heirloom Catering & Styling and brings a fresh approach to the local catering scene. She not only dreams up delicious dishes made from the freshest ingredients, but she's equally blessed with the ability to style an event beautifully. It's a rare combo and we're honored to have her dish out some of her genius with us today (and future holidays to come!)
Before we dive into Friendsgiving, first a little about Vickie and her business.
Tell us a little about yourself
I would call myself crazy in the best of ways. I’m an imaginative dreamer yet I also have my feet firmly on the ground. I’m a people pleaser who loves, animals, food, traveling, good people, entertaining, challenging myself and opening myself up to learning from everyone and every experience. You can find me hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu or the exact opposite, hitting all the shops in SOHO shopping the latest fashion trends. Reading up on business related magazines or publications, or playing with my fur babies. A little bit of everything – life is short after all!
Image: Stacy Zarin Photo
So, why the name Heirloom?
Heirloom because it’s rooted in timelessness, is meaningful and establishes precedence. Just how we believe events should be; meaningful, transcend time while being impressive and unique both from a food and styling standpoint.
What do you like the most about running your own business?
It’s a strong first place tie between being able to let your imagination and creativity shine while meeting the challenge of bringing those imaginative presentations and creative visions to life. And, the autonomy to craft out my own little space in the world alongside my growing team.
Image: Sweet Root Village
What are your thoughts on the Friendsgiving trend?
I love it! Friends ARE family. Getting together with friends is all about good conversation, lots of laughter, yummy food and plenty of booze, duh. What better chance than a friendsgiving get-together to bring the important people in your life together to celebrate all the good stuff.
Image: Erika Layne Photo
What are some fun appetizers ideas for hosting Friendsgiving?
So many possibilities when it comes to marrying classic Thanksgiving fare with stylish, yummy bites. Try a little Brie & Apple Tartlet or a Cranberry Goat Cheese Pastry. For the Brie Tartlet, fill a little pastry cup with a piece of brie, a spiced nut of your choice, soak some chopped apples in a little bit of lemon juice and touch of olive oil. Add the apple and a little drizzle of maple syrup. Warm in the oven for a few minutes. For the Goat Cheese Pastry, use a mini muffin pan to make little pie shells. Once those are ready fill with Goat Cheese & Cranberry Chutney from a local artisan store, or Fresh Cranberries. Both reflect the season and offer a savory meets sweet perfect bite!
Image: Heirloom DC
Can you give us an easy décor idea for styling your gathering?
Load up on little white pumpkins from your local farmer's market or grocery store, cluster them together in various points throughout the house. Grab a few baskets, put them on their side and alternate colorful apples and little pumpkins spilling out of the baskets. Add some height with assorted candlesticks and don’t be afraid to mis-match different styles. Try mercury, copper, brass and gold candlesticks with a few complementary colored taper candles. You can have fun with your mini pumpkins as well, play around with spray painting a gold to rose gold ombre or painting on gold stripes or dots. They can serve as a take home gift or place setting - so fun!
Image: Erika Layne Photo
How about a signature cocktail idea?
Spiked Apple Cider. Yum! A little Brandy, Local Apple Cider, Cinnamon Sticks, A touch of Vodka. Let all of those ingredients sit over night.Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a dried or fresh apple on the rim. Serve hot or cold and taste pure [tipsy] comfort!
Image: Heirloom DC
What are you thankful for this year?
Gratitude and humility in all aspects is always in the forefront of my mind, but this year I’m especially thankful for such an amazing community that has welcomed Heirloom and it’s unique approach to food and styling into the event world. We love our friendors (friends + vendors)! The support of so many uber talented men & women is truly amazing and allows us to continue to create amazing events!
Thank you Vickie! We'll see you back on the blog closer to Christmas for more unique holiday inspiration!
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