SHARE

Briarcliff Blogger Starts Thanksgiving With Annual 'Friendsgiving'

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y.-- Michelle Platt is gearing up for one of her favorite (albeit made-up) holidays: Friendsgiving.

Briarcliff resident Michelle Platt of Briarcliff with friends at her annual Friendsgiving.

Briarcliff resident Michelle Platt of Briarcliff with friends at her annual Friendsgiving.

Photo Credit: Submitted
Michelle Platt of Briarcliff blogs at MyyPurseStrings.com.

Michelle Platt of Briarcliff blogs at MyyPurseStrings.com.

Photo Credit: Submitted

This will be the third one in a row she's hosted and the Briarcliff resident, who blogs at mypursestrings.com, writes why she loves the gathering of friends so much.

The timing: "While it’s traditionally held on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or the Friday after (so guests can bring their leftovers), my friends and I celebrate it a couple of weeks beforehand. 

"For me, Thanksgiving either means traveling somewhere with children in tow or hosting it in my own home, as I will this year. 

The month of December becomes a scheduling logistical impossibility, as everyone gets bombarded with office parties, neighborhood get-togethers, and family obligations. 

However, November offers a reprieve for all, and for those of us with children playing sports, our stint as soccer-mom (insert sport of choice) takes a much-needed hiatus as winter nears."

Friends:  "I invite  my oldest and dearest friends, the friends who watched me grow up, who know me before I met my husband, and before my children became such a huge part of my identity.

"As insane as it sounds, I send out invitations for Friendsgiving in August. Putting a date on a calendar to see these friends isn’t always easy and plans get canceled for one reason or another. 'At least I’ll see you at Friendsgiving” has become our standard catch-phrase.''"

A Reason to Host. "My husband and I don’t often get the opportunity to entertain at home. Our first Friendsgiving also conveniently served as our house-warming party."

Potluck. "Each year, the menu simplifies itself. Less time in the kitchen means more time catching up with friends. 

"The first year, I cooked a delicious but involved salmon dish, last year I threw some things in the crockpot and called it a day, and this year, let’s just say I’m focusing on the cocktails. Potluck gives my friends a chance to bring their signature dishes or for the adventurous type to try out that new recipe they’ve been eyeing. 

"Our Friendsgiving menu purposefully lacks a flow and any connection to Thanksgiving food: Moroccan chicken with Caprese salad paired with a Cuban steak and a key lime pie. No judgments. It’s really not about the food."

Kids. "Friendsgiving is a family holiday. While I enjoy seeing all of our children together, this second generation of friends, I get even more satisfaction by sending them off with the babysitter I hire, which I consider the best allocation of my money every Friendsgiving. No hanging children on my leg, a somewhat controlled mess in the playroom and most importantly, the long-lost art of the uninterrupted conversation.

to follow Daily Voice Ossining and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE