Thanksgiving is such a cherished time of year. A chance to be with family, to reflect on our blessings, and laugh together over favorite foods. But Millennials decided that before shuffling off to visit family, we want to celebrate with our friends, too. And just like that, Friendsgiving is born.
From humble beginnings, the ritual has taken many forms over the years. It began as a strictly potluck-style affair featuring both typical and non-typical Thanksgiving fare. Today, some friend circles make it a swanky, elaborate soirée. And we definitely fall into the latter group.
Our Friendsgiving is elevated and unexpected, to say the least. So join us for an evening of fine drinks, delicious food, and some of the best friends around.
The Party
To plan this sophisticated evening, we turned to the experts at A Signature Production, Charlene McAngus and Misty Stout. They have an extreme eye for detail when it comes to planning and hosting events, and even the most minor details matter—the placement, the colors, the flow.
After a site visit and a discussion with our host, our publisher, Tara, the team captured her vision for the evening: an elevated event featuring Chinese cuisine with custom drinks and desserts. Then, McAngus and Stout got to work.
The concept? The designers landed on a toile pattern coupled with vibrant colors that would align with the aesthetic but still offer some shock value. Parties by Design provided different styles of tableware so the duo could find the perfect look. The final product featured bright colors and shapes—the bow—and patterns to tie rooms together without being identical.
Working with vendors who truly understand the assignment makes everything better. Stout says, “We often reach out to vendors and say, ‘Ok, I am about to ask you for something insane...don't block my number, please.’" McAngus and Stout told the virtual magicians at Flourish Floral Designs precisely what they wanted, and Flourish nailed it. Stout continues, “We love being able to trust vendors to take our direction and really run with it and give it their flair and execution.”
The Menu
The food for this unique occasion was not your typical Thanksgiving meal but an Asian-flavored feast that embraces the “comfort food” aspect of the American holiday while highlighting flavors of the Far East.
Private Chef Yaping Zhang brought the best of her family recipes to bear for our evening together. To start, we had an assortment of appetizers, including steamed broccoli with green onion and sesame oil; smashed cucumber in vinegar, sugar, and chili oil; soybean spouts with Thai pepper, fresh garlic, and soy sauce; and—drumroll, please—fried dumplings filled with ground beef, ginger, green onions, and carrots. It was hard to keep from filling up on the first course!
Saving room was worth the effort, though, as the mains did not disappoint. Zhang offered a virtual tasting menu of Chinese delights: haricot verts and pork belly, crispy chicken wings, savory eggplant, okra, fried rice, and—the pièce de résistance—Beijing roast duck. It was impossible to leave hungry.
As the evening continued and sweet teeth set in, we found solace in the gorgeous display by MadMaks Treats. The fluffy macarons, the tower of golden fortune cookies, and cupcakes perfectly adorned with “Thanksgiving” in Mandarin.
The Bar
Behind the bar, we brought in a master: William Taylor, head bartender at the revamped Zanzenberg Tavern in Center Point. Building on the Far East theme, Taylor regaled us with two drinks: the Gardens Grace Martini and the Sour Blossom.
The “Gardens Grace Martini” was designed to complement the bracing, spicy dishes we enjoyed because it mirrors and enhances fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The cocktail features gin, cucumber, and cilantro. Lime juice provides a bright acidity, and a spiced rim adds a subtle warmth that echoes the chili oil’s heat.
The “Sour Blossom” is a sweet and tangy cocktail that blends the rich, fruity flavors of a Japanese plum wine with the depth of bourbon. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy acidity, while honey syrup introduces a smooth, natural sweetness. When shaken with ice, the cocktail becomes well-balanced, with a velvety texture that’s enhanced by the optional addition of egg white for a frothy finish.
(Yes, we have the recipes. Just ask!)
SIDEBAR 1 (A Signature Production):
Charlene McAngus & Misty Stout asignatureproduction.com
A Signature Production is a full-service event management and production company located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. They create meaningful experiences that bring bold visions to life. Specializing in everything from strategy, design, and audiovisual technology to production and entertainment, they ensure that every event goes beyond the expected. From small events and programs to large trade show initiatives, their team is your team.
SIDEBAR 2 (Yaping):
Yaping Zhang @yapingzhangts
Yaping grew up in a small village near Pingyao, China, which has 2,800 years of history and attracts visitors worldwide. Her grandmother—who often caters weddings and parties in their hometown—taught her to cook, but Yaping added skills and recipes independently over the years. Today, Yaping loves preparing happy, healthy meals for herself and others, art, history, and culture. She shares her knowledge of Asian cuisine with the Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio and serves as a docent at the San Antonio Museum of Art, where you can listen to her share the story of the elegant vases in the Chinese gallery.
SIDEBAR 3 (William):
William Taylor @ebbnflow_studio, @zanzenbergtavern
As head bartender at Zanzenberg Tavern, William brings years of bartending expertise to the forefront as the tavern reopens under new ownership and a talented new chef. With a deep passion for mixology, William has developed a reputation for crafting innovative cocktails that blend seasonal infusions, fresh Texas ingredients, and sustainable practices. The reopening of Zanzenberg Tavern marks a new chapter, where William’s creative cocktails complement the fresh culinary vision. His extensive experience allows him to create drinks that are not only bold in flavor but also rooted in storytelling, offering patrons an elevated experience with every sip.
Floral flourishfdstudio.com
Dessert madmakstreats.com
From humble beginnings, Friendsgiving has taken many forms. It began as a potluck-style affair, but today, some friend circles make it a swanky, elaborate soiree.