life.Every year, as the air gets just a little crisper (well, as crisp as it gets in Miami), I look forward to one of my favorite traditions: Friendsgiving. This year, I decided to host it in my cozy apartment, complete with stunning Miami sunset skyline views that added a magical backdrop to the festivities.
There's something incredibly special about gathering with friends and enjoying a delicious meal together. My apartment provided the perfect setting for such an evening. As the sun set over the Miami skyline, painting the sky with hues of pink, orange, and purple, it created an ambiance that was both warm and inviting. We even did a toast on the balcony as the sun started to set. Then it was dinner time!
Friendsgiving is all about coming together and celebrating friendship with a feast. Everyone contributed a dish, making it a true potluck event where the variety of food mirrored the diversity of our group.
No Friendsgiving is complete without a turkey, and this year, I took on the challenge of making it myself. Roasting the turkey to a perfect golden brown, I was thrilled to see how juicy and flavorful it turned out. It was the star of the evening, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment seeing everyone enjoy it.
The sides were a delightful mix of traditional and unique dishes. Veronica brought her famous garlic mashed potatoes, creamy and full of flavor. Carla contributed a beautiful salad with cranberries, walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette that added a fresh touch to our meal, along with some additional vegan options. Miranda’s sweet potato casserole, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, was a crowd favorite, and let’s not forget the touch of Cuban food that Caroli brought. Roger brought beautiful flowers that brightened up the room and added a lovely touch to the decor. He also brought some fantastic wine that perfectly complemented our meal.
My sister Carolina made her famous pumpkin pie cake pops. Carla brought some vegan desserts, and there was also an amazing chocolate cake. My friend Romi couldn’t make the Friendsgiving, so she had a fruit tray delivered from Edible Arrangements.
To add a special touch to our Friendsgiving, I took a trip down to the Florida Keys a few days prior to pick up my favorite Key Lime Pie from one of my favorite restaurants. The tangy sweetness of the pie, paired with its buttery graham cracker crust, was a refreshing addition to our dessert table. It brought a taste of the tropics to our evening, reminding us of the sunshine and laid-back vibes of the Keys.
As the evening progressed, laughter and conversation filled the room. We shared stories, reminisced about old times, and made new memories. The skyline view provided a breathtaking backdrop, making our Friendsgiving feel like something out of a movie.
Candles flickered on the table, casting a warm glow over everything. The aroma of delicious food mingled with the soft strains of music playing in the background. It was a night that reminded me of how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends.
Hosting Friendsgiving in my apartment was a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food and great times with friends. It’s these moments of togetherness and gratitude that truly make the holiday season special.
As I looked around at my friends, bathed in the glow of the Miami sunset and enjoying a slice of Key Lime Pie, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Here’s to many more Friendsgivings, each one a celebration of friendship, love, and the simple pleasures of life.
xo,
Christina Hammoud
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