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25 guests, one rooftop, and a big lesson in connection

City views and gratitude.

Author

Jeannette Reyes
November 28, 2024


Hey friend,

I hope you’re doing well! I just hosted my very first Friendsgiving, and it was everything I’d imagined and more. Robert and I had 25 of our closest friends gathered on our rooftop, overlooking the city lights, for a night filled with laughter, gratitude, and pure joy. I won't lie though, I was panicking just hours before everyone arrived. Hosting a big gathering just a week after moving back to the city? Totally on-brand for me! 😅 I may have bit off more than I could chew. But trust me, the payoff was worth every ounce of stress.

For years, I craved that feeling of connection with my friends, especially after moving to the suburbs. Coming back to DC has been a dream, and this Friendsgiving was the perfect way to celebrate: on our rooftop, a breathtaking view of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol bathed in moonlight, glasses clinking, the sweet sounds of "Before I Let Go" by Maze and Frankie Beverly filling the air. Y’all, it was magic. ✨

And you know I had to dress for the occasion! I wore a long flowing vest, black slacks, and red shoes to match my favorite red lipstick. Bella twinned with me in her adorable gray sparkle skirt and red top! Seeing her run around giggling with our friends just made the night even more special.

I’m so thankful for the help of my mom, Milly, sister Jannelle, and mother-in-law Denise. It really wouldn’t have come together without them! They did a lot of the heavy lifting, including helping me assemble gift bags. We filled them with goodies from Drunk Elephant, The Lip Bar, Subtl, Derma-E, and Paula's Choice—all generously gifted for the occasion. (Huge thanks to them!) Watching our friends' faces light up as they explored the bags was priceless.

Another highlight of the evening was going around the table and asking everyone to share something they were grateful for. The responses were so touching—stories of overcoming challenges, celebrating wins, and finding gratitude amidst life's ups and downs. It was a beautiful reminder of how much we all carry within us, often unnoticed by others, and how important it is to make space for those moments of reflection and vulnerability.

As the night wound down, a friend said something that really resonated with me: "The fact that so many people showed up tonight says a lot about how much people are starved for community." Another even suggested we make this a monthly thing! 

(I'm not sure I'm ready for that level of hosting just yet, but I love the enthusiasm.) 

It got me thinking: creating space for connection doesn’t always have to be as elaborate as a rooftop dinner. It could be a game night, a casual BBQ, a group hike... anything that brings people together. 

Growing up, my family often hosted gatherings, whether it was to watch a boxing match, play Parcheesi, or dance some bachata. I've always dreamed of cultivating a home like that for my daughter—a place where community is part of everyday life, where we come together just because, not only to celebrate major milestones. And this Friendsgiving felt like a step in that direction.

So, here's my advice: find ways to bring your people together. You'll be surprised at how much your friends need it—and how much you do too. 

In fact, I challenge you to create a moment of connection this week, like inviting a friend over for coffee, hosting a movie night, or FaceTiming to catch up. Small efforts have a huge impact—share your experiences with me!

Oh, I'm officially on my Martha Stewart journey. Mona and I are already scheming our next gathering (Fourth of July is about to go awf!). If you're a hosting pro, I'd love to hear your tips—because this is clearly just the beginning. 🥂

Wishing you more moments of community, connection, and gratitude.

A guide to more meaningful gatherings

My other Friendsgiving outfit option

IDK, he might not be built for this

❝

When we gather, we give life to the spaces between us, filling them with laughter, connection, and meaning.

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