Tis the Season to Give Thanks

In the midst of the season’s hustle and bustle of parties, shopping, and gifts we often lose sight of what the holidays are all about. Bill Chisnell Productions encouraged the community to participate in an event called Giving Thanks that took place on November 18, 2012 which helped feed the needy of the Pittsburgh Homeless Shelter during a lunch and dinner seating. Many prominent event vendors and local restaurants donated their services and cuisine to this event, and Mosaic was thrilled to participate for this worthy cause!

The event included two seating of over one hundred diners with the help of a hundred volunteers! Donations from twelve local restaurants and caters made the dinner possible serving turkey, stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans casserole, mixed vegetables, apple cobbler, pumpkin cupcakes, macaroons, ice cream, coffee, apple cider, and more.

Sleeping bags filled with water, first aid kits, hats, scarves, gloves, snacks, toiletries, blankets were donated from ten local organizations and individuals, and the kids received goodie bags made by one of our donors' daughters included toys, games and other treats. All of the event planning and time were donated by event planners, and the dishes, linens, tables, chairs, food service and preparation, photography, music were all donated by vendors as well.

Giving Thanks would have not been possible without the time and resources of the following companies & organizations:

DONATIONS by: Astor & Black, Autumn Zankey of Mary Kay, Charles Spiegel, Create Studio, Hair by Damian, Erin’s Hallmark, Getting to the Point, LLC, Groff Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Hepatica, Laurel Breuner of Supercuts, Marina Lehn, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Plantscape, Trau & Loevner, UPMC Health Plan.

FOOD by: Big Burrito Catering, Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream, Duqusene Club, Girasole, La Crème, Rania’s Catering, Square Care, Two Louie’s Deli, Vic & Debbie Fortunato, Vanilla Pastry Studio, Spoon, Cruze

PLANNING by: Extraordinary Events, Natalie Berger Party Planner, Susie Franklin Planning

RENTALS by: AOPR, Mosaic Linens, Party Savvy, Studio E Band, Delta Foundation, Nate Sherer Videography, Lendable Linens, Nate Sherer Videography, Goldstein Photography

Here at Mosaic we believe in the power of working together to give back to the community. During this holiday we’d like to give thanks to all of our supporters and partners, and look forward to continuing to grow together in the New Year. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Mosaic!

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Thanksgiving Centerpieces

A centerpiece has always been known to anchor your Thanksgiving table, providing visual excitement and energy to the setting. It helps bring everything together and makes the table more inviting for guests. Centerpieces shouldn’t be expensive or hard to make, in fact you probably have everything needed to make a special centerpiece at your fingertips right now. Use fall’s natural resources and a little accent here and there to create some magic in your decor. Be sure to use a table linen that compliments and brings attention to the look you are trying to achieve so the table reads as a cohesive and personal backdrop for your celebration. And dont forget to start early. Setting the table early allows you to focus on the meal so that by the time Thanksgiving arrives, you are ready to share the special day with family and friends. This year, allow Mosaic to help you bring your Thanksgiving table to life!

FESTIVE 

Make use of the natural gifts autumn has to offer by creating vases out of gourds and placing fresh seasonal flowers in them for a colorful and festive look. Pair them with a linen that creates a background that pops, like this burnt orange pintuck from Mosaic.

ELEGANT

For a simple and elegant centerpiece use your finest candlesticks and dishware to showcase white and orange pumpkins and even add some branches of bittersweet berries. Finish the look with a luxurious print in classic colors such as this Ivory Venice linen from Mosaic.

CLASSIC

If you’re dinner party is themed around the original Thanksgiving dinner, go for a centerpiece that entertains the origins of the holiday, with wheat and ears of maize.  Choose a table linen that will complement the autumnal colors of your traditional centerpiece, like Mosaic’s Sunset Mayan linen . Find more directions on how to create this centerpiece HERE.

ROMANTIC

For a more intimate setting, make a lower centerpiece that creates a warm glow and emphasizes romantic ambiance, encouraging eye contact and conversation. This centerpiece uses pillar candles, fall leave and a wooden plank to set a romantic mood for an intimate holiday gathering. Use a dark rich colored linen to accentuate the warm and intimate atmosphere you’ve created, like Mosaic’s Brown Maple Leaves.

KID-FRIENDLY

Get the kids involved in the table setting festivities by having them write down what they are most thankful for this year on paper ornaments and clipping them to tree branches. After dinner, while relaxing around the fire, read the wishes from the ornaments to spark conversation and thought. Save them and add more each year, to make a family tradition. Pair this with neutral yet friendly colored linen like Mosaic’s Sage Moire Bengaline linen. Find out more on how to make this centerpiece HERE.

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Thanksgiving Cocktails

Raise a toast to everyone and everything that you are thankful for this year, with a

delicious cocktail in hand. Choose something festive that compliments the flavors
of the season: cranberry, cider, pear, or rosemary make great choices this time of
year. These recipes will surely please the palates of your guests and can be great
conversation starters among those who might not know each other. Cheers!

Cranberry Old Fashion



Warm up with this classic cocktail that blends bourbon and the berry of the season.
This is a strong one so don’t be afraid to add a little extra water when you muddle.
Get the recipe HERE.

Mulled White Wine Sangria




This is an irresistible mixture of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and honey with
pieces of seasonal fruit like pears, apples and kumquats. Make a large batch of
this autumn inspired sangria and watch your guests collect around the punch bowl
as they come back for more! Get the recipe HERE.

Apple Pie Cider



Greet your guests with a warm drink to soothe the bitter cold. This drink uses apple
pie spices and brandy for a unique spin on a classic beverage. Garnish with a
cinnamon stick for festive stirring. Get the recipe HERE.

Sparkling Apple Ginger Mocktail



Don’t forget to include your Designated Drivers and non-drinkers with a tasty mocktail
like this sparkling cider spiked with ginger and cinnamon. This tasty beverage is
perfect for a party of teens or family celebration with young kids. Get the recipe HERE.

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