Cover Rocio Olbes’ tropical Thanksgiving setup (Photo: courtesy of Rocio Olbes)
Rocio Olbes’ tropical Thanksgiving setup (Photo: courtesy of Rocio Olbes)
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Explore how Tatler community members Rocio Olbes and Nicole Whisenhunt added a modern, distinctively Filipino twist to Thanksgiving
Gratitude is a wonderful practice that can greatly contribute to happiness. As the year ends, many of us are taking stock of the happenings that have occurred over the year.
Whilst Thanksgiving is a primarily American tradition, Filipinos and Americans share a long history of friendship which perhaps explains why Filipinos celebrate this holiday.
To understand how this tradition comes to life, Tatler community members in Manila share how they celebrate this event. We asked Rocio Olbes and Nicole Whisenhunt to share their thoughts on this special holiday.
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Rocio Olbes
Above Rocio Olbes’ tropical Thanksgiving tablescape on display for her guests
Rocio Olbes’ tropical Thanksgiving tablescape on display for her guests
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I wanted to do a Tropical Thanksgiving, so I opted for a long table in the garden instead of the traditional dining room to incorporate the idea of a ‘Tropical Thanksgiving’. I wanted something relaxed that also wove in key Filipino aspects to our celebration.
Above Rocio Olbes’ tablescape, featuring tropical flowers and plants (Photo: courtesy of Rocio Olbes)
Above Rocio Olbes’ tropical Thanksgiving meal (Photo: courtesy of Rocio Olbes)
Rocio Olbes’ tablescape, featuring tropical flowers and plants (Photo: courtesy of Rocio Olbes)
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I believe celebrating and giving thanks is truly wonderful! I am so grateful for everything and everyone, most especially my family and loved ones. That is inspiration enough! My loved ones shower my world with so much love and joy. They are everything to me.
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Nicole Whisenhunt
Above Nicole Whisenhunt’s abundant tablescape, centred around various fruits (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Whisenhunt)
Nicole Whisenhunt’s abundant tablescape, centred around various fruits (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Whisenhunt)
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My idea was to express the harvest, yet not be too traditional, I wanted to veer away from an American rustic Thanksgiving look. Inspired by the harvest, my tablescape was built around a variety of fruits. At the end of the dinner, my guests were given small banig (woven) bags to “harvest” the fruits on the table as their giveaways.
I used Formosa vines for a sculptured effect and pine leaves for contrast. Ultimately, my favourite element was the grapes since draping them from silver can look very elegant plus they have that “dramatic” look, I also adorned the table with apples and pears, black candles on silver, and crystal tea lights.
Above Nicole Whisenhunt’s tablescape, featuring the menu for the evening (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Whisenhunt)
Nicole Whisenhunt’s tablescape, featuring the menu for the evening (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Whisenhunt)
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I was truly inspired by the idea of bringing family and loved ones together over a once-a-year delicious Turkey dinner! We all love family-style dining over Turkey and its sides—it’s another reason to get together.
As for what I’m grateful for, I would like to think that I am that person who sees the cup half full. With that being said, I have an endless list of things to be grateful for. This starts with those that matter most—family and friends, my new puppy Pierre, good health, wonderful memories, God’s blessings, and the lessons from this year that have given me the wisdom to navigate life better.
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