Pro tips for a Friendsgiving feast
For TV foodie William Li, filling a beautiful rental home with good food, flowers and friends makes for the perfect Thanksgiving
“Vacationing together is a lovely way to celebrate,” says William Li, a New York-based multihyphenate who counts writer, art consultant and TV host among his varied titles.
During his downtime, he loves nothing more than escaping to a scenic vacation home with a close group of friends, where days are spent unwinding on sun-dappled terraces and clinking glasses over home cooked food late into the evening, against jaw-dropping views of rippling hills and star-speckled skies.
“When renting, a really good kitchen is key,” he affirms—no surprise, given that he was the co-cost of the Emmy-nominated TV show Lucky Chow, which celebrates Asian food and drink. That kitchen is never more important than at Thanksgiving, when cross-generational groups come together over trays of stuffing and spiced pumpkin pie. “I love the pageantry of Christmas, but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is the one day of the year when friends and family come together to give thanks for their blessings, and there is something very moving about that.”
For Li, traveling to a vacation rental with a group is a long-standing tradition. “I’ve been vacationing with a large group of friends for 15 years,” says Li. “As busy New Yorkers, it’s rare to spend quality time together. You meet for dinner or a drink, but it’s not the same as a week-long getaway in a beautiful house. It’s lovely to have each other’s undivided attention for an extended period of time and experience new things together.
Vrbos perfect for friend groups
“My most recent trips have been tied to significant milestones,” he continues. “When I turned 50, I thought, shall I have a giant party, or do I take that money and rent a fabulous villa in Puglia with all of my friends? It was so much better than spending one night together in a bar or a restaurant.
“I love hotels, but when it comes to larger groups and longer stays, vacation rentals make more sense. You can really settle in and spend time with one another, and I love the communal vibe. A lot of rental properties also offer hotel-style services, such as cleaning or a private chef.”
But for the holidays, he prefers to take charge in the kitchen, and like everyone, there are long-standing traditions he loves—and those he swerves (spoiler: he ditches the turkey). “We take the Thanksgiving traditions that we like—stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie—and leave others. Instead of turkey, we have a standing rib roast and Yorkshire puddings. My sister is possibly the only person in the world who travels with a fryer—she loves to make crispy Korean fried chicken wings, which are so crunchy.”
Typically, Thanksgiving for Li is a big gathering, with extended family and friends, and a mahjong game going on “at all times. One of the most enjoyable parts of Thanksgiving is the pre-gaming,” he says. “Before the main event, we have a big lunch with fried chicken wings and the most beautiful Chinese spring rolls, also made by my sister. We cook and catch up and it’s the best time.”
Where to celebrate the holidays your way
William’s tips for hosting in a Vrbo
Do go deep on your research
When you begin your rental search, decide as a group what you are willing to spend per night and work to a number that you all feel comfortable with. Really read the reviews too, not just of the rental, but of local restaurants and things to do—that will give you a real understanding of the area and what is around you.
Do prioritize the kitchen
A good kitchen is essential. When I rent somewhere, I don’t want to go out to restaurants every night—I want to be in the house, enjoying it with friends. I also look for outdoor space; there is nothing better than eating dinner beneath the stars on a warm evening in a beautiful location.
Do be flexible
I usually travel with the same group of loyal friends and generally we are all gregarious, outgoing characters. However, I am mindful of the different personality types in the group and making sure that we plan things that everyone will enjoy. It is about being considerate.
Do flowers, but keep it fuss-free
I try to set a beautiful table, but it is quite simple. I don’t tend to do a tablecloth, and in November there aren’t that many flowers available. I’ll maybe forage some berries on vines outside, and just go to the supermarket and make the best of it. The key to supermarket flowers is, if you buy enough and group them together, they will look good. There is nothing sadder than five carnations, but 500 carnations is a moment. We love to eat family-style, so the table is covered in food and there isn’t a lot of space for fussiness.
Do tell people what they can bring
I think guests need and like direction. For instance, I will ask somebody to bring the cranberry sauce; I don’t care whether they make it or if it’s store-bought, but they are responsible for bringing it. If somebody offers to buy wine, I will advise on whether they bring red, white or sparkling. I think being specific is key to being a good host, so that it is appreciated by everyone.
Do delegate
My sister and I cook, my husband bakes, and when the dinner is over, my sister’s husband and children clean. There is an unspoken division of labor and it works perfectly. When I rent houses with friends, we always share the responsibility of cooking and cleaning up. Often, each bedroom gets assigned a night for dinner, when they are responsible for the idea, the shopping and cooking. It’s fun and motivates people to be creative, too.
Mhairi Mann writes on topics including responsible tourism and wellness, and is digital director of Roadbook. Her work has taken her from the mangrove forests of Langkawi, Malaysia, to the mountainous peaks of South Tyrol, Austria, but she is most at peace in the Scottish Highlands.
