Justina Blakeney on Hosting a Lively Thanksgiving

The only thing better than getting an invite to the lively patterned home of Justina Blakeney in Los Angeles is interviewing the artist and designer about her entertaining tips.

Raised by a Black father and Jewish mother, Blakeney grew up in a household where culture was embraced and celebrated. After starting her own boutique in Florence with her sister, interior designer Faith Blakeney, she moved back to California and went on to start lifestyle brand Jungalow in 2009.

The designer lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Jason, her child Ida, her cats Juju and Nova and a vast array of houseplants. Known for constantly evolving the idea of contemporary California living, the Berkeley, Calif. native chats with WWD about her upbeat aesthetic and menu for the Thanksgiving holiday. The secret to an easy feast for 40? Potluck.

WWD: With such a dynamic mix of 40 family and friends coming to dinner, all rich with culture and experiences, what’s on the menu for Thanksgiving this year?

Justina Blakeney: We are having a Thanksgiving potluck this year! My mom, who is an incredible cook, does a lot of the main dishes and then the rest of us come through with side dishes, salads and desserts. This works well since everyone has different dietary restrictions so potluck style gives us an easy way to make sure everyone has something to enjoy. Some of my favorite highlights are my mom’s pumpkin coconut milk soup, collard greens and sweet potato pie.

WWD: What’s on the drinks menu? 

J.B.: Drinks are my department. I like to include one festive cocktail for Thanksgiving, it is usually something with cranberry, and then serve wine, flat and sparkling waters, and warm apple cider (spiked or simple). 

WWD: Since it’s a potluck, how will you divide duties? Who does what? 

J.B.: Since we’re hosting in our home, I usually take care of the look and feel: setting the tables (plural, because we roll deep!) and making our home feel warm and welcoming, keeping the fire going. My mom preps most of the main dishes, my mother-in-law brings apps and flowers for all the tables, and other guests bring additional fare. I should also mention that our Thanksgiving dinners are pretty huge — this year we’re hosting 40 people.  

WWD: Known for your love of midcentury design and folkloric prints, what will the vibe be? 

J.B.: The vibe will be fun, joyful, colorful, candlelit, indoor/outdoor (if the weather cooperates) and our Thanksgiving dinners always end up turning into dance parties. 

WWD: What advice do you have on tablescapes this Thanksgiving and can you show us in pictures? 

J.B.: I like to use non-traditional items on my tabletops. For example, I may use a kilim, suzani, or kantha quilt instead of a traditional tablecloth. I also like to use fruit running down the center of my table, as a runner. It adds so much color, but it’s also fun to snack on grapes while everyone is going around the table sharing what they’re grateful for. And while I enjoy leaning into different color palettes each year, I do like to pick a few colors that appear repeatedly throughout the decor and tabletop — it helps to create visual cohesion.

WWD: Do you follow Emily Post etiquette rules or are yours more relaxed and if so, how so? What are some key etiquette standards you live by? 

J.B.: Not only do I not follow Emily Post etiquette — but I had to Google it! Ha! We are definitely more relaxed in our family, and I’d say the golden rule is really the only etiquette standard we live by. Well, that AND you MUST take home leftovers.

WWD: What new textiles and design decor can you suggest for the winter season? 

J.B.: I love to decorate with textiles with personality and embellishments. Bring on the fringe and poms like the Justina Blakeney Papyrus Hook Pillow. It’s a great time of year to bring in warm colors as with the Natalia Botanical Cotton Quilt Set. And it’s always nice to put out extra quilts on the sofas and chairs to invite friends and family to snuggle up and get cozy.

WWD: How will the flowers be and what kind of mix? 

J.B.: My fabulous mother-in-law (no, really) is doing the flowers this year — she will mix grocery store flowers with foliage, flowers, and berries from her backyard to create beautiful, loose arrangements that really reflect and celebrate the season. 

WWD: How do you keep the energy going all day? What is the music playlist? 

J.B.: Dinner Party Playlist (See Spotify Playlist “Dinner Party” by Justina Blakeney: “Your Love is King” by Sade, “Never too Much” by Luther Vandross, “Do I Do” by Stevie Wonder, “Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton and more).

WWD: Gifts for the hostess, always? 

J.B.: My go-to hostess gift is a candle with earthy notes like rose and sandalwood. 

WWD: How do you keep the conversation flowing?

J.B.: We sometimes create written prompts for guests to explore, and print them out on little cards to place around each table. We’ll include thought starters like: “Name one thing you’re grateful for from this past year,” or “share your favorite Thanksgiving memory.” This is a nice way to get the whole table involved in the conversation. 

WWD: Tips for assuaging family arguments on politics? 

 J.B.: Turn up the music, and start dancing 🙂