What Is Friendsgiving?
So, let’s start with the basics! Friendsgiving is exactly what it sounds like—Thanksgiving, but celebrated with your friends instead of (or sometimes in addition to) family. It’s a fun, relaxed, and sometimes even more special way to give thanks because you’re surrounded by your chosen family. But how exactly do you host the *perfect* Friendsgiving? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
1. Plan Your Guest List
The first step is figuring out who to invite. Friendsgiving is all about inclusivity, but you want to keep it manageable. A guest list of 8-12 is often a sweet spot. Ask yourself:
- Which friends share your love for great food and good vibes?
- Does anyone have dietary restrictions or preferences you should plan for?
- If you’re hosting in a small space, can it comfortably accommodate everyone?
**Pro Tip:** Send invites early, especially if folks tend to travel during the holiday season. You can easily create a Facebook event or send an email invite!
2. Decide the Menu in Advance
Food is the heart of any Friendsgiving, so planning the menu early is key. Are you going with traditional dishes like turkey and stuffing? Or are you open to mixing things up with a potluck-style feast?
**Here’s a tip:** If you’re hosting, you can make the main dish (like a turkey, ham, or plant-based roast), and delegate the sides to your guests. This takes *so* much pressure off you and adds variety to the table, plus it gives your friends a chance to show off their culinary skills too!
**What are some easy and crowd-pleasing dishes people can bring?**
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Mac and cheese
- Pumpkin or pecan pie
- Sweet potato casserole
Just be sure to coordinate so you don’t end up with three trays of stuffing and no dessert!
3. Don’t Forget the Drinks!
Drinks can be just as important as food at Friendsgiving, especially if you’re planning to make toasts or have the group socialize through the evening. Consider offering:
- A signature cocktail (think spiced apple mules or cranberry margaritas).
- A variety of wine (red, white, and maybe some bubbly for those celebratory vibes).
- Mocktails or non-alcoholic options so everyone feels included.
**Pro Tip:** You don’t need a full bar—just a few choices. Consider asking friends to bring a bottle of wine or a fun six-pack to share!
4. Set the Table for the Occasion
While Friendsgiving is generally less formal than Thanksgiving, a nicely set table still sets the mood. Here’s how to keep things simple but charming:
- Use fall colors (think earthy tones like brown, orange, and gold) for your table setting.
- Decorate with a few easy touches like mini pumpkins, candles, or fresh flowers.
- If you’re feeling crafty, consider printing out name cards or setting up a small gratitude note for each person.
- If your friend circle is into sustainability, use reusable plates, utensils, and cloth napkins whenever possible.
5. Create a Comfortable Atmosphere
Friendsgiving is more about connection than perfection, so don’t stress about having everything flawless! Focus on making your guests feel welcome and comfortable:
- Get some chill background music going—Spotify and Apple Music have loads of Friendsgiving playlists!
- Keep the lighting warm and cozy; dim lights and candles always work.
- Make sure there’s enough comfy seating, even if you need to bring out pillows or poufs for extra spots.
6. Plan for Activities (Optional)
You can keep it as simple as eating and hanging out, or you can plan some light activities to spice things up. Here are a few fun ideas:
- **Friendsgiving Gratitude Circle**: Go around the table and share something you’re grateful for, either about the year or the friendships in the room.
- **Board Games or Charades**: For after the meal, a little friendly competition can bring more laughs to the table.
- **Photo Booth**: Set up a small area with props for some silly Friendsgiving selfies—it’s great for creating memories.
7. Timing: Don’t Rush Things
Friendsgiving is laid-back, and that vibe should extend to the schedule. Plan for the gathering to last around 3-4 hours, which allows for eating, chatting, and relaxing:
- Start with appetizers or a light snack, allowing your guests to mingle before sitting down for the main event.
- Don’t feel pressured to serve right away. Enjoy the night with breaks between courses to talk, drink, and have fun.
- If dessert doesn’t come out immediately after dinner, that’s no problem. People love indulging when conversation flows into the night!
8. Clean-Up Strategy—Make It Easy!
Nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen all night. Once the big feast is over, don’t hesitate to lean on your guests to help with cleanup. Most people are happy to pitch in when asked kindly.
**Here’s an idea:** Have a pre-setup cleaning station in the kitchen with trash bags, extra containers, and food storage. Guests can help themselves and package leftovers too!
Final Thoughts – Enjoy the Moment!
At the end of the day, Friendsgiving is about celebrating friendship, good food, and taking a moment to be grateful for the people in your life—so don’t let the planning overwhelm you! Remember, your friends are there to enjoy your company, not to judge your hosting skills.
Follow these tips, but above all, relax and have fun. Chances are it’ll be one of the most memorable nights of the year for everyone at the table.
Cheers to a warm and wonderful Friendsgiving!
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