Friendsgiving has become a beloved tradition for friends who gather together to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving with their chosen family. It’s an opportunity to share gratitude, enjoy delicious food, and create lasting memories without the formality that might come with traditional family gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned host or throwing your first Friendsgiving, these tips and ideas will help you plan a gathering that your friends will remember for years to come.
1. Choose the Perfect Date
Why It’s Important: Unlike Thanksgiving, which has a fixed date, Friendsgiving can be held anytime in the weeks leading up to or following Thanksgiving. Selecting the right date ensures that as many friends as possible can join.
How to Do It:
- Poll Your Friends: Use a group chat or polling app to find a date that works for most of your friends. Aim for a weekend or evening when everyone is more likely to be available.
- Consider Timing: If you have friends traveling for Thanksgiving, plan Friendsgiving a week or two before the holiday to ensure they can attend.
- Virtual Option: For friends who can’t join in person, consider setting up a virtual Friendsgiving over Zoom so everyone can still feel included.
Why It Works: By involving your friends in choosing a date, you ensure that most of them can attend, making the gathering feel more inclusive and thoughtfully planned.
2. Plan the Perfect Menu: Potluck Style
Why It’s Important: A potluck-style Friendsgiving allows everyone to contribute a dish, which not only makes it easier on the host but also introduces a variety of flavors to the meal.
How to Do It:
- Create a Sign-Up List: Use a shared Google Doc or online sign-up sheet to keep track of who’s bringing what. This helps prevent duplicates and ensures a balanced meal.
- Suggest Categories: Ask friends to bring appetizers, side dishes, desserts, or drinks, while you take on the main course, such as a turkey, roast, or hearty vegan entrée.
- Dietary Restrictions: Make sure to ask about any dietary restrictions or allergies, so you can accommodate everyone with gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian options.
Why It Works: A potluck-style meal lightens the cooking load for the host and allows each guest to showcase their culinary skills, contributing to a diverse and delicious feast.
3. Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Why It’s Important: A warm, inviting ambiance sets the tone for the evening and makes everyone feel at home.
How to Do It:
- Decorate with Fall Elements: Use pumpkins, autumn leaves, and candles to create a cozy, seasonal vibe. A simple fall-colored tablecloth or runner can also enhance the setting.
- Ambient Lighting: Use string lights or fairy lights to add a warm glow to the room. If you have a fireplace, light it up for added coziness.
- Background Music: Create a playlist of laid-back, feel-good music to play in the background. Think acoustic hits, jazz, or classic Thanksgiving tunes.
Why It Works: Thoughtful decorations and music make the gathering feel special, turning your space into a warm, inviting place where friends can relax and enjoy each other’s company.
4. Games and Activities to Break the Ice
Why It’s Important: Fun activities can help break the ice, especially if not everyone knows each other well, and keep the energy high throughout the evening.
How to Do It:
- Gratitude Jar: Set up a jar where guests can write down what they’re thankful for on slips of paper. Read them aloud during dinner or dessert for a heartwarming moment.
- Board Games and Card Games: Classic games like “Cards Against Humanity,” “Pictionary,” or “Uno” can bring out laughs and encourage friendly competition.
- Friendsgiving Trivia: Create a trivia game with questions about Thanksgiving history or fun facts about each guest. This can be a great way to learn more about each other.
Why It Works: Games and activities encourage bonding and create memorable moments, turning Friendsgiving into a night of laughter and connection.
5. Serve a Signature Friendsgiving Cocktail
Why It’s Important: A signature drink adds a special touch to the evening and can serve as a great conversation starter.
How to Do It:
- Apple Cider Sangria: Combine apple cider, white wine, brandy, sliced apples, and a touch of cinnamon for a festive fall beverage. Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
- Hot Mulled Wine: Warm up some red wine with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a touch of honey for a cozy, spiced drink.
- Mocktail Option: Create a non-alcoholic version with sparkling apple cider, cranberry juice, and a splash of ginger ale for guests who prefer not to drink.
Why It Works: A signature drink not only impresses your guests but also helps to set the mood. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate seasonal flavors into the evening.
6. Plan for Leftovers
Why It’s Important: One of the best parts of any Thanksgiving meal is the leftovers! Make sure everyone gets to take home some of the delicious food.
How to Do It:
- Provide Containers: Stock up on reusable or disposable containers and encourage guests to pack up their favorite dishes before leaving.
- Leftover Recipe Cards: Print out a few recipe ideas for using Thanksgiving leftovers, like turkey sandwiches, stuffing waffles, or cranberry sauce smoothies.
- Host a “Leftovers Brunch”: If you have close friends, plan a brunch the next day with everyone bringing their leftovers for a relaxed, post-Friendsgiving gathering.
Why It Works: Planning for leftovers ensures that no food goes to waste and gives everyone a little piece of Friendsgiving to enjoy the next day.
7. Capture the Memories
Why It’s Important: Friendsgiving is about creating memories with your chosen family, so make sure to capture those special moments.
How to Do It:
- Set Up a Photo Booth: Create a simple photo booth with a festive backdrop and props like pilgrim hats, turkey legs, and funny signs. Use a tripod and a camera or phone with a timer.
- Designated Photographer: Assign a friend to take candid photos throughout the night, capturing laughs, games, and toasts.
- Create a Memory Board: After Friendsgiving, create a memory board with photos and notes from the evening. It’s a great way to commemorate the night and share with friends.
Why It Works: Photos help preserve the fun and joy of the evening, allowing everyone to look back on the memories they created together.
Conclusion: Make This Friendsgiving Unforgettable
Friendsgiving is all about celebrating friendship, gratitude, and togetherness in a relaxed, joyful setting. By planning ahead, creating a cozy atmosphere, and incorporating thoughtful touches like a signature cocktail or fun activities, you can host a Friendsgiving that will be remembered fondly by everyone who attends. Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re a Friendsgiving pro, these tips will help you create a gathering that’s filled with laughter, delicious food, and the warmth of friendship.
