Friendsgiving is all about gathering your favorite people together for a relaxed celebration, filled with good food and laughter.
Whether you’re hosting a full-blown feast or a casual potluck, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate Friendsgiving with your besties.
Think about what your friends typically enjoy and incorporate those elements into your gathering. From delicious homemade dishes to fun activities, there are endless ways to make your Friendsgiving memorable.
Planning Your Friendsgiving Party
Setting the Date
Choose a date that works for the majority of your friends. Most people celebrate Friendsgiving on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Consider polling your friends to find out which day is best.
Make sure to give everyone ample notice. Sending out invites three to four weeks in advance allows guests to clear their calendars.
You might also consider a virtual Friendsgiving if your friends are spread out geographically.
Creating Invitations
Invitations set the tone for your Friendsgiving party. You can opt for digital invites through email or social media platforms, which are convenient and eco-friendly. Use a Canva template to design them.
If you prefer a more personal touch, go for paper invites. Consider designing fun cards that highlight your theme. Include essential details like the date, time, location, and what dish your friend should bring for a potluck setup.
Choosing a Theme
Picking a theme can add excitement to your Friendsgiving. Think about what your friends enjoy. Some ideas include traditional Thanksgiving, a favorite cuisine like Mexican, or even a cozy pajama party.
Your theme can also influence decorations. You could have an autumn vibe with burlap and autumn leaves or go for a modern twist with chic centerpieces. Whatever you choose, make sure it resonates with your group to create a fun atmosphere.
Planning the Menu
Food is the heart of Friendsgiving. If you’re hosting, consider preparing the main dish, typically turkey, and offering a few sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, or green beans.
You can also do a potluck-style meal where guests bring their favorite dishes. You can create a menu that includes everything from appetizers to desserts.
Make a list of who’s bringing what to avoid duplicates. If cooking isn’t in the cards, don’t hesitate to explore local catering options or shortcuts like pre-made sides.
A Friendsgiving brunch can also be a fun idea with sweet and savory options as well as a mimosa bar.
Friendsgiving Decorations
Setting up the perfect atmosphere for your Friendsgiving party starts with the right decorations. Focus on creating a warm, inviting space that highlights the festive spirit and encourages good times with friends.
Table Settings
Your table is the centerpiece of the gathering, so pay special attention to its decor. Start with a tablecloth in rich fall colors like deep orange, burgundy, or mustard yellow. Layer with a contrasting runner for added texture.
For the centerpiece, consider arranging seasonal elements like small pumpkins, gourds, or autumn leaves. Light candles for a cozy ambiance and use varied heights in your centerpiece to keep things visually interesting.
Don’t forget to include recipe cards if you’re showcasing dishes that highlight your cooking prowess! You could also add place card holders to your table.
Decorating the Rest of Your Space
For easy decorations, get a Friendsgiving banner that can hang above your buffet table or entryway. You can buy one or make it yourself using materials like burlap or colorful card stock for a rustic feel.
The Friendsgiving Feast
Main Dishes
For the centerpiece of your Friendsgiving table, consider a roasted turkey as a classic choice. A well-seasoned turkey, perhaps with a herb butter rub, adds a savory touch. If you prefer something different, honey-glazed ham can also be a good idea.
For a twist, try a buffet style where guests can choose between traditional and non-traditional mains, like stuffed acorn squash. This adds variety and accommodates different dietary preferences.
Side Dishes and Appetizers
No Friendsgiving feast is complete without hearty side dishes. Mashed potatoes topped with garlic and chives are a crowd-pleaser.
Another favorite, green bean casserole, provides a creamy texture that complements your mains. Consider making roasted sweet potatoes for a flavorful twist.
For appetizers, think simple. Cheese and charcuterie boards can get the party started without too much effort. Include various dips, like hummus or spinach artichoke, paired with veggies and crackers.
Delicious Desserts
Desserts are a highlight of any Friendsgiving. Pumpkin pie is a must-have.
You can also include pecan pie for those who enjoy a nutty crunch. A pie bar with various pies allows guests to mix and match their favorites.
For something lighter, consider a fruit tart topped with seasonal fruits. This adds a refreshing contrast to heavier options.
Drinks
Drinks should reflect the festive spirit. Apple cider cocktails or spiced rum punch can set a cozy tone for the evening.
Don’t forget about non-alcoholic options, too. Provide sparkling water infused with lemon and mint for a refreshing choice.
A signature drink can be a fun addition, prepare a pumpkin pie cocktail for something unique.
Potluck Ideas
If hosting a potluck, coordinate dishes in advance to avoid duplicates. Ask guests to bring their favorite dishes or consider assigning categories, like main dishes, sides, or desserts.
To balance the meal, suggest options like vegetable lasagna or a hearty chili.
Brunch Ideas
For a Friendsgiving brunch, think sweet and savory. Consider a breakfast casserole loaded with eggs, cheese, and veggies.
Offer pancakes or waffles, complete with a variety of toppings like fruit, syrup, and whipped cream. A quiche with seasonal veggies also adds a gourmet feel.
Don’t skimp on drinks; consider a mimosa bar for fun. Offering different juices and champagne lets everyone create their perfect blend.
Entertainment and Activities
Games and Fun
Games are a great way to break the ice and get everyone involved. Consider classic options like The Voting Game, where participants anonymously choose who best fits a description.
You might also play Touch Football outside, which provides a light-hearted and active element. It’s perfect for burning off some of that turkey.
If you want something more relaxed, board games and card games are a good option too.
You could also think about incorporating a fun toast after dinner where guests share their favorite memories or what they’re thankful for.
Some more games you can play:
- Never Have I Ever
- Who, What, Where: have some pictures of your friend group ready, some part of each, and ask “who, what, where”.
- Murder Mystery: plan it yourself or buy a kit on Amazon.
- Who Am I: stick a Post-it on each player’s forehead with the name of someone famous, each guest takes turns asking questions to figure out “who they are”.
Music and Dance
Music sets the tone for your Friendsgiving. Create a playlist with a mix of holiday classics and upbeat tunes that encourage dancing.
Set aside time for dancing, perhaps even hosting a mini dance-off. This can bring out everyone’s silly side.
Movie Time
After the activities, unwind with a movie night. Choose films that fit the mood; comedies and feel-good movies are great options. A fun choice could be a scary movie, especially if you have a lively crowd that enjoys a good laugh and a little thrill.
Prepare some cozy blankets and popcorn to create a relaxed atmosphere. Encourage guests to vote on the movie selection, ensuring everyone feels included.
This will wrap up your Friendsgiving celebration nicely.
After-Party Considerations
Cleaning Up Together
Cleaning up can be a drag, but sharing the responsibility makes it easier and more fun. Encourage your guests to pitch in, making it a group effort.
Start by assigning specific tasks to volunteers, such as clearing dishes, wiping tables, or taking out the trash.
Labels can also be handy for organizing leftover food, so you can easily identify what should be kept and what to toss. Keep pens handy for jotting down which dishes belong to which guests.
Sharing Leftovers
Leftovers are one of the best parts of any Friendsgiving feast. Instead of letting them go to waste, think about how to share them with your guests.
You can provide containers for packing up food or ask your guests to bring one. Make sure each container is labeled clearly, so everyone knows what they’re taking home.
Consider setting up a little leftover station where your guests can easily grab their favorite items before they leave.
Saying Goodbye with Party Favors
A small memento can make your Friendsgiving celebration more memorable. Simple party favors are a great way to thank your guests for joining.
Consider gifting something personal, like a small jar of homemade jam or a custom recipe card featuring your favorite dish from the evening.
It’s a nice touch to include a note expressing your appreciation. Guests will appreciate the effort, and it provides a sweet reminder of the fun times shared. Keep it simple, but meaningful.
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