Celebrating Friendsgiving: Unique Ideas for a Memorable Friends Gathering

1. Set the Date and Send Invitations

Friendsgiving can be held any time during the fall season, but it’s typically celebrated a week or two before Thanksgiving. Choose a date that works for most of your friends and send out invitations in advance.

Digital Invites:

Use online invitation platforms like Evite or Canva to create personalized digital invites.

Theme Teaser:

Include hints about the theme or food style in the invitation to build excitement.

RSVPs:

Request RSVPs to keep track of who will be attending and help with food planning.

2. Pick a Fun Theme for the Party

Adding a theme can make your Friendsgiving stand out. It’s a great way to unify decor, food, and even outfits, making the gathering feel even more special.

Fall Harvest:

Decorate with pumpkins, leaves, and rustic elements to give it a cozy fall vibe.

Favorite Dish Showdown:

Encourage guests to bring their favorite Thanksgiving dishes and make it a tasting event.

Friendsgiving Brunch:

Host a late-morning brunch with breakfast-themed dishes like waffles, omelets, and mimosas.

3. Plan a Potluck-Style Feast

Friendsgiving is all about sharing food and making everyone feel involved, so why not organize a potluck-style meal? This takes the pressure off the host and lets guests bring their favorite dishes.

Assign Dishes:

To avoid duplicate dishes, assign categories like appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts.

Dietary Options:

Check in with guests about dietary preferences or restrictions so everyone has something to enjoy.

Signature Drink:

Prepare a fun seasonal drink, like apple cider sangria or spiced pumpkin cocktails, to add a festive touch.

4. Create a Cozy and Festive Table Setting

A beautiful table setting can set the tone for a warm, inviting meal. Even simple decorations can make your Friendsgiving feel extra special.

DIY Centerpieces:

Use seasonal flowers, small pumpkins, or candle arrangements as a centerpiece.

Personalized Place Settings:

Add a personal touch by using place cards with each guest’s name or mini pumpkins as name holders.

Soft Lighting:

Use string lights or candles to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

5. Organize Fun Friendsgiving Games and Activities

Games and activities can keep the energy up and give everyone a chance to mingle and relax. A few well-chosen games can make your gathering unforgettable.

Gratitude Sharing Circle:

Go around the table and let everyone share something they’re grateful for. It’s a heartwarming way to start the meal.

Trivia Game:

Play a Thanksgiving-themed trivia game to test everyone’s knowledge of fun holiday facts.

“Who Brought What?”:

Have guests guess who brought each dish for a fun, light-hearted competition.

6. Create a Friendsgiving Photo Booth

Capture memories with a dedicated photo booth area! This doesn’t have to be elaborate – a simple backdrop and some props can create lasting memories.

Fall-Themed Backdrop:

Use a simple curtain, string lights, or a wall of autumn leaves as a backdrop.

DIY Props:

Include fun props like pilgrim hats, fake mustaches, or chalkboards for guests to write messages.

Polaroid Station:

Set up a Polaroid camera or a photo printer for guests to take instant pictures home as keepsakes.

7. Serve Unique and Seasonal Dishes

Friendsgiving is a great time to experiment with Thanksgiving classics or try seasonal twists. Go beyond the usual turkey and mashed potatoes to surprise your friends with unique flavors.

Stuffed Acorn Squash:

Serve roasted acorn squash stuffed with grains, nuts, and veggies for a hearty fall option.

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts:

Try roasting Brussels sprouts with a touch of maple syrup and bacon for a sweet and savory dish.

Sweet Potato Pie:

Swap traditional pumpkin pie for a sweet potato pie to add a southern twist to dessert.

8. Make It Interactive with DIY Food Stations

Creating interactive food stations allows guests to customize their plates and gives everyone a chance to try different flavors.

Mashed Potato Bar:

Offer a mashed potato station with toppings like cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives.

Pie Bar:

Set up a dessert bar with mini pies in various flavors, so guests can sample different types.

Hot Chocolate Station:

For a cozy dessert drink, provide hot chocolate with options for marshmallows, whipped cream, and flavor syrups.

9. Share Thankful Notes with a Gratitude Jar

Expressing gratitude is at the heart of Friendsgiving, and a gratitude jar is a wonderful way to capture that spirit.

Collect Notes:

Place a jar on the table with blank notes for guests to write down what they’re grateful for.

Read Aloud:

During dessert or after the meal, take turns reading each other’s notes for a feel-good moment.

Keepsake:

As the host, you could save the notes as a keepsake or even share them digitally with everyone after the event.

10. Play a Playlist of Festive Music

Music can enhance the ambiance of your Friendsgiving and keep the mood lively.

Create a Playlist:

Mix soft indie tunes, jazz, or classic rock for a playlist that everyone will enjoy.

Take Requests:

Let guests add their favorite songs to the playlist for a personalized touch.

Seasonal Background Music:

Include some Thanksgiving-themed songs or cozy fall instrumentals to match the atmosphere.

11. End the Night with a Toast or a Cheers to Friendship

Finish off the meal by toasting to friendship, gratitude, and the special memories you’ve created.

Personalized Toast:

As the host, share a few words about what Friendsgiving means to you.

Raise a Glass:

Encourage everyone to raise their glass in appreciation for the group.

Final Group Photo:

End the night with a group photo to capture the wonderful moments shared.

12. Give Guests a Thoughtful Party Favor

Send your guests home with a small, thoughtful token to remember the night by. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive, but a little gift can make a lasting impression.

Mini Candles:

A seasonal-scented candle like cinnamon or pumpkin spice.

Homemade Treats:

Wrap up mini loaves of pumpkin bread, cookies, or spiced nuts.

Succulents or Plants:

A small potted plant or succulent is a sweet reminder of your time together.