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.
