How to Plan the Perfect Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving—where friends, food, and a pinch of chaos come together to create one unforgettable feast! It’s like Thanksgiving but with fewer expectations (and, let’s be honest, fewer family questions about when you’re getting married or what you’re doing with your life). Whether you’re a first-time Friendsgiving host or a seasoned pro, this casual, food-filled gathering is all about celebrating with the family we choose. So, let’s dive into planning the perfect Friendsgiving, complete with tips, tricks, and a few funny mishaps I’ve picked up along the way.

1. Set the Date (And Brace for Scheduling Battles)

The first step is getting everyone on board with a date. But let’s be real: herding friends for a Friendsgiving date is like convincing cats to line up in formation. I recommend choosing a date that’s a week or two before Thanksgiving so everyone can make it without conflicting with family gatherings.

Pro Tip: Use a poll tool to let people vote on dates (it’s an excuse to use “democracy”). Try to avoid the week of Thanksgiving, especially if you have friends who will be traveling or helping with family obligations. Also, it might help to narrow it down to a couple of dates you can actually commit to—nothing worse than changing the date three times and still not finding one that works.

2. Divide and Conquer: Who Brings What

Let’s talk about the food, aka the main event. Traditional Thanksgiving dinner is a feast, but Friendsgiving can be more relaxed and potluck-style. The beauty of Friendsgiving is that each person can bring a dish, turning it into a delightful hodgepodge of culinary styles (or experiments). To avoid ending up with five green bean casseroles and no mashed potatoes, make a shared list for people to sign up for dishes.

Pro Tip: Set up a shared online spreadsheet or group chat where everyone can claim their dish. Give some guidelines so there’s at least one dish in each category—protein, veggies, sides, and desserts. And if someone insists on bringing an “experimental” dish they found online, maybe ask them to bring a backup in case it doesn’t go as planned (looking at you, cranberry-jello-sweet potato fusion).

3. Décor on a Dime: Keep It Cozy, Not Pricey

A little decoration goes a long way in setting the Friendsgiving mood. However, let’s keep it real: no one expects (or needs) your living room to look like a Pinterest board. Simple is the name of the game here.

Budget-Friendly Decor Tips:

• Centerpieces: A few small pumpkins, a simple fall-colored table runner, and maybe some tea lights in mason jars.
• Table Settings: Grab a few inexpensive placemats, or even go rustic with paper plates if it’s that kind of party (no one’s judging here!).
• Lighting: Dim the lights a bit, add a string of fairy lights, and you’re set.

Pro Tip: If you’re crafty, make name cards for each guest as a fun touch. It’s also handy for seating arrangements (more on that later).

4. Drinks: BYOB and Make a Signature Cocktail

Friendsgiving is the perfect excuse to experiment with fun cocktails or even a mocktail station! Since not everyone will have the same tastes in drinks, a BYOB policy is usually best. However, adding one signature drink is a fun touch.

Signature Cocktail Ideas:

• Apple Cider Mimosa: Equal parts apple cider and champagne with a cinnamon-sugar rim.
• Cranberry Mule: Cranberry juice, vodka, and ginger beer with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a bar cart, set up a little self-serve drink station. Let everyone make their own drinks, which gives you a break and keeps guests entertained.

5. Pre-Game the Feast: Appetizers and Finger Foods

People arrive hungry, so have a few small appetizers ready! This will help avoid the “hangry” crowd and keep guests happy as they arrive at different times. Keep it simple—think cheese board, mini veggie tray, or something seasonal like baked brie with cranberry sauce.

Pro Tip: Ask someone to bring an appetizer or two. It’s one less thing to worry about, and guests feel like they’re contributing right off the bat. Also, you can count on someone bringing chips and dip, which is an easy crowd-pleaser.

6. Plan a Loose Seating Arrangement

Seating arrangements may sound formal, but they don’t have to be! The main goal is to create a comfortable, inviting space where people can relax and enjoy themselves.

Seating Tips:

• Use what you have: dining chairs, a couple of folding chairs, even throw pillows if you’re going for a casual vibe.
• Create a “kids’ table” for any younger guests or simply a spillover table for larger gatherings.
• For an extra touch, make simple name tags. It helps break the ice if friends don’t all know each other, and it lets you place the talkers and quiet folks strategically.

Pro Tip: Make a “dessert table” area separate from the main eating area. It becomes a hotspot later in the night, giving people a reason to move around and mingle.

7. The Main Event: Serving the Food (Without Losing Your Sanity)

Friendsgiving is casual, but if there’s one thing to plan carefully, it’s how the food will be served. Depending on space, a buffet-style setup is often easiest, allowing everyone to help themselves.

Serving Strategy:

• Set up the food in a logical order: plates and utensils first, mains and sides next, and any extras (like sauces) at the end.
• Make a separate drink area to keep traffic flowing and avoid a crowd around the food.
• Label the dishes—bonus points for cute little tags if you have time! It saves people from a dozen “what’s this?” questions.

Pro Tip: If you’re the host, don’t feel shy about delegating. Have a friend help keep things organized, or rotate roles for setup, cleanup, or drink duty.

8. Entertainment: Fun (But Low-Key) Activities

It’s always fun to add an activity or two, but Friendsgiving is all about relaxing, so there’s no need to go overboard. A few simple ideas can keep the vibe laid-back and entertaining.

Low-Key Ideas:

• Gratitude Circle: Go around and share what everyone is grateful for. It’s a great way to bring the spirit of Thanksgiving without getting too serious.
• Board Games or Card Games: If your group is the competitive type, a quick game can be a hilarious way to wind down after dinner.
• Photo Booth: Set up a simple photo backdrop with fall-themed props for some Instagram-worthy moments.

Pro Tip: Avoid anything that takes too long or involves complicated rules. Think quick and easy!

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9. Dessert Time: The Grand Finale

After everyone has had their fill of turkey, mashed potatoes, and more, it’s dessert time. Classic options like pie are always a hit, but Friendsgiving gives you a little leeway to mix it up. Some friends may want to bring their dessert creations, or you can keep it simple with a variety of pies, brownies, or cookies.

Pro Tip: Set up a little “dessert bar” where people can serve themselves, maybe with toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or sprinkles. If you’re feeling ambitious, add a coffee or hot chocolate station to keep everyone cozy.

10. The Inevitable: Clean-Up Chaos

Clean-up may not be glamorous, but it’s a part of every Friendsgiving. Here’s where good friends really come through! Assign a few tasks like clearing dishes, taking out the trash, and packing up leftovers. If you’re the host, don’t feel like you have to do everything—Friendsgiving is a team effort.

Pro Tip: Make it a game! Challenge your guests to a “trash round-up” race, or play some music to keep the vibe fun while everyone pitches in.

Final Thoughts

Friendsgiving is the perfect mix of good food, good friends, and low-pressure vibes. Unlike Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving lets us laugh a little louder, eat a little more casually, and celebrate the people we choose to call family. Whether your gathering is small or big, fancy or simple, it’s all about coming together and sharing a meal with those who make life better.

So, as you prepare for your Friendsgiving this season, remember to keep it light, have fun, and enjoy the moment. Because in the end, Friendsgiving is less about having everything perfect and more about creating memories with the people who mean the most. Cheers to a fun, delicious, and slightly chaotic Friendsgiving!