How to Host Friendsgiving in 4 Simple Steps

We love any reason to gather together with loved ones, whether it’s an official holiday, a special event, or just because. One occasion that has steadily gained popularity in recent years, especially with younger generations, is Friendsgiving. Celebrated with your chosen family, it’s an informal alternative (or for some, an addition) to the traditional holiday we all know.

If you live in a warmer climate, have a stunning skyline or mountain view, or simply need more space to seat your guests, hosting Friendsgiving outside is a fantastic option. Like any party, the key to successful and stress-free entertaining is planning ahead. Whether you’re a first-time host in need of advice or a seasoned pro looking for a refresher course, keep reading. We’ll share our four tried-and-true tips for planning and hosting an unforgettable Friendsgiving affair.

Assign a Dish to Each Friend

You don’t want three different people showing up with green bean casserole, so ask everyone to bring a specific dish. Start a group text with a fun name like “Feast Mode: Activated” where you can talk turkey with your guests. Here you can delegate appetizers, desserts, sides, and other essentials so everyone knows their role.

If a friend is unable to cook but still wants to contribute, they can:

• Bring paper plates, napkins, and containers for leftovers.
• Supply soft drinks, water, and extra ice.
• Help with cleanup—many hands make light work!
• Create decorations if they’re the crafty type.

Prepare Your Outdoor Space

Ensure your patio is prepared to receive guests before the big day arrives. To get your space ready, start by tidying up.

• Clean and sanitize your outdoor furniture.
• Rake leaves and mow your lawn.
• Clear away debris from floors and stairs.
• Wash windows and glass doors.
• Replace burned-out lightbulbs and broken fixtures.

Once your space is ship-shape, delve into these important details.

• Arrange separate areas for dining and relaxing.
• Ensure there’s enough seating in both spaces for all your friends.
• Set up a long buffet table to hold food and drinks.
• Have extension cords on hand in case guests need to plug in crock pots.
• Place a couple of garbage cans and a recycling bin in discrete spots for easy disposal.

Plan Your Decor

Decorations and tablescapes play a big part in this celebration, so consider these decor ideas to make your outdoor meal a sensorial feast.

• Overhead lighting: The days are shorter this time of year, so create a cozy atmosphere with warm, twinkling string lights draped across trees, fences, or pergolas.
• Pumpkin centerpieces: Use Baby Boos, Fairy Tales, and other gorgeous gourds to craft a festive and natural table centerpiece.
• Outdoor rugs: Invite warmth and texture to your space with area rugs in autumnal colors or patterns.
• Hay bales: Use hay bales as extra seating or rustic accents around your yard.
• Fire pit: Gather 'round the fire to enjoy cozy ambiance and post-meal s'mores.
• Lanterns: Set the mood with outdoor lanterns housing fairy lights or flameless candles.
• Cozy blankets: Drape thick blankets over Adirondacks for guests to grab if it gets chilly.
• Seasonal wreaths: Hang fall-themed wreaths on front doors or fences to welcome friends in style.
• Wooden crates: For a rustic touch, stack wooden crates to display drinks, snacks, or decor.
• Fall foliage: Set out vases of dried flowers, corn stalks, or sunflowers to bring a pop of color to the table.

Play Games

Friendsgiving isn’t just about food and friends (although those are necessary components). There’s fun to be had!

Consider offering activities before or after the meal that keep everyone engaged and laughing. Here are our suggestions:

1. Minute to Win It games: Race each other in 60-second challenges involving completing random tasks using household items.
2. Friendsgiving-themed Bingo: Design a Bingo card with common phrases or things that might happen during the party.
3. Charades: Use fall-themed prompts like seasonal activities and holiday movies.
4. Puzzles: This group activity is a relaxing way to pass the time while you wait for the meal.
5. Classic board games: You can’t go wrong with Scrabble, Monopoly, or Candy Land.
6. Guess the ingredient: Blindfold guests and have them touch, smell, or taste a dish or ingredient and guess what it is.