Grateful Gathering: Friendsgiving Ideas and Tips

We love any reason to come together with loved ones, from birthdays to ”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.

Like any party, the key to successful and stress-free entertaining is planning ahead. Keep reading, and we’ll share our tried-and-true Friendsgiving ideas and tips for preparing and hosting an unforgettable affair.

You don’t want three different people showing up with green bean casserole, so ask everyone to bring a specific dish. Start a group chat with a punny 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.

We advise against being too strict with your menu. Mashed potatoes and other traditional Thanksgiving dishes are certainly delicious, but this is Friendsgiving—a holiday that gently bucks tradition. Instead of assigning a specific food, appoint a course, and let your friends choose what they bring. This allows them to make recipes that test new culinary trends, meet dietary restrictions, or represent their family’s heritage.

If a friend is unable to cook but still wants to help, that’s fine too! There are plenty of ways they can contribute:

• 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.

If you live in a warmer climate where the weather is agreeable in the fall, host your gathering outside. 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 crockpots.
• Place a couple of garbage cans and a recycling bin in discrete spots for easy disposal.

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: Since the days are shorter this time of year, create a cozy atmosphere with warm, twinkling string lights draped across trees, fences, or pergolas. 
• Pumpkin centerpieces: Use Baby Boos, Fairy Tales, and other beautiful gourds to craft a festive and natural table centerpiece. 
• Outdoor rugs: Add 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 around the fire for a cozy vibe and post-meal s'mores. 
• Lanterns: Set the mood with outdoor lanterns housing fairy lights or flameless candles. 
• Cozy blankets: Drape thick blankets over Adirondack chairs so guests can grab them 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 decorations. 
• Fall foliage: Place vases of dried flowers, corn stalks, or sunflowers to add a splash of color to the table.

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. Trivia: There are plenty of digital games and apps you can play as a group, such as Jackbox or SongPop.
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. Crafts: Turn your dining table into a creation station for Friendsgiving decorations. It’s a clever way to memorialize your time together. Referring to the decorating section mentioned earlier, you could even use their creations as table decor come dinnertime.