Tag: Friendsgiving

Tips for Hosting a Friendsgiving

Do you want to gather your friends together for Thanksgiving? Hosting a Friendsgiving is a great way to kick off the holiday season. If you are searching for ideas to make Friendsgiving, fun, cozy, and stress-free, consider the following tips.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

assorted cooked foods
Photo by Wendy Wei on Pexels.com

Planning & Setup

  • Pick a Date: The weekend before or after Thanksgiving is usually best so people can still do family gatherings. Or if everyone is available, host on Thanksgiving.
  • Send Invites: Use group texts, email, or free online invites. Be clear about the time, theme, and what to bring.
  • Potluck Style: You do not need to cook everything yourself. Ask each guest bring a dish to pass helps save time and money. Ask guests to sign up for appetizers, sides, desserts, and drinks. Use your group chat to organize your food sign-up. You do not want to end up with five green bean casseroles.

Food & Drinks

  • Turkey: Provide the turkey. Cook the turkey yourself to save money. Also consider adding a small ham to your menu to provide a choice of meats.
  • Signature Dish: You provide one standout item For example, make homemade stuffing or mac & cheese.
  • Dessert Station: Set up a pie bar with whipped cream, ice cream, and toppings.

Atmosphere

  • Cozy Decorations: String lights, add candles, pumpkins, and a fall-colored table runner to set the theme.
  • Music Playlist: Soft background music sets the vibe.
  • Extra Seating: If needed, borrow folding chairs, add floor cushions or blankets for a casual feel.

Fun & Connection

  • Gratitude Activity: Ask everyone to share something they are thankful for today. Or write notes of gratitude to put in a “thankful jar.” Pull out the notes and read them aloud.
  • Photo Corner: Set up a fall-themed backdrop with props. Use mini pumpkins, inflatables, flannels, silly hats, or signs.
  • Games: After dinner, play board games, card games, or do a trivia round with Thanksgiving or “Friends” sitcom themes.

Remember to have fun! Everything does not have to be perfect. Enjoy the day with your friends.

Hosting a Friendsgiving

The word Friendsgiving is a term to describe the combination of gathering friends and the Thanksgiving holiday. Reasons for hosting a Friendsgiving vary. Family members may not live nearby. Or you consider your friends like your family. Regardless of your reason, hosting a Friendsgiving is a wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Tips for Hosting a Friendsgiving

Honestly, there is no right or wrong way to host a Friendsgiving. The basic concept is about having those you cherish around you for Thanksgiving. Your gathering can be a causal or fantastic dining experience. Here are a few tips to help you plan your Friendsgiving gathering.

Invites

Grab your favorite writing instrument to prepare a list of people to invite to your Friendsgiving. Next, use your list for sending invites. There are five basic ways to invite your friends over for a Thanksgiving meal.

  • Digital: Create a private group on Facebook to invite and discuss your plans for the Thanksgiving meal.
  • Call: If you are short on time, give everyone on your list a quick call.
  • Text: Send your invites via a text or private message.
  • Mail: Make out your invitations and send them through the mail.
  • In-person: This method is great for handing out homemade invites

Menu

After you know how many people are coming to your Friendsgiving event, you must plan a menu. There are three basic ways to prepare and serve your meal.

  • Do it Yourself: Cook and bake the entire meal yourself. The DIY approach is excellent for individuals who love to cook.
  • Pot Luck: Pot luck is a wonderful way to add variety to your meal. This option is perfect when serving a buffet-style meal. Ask people attending your Friendsgiving to bring a dish to pass. Keep a running list of dishes and desserts to ensure a wide array of food.
  • Catered: Have your Thanksgiving meal delivered. The catered approach is perfect for busy individuals.

Use the menu approach that is best for you. If needed, combine the methods to make your Friendsgiving a meal to remember. For example, you could cook the main meal but have the desserts delivered. Or one of your guests could make desserts. The choice is entirely up to you.

Activities

Yes, you may serve your food, eat, and just chill with your friends. Or you can have other activities to make your Friendsgiving fun.

  • Watch football
  • Watch a movie
  • Play board games
  • Play video games

Create a Photo Booth

Remember your Friendsgiving with pictures. Create an area in your home for a photo booth.

  • Use a backdrop (a new sheet or cloth is excellent for an instant backdrop).
  • Add props for more fun. For example, you can use a turkey hat, signs, fake mustaches, and funny sunglasses. The accessories do not have to be expensive. You can even make your own.
  • Develop a unique hashtag for your Friendsgiving.
  • Post the photos in your private group so everyone can see the results.

Whether you are only having a couple people over or an entire household, planning a Friendsgiving is a fantastic spin on the Thanksgiving holiday gathering.

 

 

Please note: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”