By Julia Train
Now that it’s November, we start to look forward to the holidays. Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to gather with family, but the holiday season also offers an opportunity to celebrate friendships and create new traditions. Friendsgiving has become a popular way to bring friends together close to Thanksgiving Day, giving everyone a chance to share a meal, enjoy one another’s company and express gratitude.
Whether hosting a small dinner party or a larger gathering, planning a Friendsgiving celebration does not have to be overwhelming. With a little preparation, a thoughtful menu and a few festive touches, hosts can create a memorable evening without spending the entire day in the kitchen.
Here are some tips for hosting a successful Friendsgiving.
1. Send invitations early
Start by deciding how many people your desired space can comfortably accommodate. Once the guest list is established, send invitations at least two to three weeks in advance so guests have time to make arrangements — and aren’t already busy.
Digital invitations are an easy way to share the date, time, location and any other important details. Hosts should also ask guests to RSVP and mention any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
If the gathering is intended to be a potluck, make that clear in the invitation so everyone knows what to expect.
2. Make it a potluck
As mentioned above, one of the easiest ways to take the pressure off hosting is to make Friendsgiving a potluck. Rather than preparing an entire Thanksgiving meal alone, invite guests to contribute a dish. This will also make sure that any guests with dietary restrictions can bring something that they can eat.
The host can take responsibility for the main course, such as turkey, ham or a roasted chicken, while guests bring appetizers, side dishes, desserts or drinks.
To avoid ending up with five bowls of mashed potatoes and no vegetables, create a shared list where guests can claim what they plan to bring.
Some traditional Thanksgiving favorites include:
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Macaroni and cheese
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potato casserole
- Cranberry sauce
- Stuffing
- Roasted vegetables
- Dinner rolls
- Pumpkin pie and apple pie
For a more casual gathering, consider adding a few nontraditional dishes, such as buffalo chicken dip or a favorite family recipe.
3. Plan the drinks and appetizers
Give guests something to enjoy when they arrive, especially if dinner will not be served immediately.
A simple appetizer spread can include a charcuterie board, crudités and dips. These options can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the host to spend more time with guests.
For drinks, consider setting up a self-serve beverage station with water, soda, sparkling cider and seasonal options. A signature fall cocktail or mocktail can also add a festive touch.
Another way to make planning easier for the host is to ask guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages, or designating a guest to be in charge of drinks.
4. Create a festive tablescape
Decorations do not have to be elaborate or expensive to make a Friendsgiving gathering feel special.
Start with a neutral tablecloth or runner and incorporate seasonal colors such as burgundy, burnt orange, brown, cream and sage green. Small pumpkins, gourds, fall foliage and candles can create a warm atmosphere.
For a more personal touch, place handwritten name cards at each seat or add a small note at each setting.
If space is limited, consider a buffet-style setup rather than trying to fit every dish on the dining table.
5. Keep guests entertained
While food is often the main attraction, having a few activities planned can help keep the gathering lively.
Consider setting up a Friendsgiving photo booth with fall-themed props, a gratitude jar where guests write down what they are thankful for, or a group board game or card game.
If activities aren’t your crowd’s vibe, hosts can also simply put together a playlist of favorite songs and leave time for conversation.
6. Prepare as much as possible ahead of time
One of the biggest challenges of hosting is balancing food preparation with entertaining. Avoid spending the entire gathering in the kitchen by completing as many tasks as possible the day, or hours, before the gathering.
Set the table, arrange decorations, prepare appetizers and make any dishes that can be refrigerated and reheated. Make sure there is enough seating, serving utensils, plates, cups and napkins.
It is also helpful to designate an area for guests to place coats and belongings, as well as a spot for food and drinks.
7. Send guests home with leftovers
Friendsgiving does not have to end when dinner is over. Have disposable containers or reusable food storage containers available so guests can take home some of their favorite dishes.
If the gathering includes a potluck, encourage guests to label their dishes and bring containers for any leftovers they want to take home. This will also simplify the clean-up process for the host once everyone leaves.
Remember to refrigerate perishable foods within two hours of serving to help prevent foodborne illness.
Hosts can prepare all they want, but the most important part of the gathering is to enjoy it.
Friendsgiving is ultimately about spending time with the people who make life special. Hosts do not need an elaborate menu, perfectly coordinated decorations or a picture-perfect home to create a memorable celebration.
Julia graduated from Rider University in 2024 with a BA in multiplatform journalism and minor in social media strategies. In addition to reporting on local news for Shore Local, she is a social media strategist for small businesses. Connect with her: shorelocaljulia@gmail.com or @juliatrain on Instagram.
