Hosting a Friendsgiving Party Everyone will love

Friendsgiving is the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving with your chosen family—your friends! Whether you go for a casual potluck or an elaborate, cozy meal, Friendsgiving is all about good food, laughs, and creating memories. Here’s your ultimate guide to hosting a Friendsgiving party everyone will remember.

What is Friendsgiving?

Friendsgiving is a modern twist on the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, but instead of gathering with family, it’s a festive occasion to share food, gratitude, and good times with friends. The name combines “friends” and “Thanksgiving,” capturing the essence of this informal holiday. 

Friendsgiving typically takes place in the weeks leading up to or just after Thanksgiving, offering a flexible way for people to celebrate with their chosen family.

Unlike the structured traditions of Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is more relaxed and customizable. It’s often a potluck-style gathering where each guest brings a dish to share, making it a collaborative feast. 

While some groups stick to classic Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, stuffing, and pie, others take a more laid back approach, incorporating international cuisines, comfort foods and potlucks.

How did Friendsgiving become popular?

The term “Friendsgiving” gained traction in the early 2010s and was popularized by millennials, particularly those living far from family or navigating complicated family dynamics. Friendsgiving became a way to create new traditions with friends either instead or or as well as the traditional family get together.

Social media played a key role in spreading the trend. As people began posting photos of their gatherings, complete with cozy decor, abundant food spreads, and heartfelt captions, Friendsgiving became an aspirational event. Brands and businesses quickly took notice, with food companies offering “Friendsgiving kits” and recipes tailored to smaller, more casual celebrations.

TV shows and pop culture also fueled its popularity. Iconic moments from series like Friends and How I Met Your Mother showcased the joy of celebrating with friends, making it relatable and inspiring for many. Over time, Friendsgiving evolved from a niche gathering into a widely embraced tradition, blending gratitude, creativity, and community.

Planning a Friendsgiving Get Together

Choose a Date

First things first: set a date that works for everyone! Friendsgiving is typically held the weekend before or after Thanksgiving, making it a flexible holiday that fits around everyone’s family obligations. Use a group chat or an online poll to find the best date for everyone. 

Set the Theme and Atmosphere

A theme isn’t necessary, but it can make the night feel extra special. Choose a look that speaks to the fall season, such as classic autumn decor, rustic chic, or cozy bohemian. 

Lean into warm colors like orange, deep red, and brown, and add elements like pumpkins, candles, and soft lighting. For easy DIY decor, try creating a Friendsgiving banner or a table centerpiece with mini pumpkins and pinecones. Cozy touches make the space feel inviting and festive.

Friendsgiving Menu Ideas

The heart of any Friendsgiving is, of course, the food! Decide early if you’re going for a potluck-style meal or if you’ll handle the cooking. Potluck Friendsgivings are great because everyone can pitch in with a favorite dish. If you’re assigning dishes, make sure there’s a mix of appetizers, sides, and desserts. 

For traditional dishes, you can go with a classic Thanksgiving spread: turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Or get creative with non-traditional dishes like a charcuterie board, fall-inspired pasta, or a vegan main. 

Here’s 5 ideas for Friendsgiving dishes:

Sheet Pan Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

Skip the hassle of a whole turkey with this easy and flavorful alternative. A turkey breast cooks faster, fits smaller gatherings, and is packed with all the classic Thanksgiving flavors.

Friendsgiving Mac and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy twist on a comfort food favorite. Rich, indulgent, and loved by everyone at the table.

Maple-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips

A sweet and savory side dish to complement any main, this classic side dish is easy to make ahead and adds a pop of color to your spread.

Cranberry, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Salad

A fresh and tangy salad to balance heavier dishes, this adds a refreshing element to the meal and is quick to assemble.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

A no-fuss dessert that combines the best of pumpkin pie and cheesecake. These bars are easy to share and a great make-ahead option.

Friendsgiving Drinks and Cocktails

Set up a DIY drink station or a signature cocktail for guests to enjoy. Fall-themed drinks are always a hit; think mulled wine, spiced apple cider, or a festive pumpkin punch. 

You could even make it interactive by setting up a “Build Your Own” drink bar with different syrups, garnishes, and mixers. Don’t forget to include a few non-alcoholic options like sparkling cider for anyone who prefers not to drink.

Cranberry-Orange Sangria

A fruity, make-ahead cocktail that’s perfect for sharing.

Combine red wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, fresh cranberries, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher and let it chill for a few hours (or overnight) to meld the flavors. Serve over ice and garnish with extra cranberries and orange slices.

Maple Bourbon Smash

A cozy cocktail with a hint of sweetness and spice.

 Shake bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig for a fragrant finish.

Spiced Apple Cider Mule

A fall twist on the classic Moscow Mule.

Combine vodka, apple cider, and lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with an apple slice.

Pumpkin Pie Martini

A dessert-like cocktail that’s as indulgent as it is festive.

Add Vanilla vodka, pumpkin puree, Irish cream, and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to a shaker with ice and strain into a martini glass. Rim the glass with crushed graham crackers for an extra touch of decadence.

Pomegranate Sparkler

A light and bubbly option for a celebratory toast. Pour pomegranate juice into a champagne flute, top with Prosecco, and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and thyme for a sophisticated flair.

Friendsgiving Table Decor Ideas

Creating an inviting seating arrangement is key to Friendsgiving, but doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. 

Use a beige or cream table runner paired with linen napkins and wooden serving boards. Add natural elements like mini pumpkins, eucalyptus branches, and pinecones for a rustic touch.

Lay a garland of faux or fresh greenery down the table and weave in acorn shaped string lights. Add pops of color with dried flowers or berries. This inexpensive centerpiece adds dimension and a magical glow without cluttering the table.

Write each guest’s name on a small card and tuck it into a mini pumpkin or tie it to a napkin with twine. You can also use small chalkboards or wood slices as place markers.

Check out our Thanksgiving Decor Amazon List for more Friendsgiving ideas and inspiration.

Friendsgiving Activities and Games

Keep the good vibes rolling with a few Friendsgiving activities. Our Thanksgiving family games bundle features 13 family party games to add fun to your Thanksgiving or friendsgiving party! 

Instructions, templates and everything you need to play is included. This is an instant download digital file for you to print at home, meaning it can make a great last minute addition to your Friendsgiving celebrations.

The games are as follows:

Scavenger Hunt

This one page scavenger hunt is fun for guests of all ages to hunt out Thanksgiving themed items inside and outside the home!

Thanksgiving Trivia

10 Thanksgiving themed multiple choice questions with answers included. A great after dinner game that can be played in teams for maximum fun.

True or False Quiz

True or false questions to add on to the quiz. All answers included.

Would You Rather / This or That?

A Thanksgiving themed version of the classic game. Great to encourage kids to discuss and explain their answers.

Thanksgiving Alphabet Race

Simple but fun! Set a challenge to think of a Thanksgiving rated word for each letter of the alphabet. Add to the fun by awarding prizes for the fastest, craziest or most original answers!

Candy Dice Game

A Thanksgiving version of the classic Candy Dice game.

Scattergories

The classic game where guests need to think of words in each category with the given letters. Bonus points if the words are Thanksgiving related!

Make A Word Game

How many words can you make out of the given Thanksgiving related word? Award points for each word as indicated on the score sheet.

Memory Game

A classic matching picture game for kids featuring Thanksgiving themed pictures.

Find Someone Who

Find the guest that matches the description. A great icebreaker game for all ages that encourages guests to mingle.

Who Am I

A charades style game where guests need to guess which Thanksgiving item they are by asking questions.

Drawing Game

Players are blindfolded and then must attempt to draw the described picture as accurately as possible. Bonus points are awarded for including specific details as outlined on the instructions.

What’s Your Turkey Name?

This fun game is a great icebreaker for guests of all ages.

Each guest needs to find their Turkey name by following the instructions included, and then writes their fun new name on a sticker (template included). Award a prize for the silliest name!

Are you hosting a Friendsgiving party this year?

Friendsgiving is all about enjoying the company of friends, sharing a meal, and celebrating gratitude in your own unique way. Keep it simple, focus on the connections, and have fun! With a little planning and these ideas, your Friendsgiving party will be one that everyone remembers and looks forward to next year.

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