Friendsgiving Ideas

Make this holiday season a friendly affair when you gather folks around the table for a fantastic Friendsgiving celebration. With a little pre-planning you can cut down on the stress and the mess, and have more fun with your guests. Whether it’s your first time hosting or just wondering what to bring to Friendsgiving this year, get ahead of the game with these simple tips and tricks for a successful holiday gathering.

Friendsgiving Celebration Ideas

When you’re gearing up for a full house for Friendsgiving, a little planning goes a long way. Here are a few tips to get you on the right track:

• Create a guest list. Once you know how many people are coming, you can start your game plan.
• Choose your theme. Whether it’s a color scheme or symbolic motif, Friendsgiving themes can help you create an enjoyable experience with matching menu items, decorations and more. Some theme ideas include fall foliage, cornucopia, pumpkin, or glitter and gold.
• Plan Friendsgiving games. Fun for the whole crew can include a round of football, charades or a bean bag toss. It keeps everyone occupied and entertained while waiting for the big dinner.
• Clean your home. A few days before Friendsgiving guests arrive, wipe down your kitchen, dining room, bathroom and anywhere else folks might be hanging out.

Friendsgiving Décor & More

The right décor is a surefire way to bring the holiday spirit into your home. Accessorize your entrance with wreaths or pumpkins, line your mantel with a lush garland and display those holiday-themed pillows you have stored in the attic.

Since the feast is the main event, you’ll want to choose table décor that creates a fun atmosphere, with enough room for guests to eat without feeling too crowded. Try using themed plates, cloth napkins, or a simple table garland or centerpiece to help bring some extra Friendsgiving spirit to the table.

Friendsgiving Feast

Now you’re ready to prep, plan and serve a flawless Friendsgiving dinner. A few time-saving tricks can make your holiday cooking plan a whole lot easier.

• Make dishes in advance. In the days leading up to dinner, put on your apron and prepare anything you can cook ahead of time, such as stuffing, casseroles and desserts. On the big day, you’ll only have to warm these items up rather than create them from scratch.
• Use store-bought items strategically. A perfect Friendsgiving dinner doesn’t have to mean everything is homemade. Consider store-bought or premade foods, especially for items like rolls or gravy. The less time you spend in the kitchen, the more time you get to spend hanging out with your friends.

Friendsgiving Cocktails

Once your menu is set and your décor is up, it’s time to put together some cocktails. If you have a favorite fall flavor or type of alcohol, try making a batch house cocktail. A batch of Pumpkin Spice Sangria or Blood Orange Sangria will be crowd pleasers. If individual drinks are more your style for your bar, a classic Old Fashioned or Raspberry Rose Cocktail will be excellent choices for your party that include both fresh and classic ingredients. We have all types of cocktails and mocktails that will guests will be thankful for.

A Few Final Friendsgiving Tips

When planning your celebration, you can collaborate with those on your guest list to come up with Friendsgiving food ideas that everyone can enjoy. Create or work with your friends to whip up a menu, then let everyone pick a dish to bring for a potluck-style party. You and your friends can share your favorite easy Thanksgiving recipes or have fun putting together a menu filled with unconventional dishes like pumpkin cheese soup or a pumpkin maple roast chicken. When it comes to building new traditions, the sky’s the limit.

For more Thanksgiving tips, Friendsgiving ideas and other holiday inspiration, head to our Thanksgiving Shop.