Friendsgiving is the perfect excuse to bring your chosen family together, celebrate gratitude, and make lasting memories before the hustle of the holiday season. Whether it’s your first time hosting or a yearly tradition, here are some tips to help you plan the ultimate Friendsgiving night that’s all about laughter, good food, and a toast to friendship.

1. Send Out Invites & Set the Vibe

Start with a fun digital invite! An online invite keeps it casual but also lets you set the vibe right from the start. Add a playful theme like “Bring Your Own Dish,” “Sweater Weather,” or “Sparkling & Spice.” You could even ask friends to dress up for a holiday photo op! Setting a theme or dress code can make the night feel extra special and create a perfect backdrop for all the photos you’ll want to snap.

2. Plan a Tasty, Shareable Menu

Friendsgiving is all about sharing and comfort food. Instead of a formal sit-down meal, go for a potluck-style spread where everyone brings a favorite dish. Not only does this make hosting a breeze, but it also gives everyone a chance to show off their culinary skills (or grocery shopping expertise).

Divide up the dishes so you get a variety – think appetizers, main dishes, sides, and, of course, desserts! Make a group chat or a shared document so guests can claim their dish and avoid duplicates. Don’t forget to add some crowd-pleasers like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and a mix of savory and sweet bites.

3. Curate Festive Drinks

What’s a Friendsgiving without some cheers? Create a signature Friendsgiving cocktail, like a cranberry-mimosa punch or a sparkling apple cider sangria. Or, go all out and set up a DIY champagne cocktail bar with different fruit purees and garnishes for a fun twist. If you have wine lovers in the group, offer a mix of reds, whites, and bubbly for all taste preferences.

For a special touch, pair the drinks with dessert – pumpkin pie with a rich red wine, or apple crumble with a glass of sparkling wine. Don’t forget some festive non-alcoholic options, like a spiced cranberry fizz or hot apple cider for everyone to enjoy!

4. Add Personal Touches to the Decor

Setting the Friendsgiving scene doesn’t need to be extravagant. A simple, cozy setup with fall-colored table runners, small pumpkins, and string lights creates a warm, welcoming vibe. If you’re feeling crafty, make name cards for each friend or put together small, festive favors like mini hot chocolate kits, cozy socks, or little “thankful” notes that remind everyone why they’re important.

You could even set up a gratitude wall where friends write down something they’re thankful for, adding a heartfelt touch to the gathering.

5. Plan Fun Friendsgiving Activities

Add some laughter with Friendsgiving games! A Thanksgiving-themed trivia game or “Guess the Baby Photo” (where guests bring a photo from childhood) is always a hit. You could also make a Friendsgiving playlist in advance, mixing everyone’s favorite songs to keep the mood fun and upbeat.

If everyone’s up for a more relaxed vibe, set up a cozy movie area with blankets and pick a classic holiday movie to watch as the night winds down.

6. Don’t Forget the Toast!

Before everyone digs in, take a moment to toast to friendship, memories, and future adventures. It’s what Friendsgiving is all about – celebrating the people who make life brighter and raising a glass to moments shared together. 🥂

With these fun ideas, your Friendsgiving night will be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. So gather your crew, whip up some festive drinks, and get ready to make this Friendsgiving your best one yet!

Sue