How to Host a Friendsgiving Dinner
Who says Thanksgiving is only for family? With juicy roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, and tart cranberry sauce, gathering with your closest friends can be just as memorable. That’s the beauty of Friendsgiving — a tradition that makes it possible to celebrate with friends.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, people across the United States are preparing for the holiday. According to Refinery29, for people spending the holiday away from relatives or hoping to create a new tradition, Friendsgiving is a festive alternative. Read ahead to discover how to host a Friendsgiving dinner.
When to Host Friendsgiving
Friendsgiving is flexible when it comes to timing, so hosts can hold it on whichever November date works best for their group, Country Living explains. Experts believe the weekend before Thanksgiving may be the best option. However, it’s also possible to do it on the weekend after.
“You can even host on Thanksgiving Day itself, if you’re living in a new city and have a lot of friends who are not going home for the holidays,” Michelle E. Oley, owner of Michelle Elaine Weddings, tells Country Living. The key is to choose a date and time that works for as many guests as possible.
Preparing for Friendsgiving
Let your friends know as soon as possible or at least several weeks before the celebration. Reaching out early can help more friends make it to the event, says Annemarie Schumacher, award-winning event planner and lifestyle blogger at Make Every Day an Event.
Now comes the guest list. Start by inviting your closest friends. You might also consider extending an invite to someone in your circle who would otherwise spend the holiday without plans. Whatever your guest list looks like, make sure you have enough space for everyone.
At the heart of Friendsgiving is a potluck-style meal. A sign-up sheet can help ensure a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Most hosts also make the turkey themselves, while guests contribute dishes that are easier to carry.
Hosting can be a lot to manage, so don’t be afraid to enlist help from friends or family members, according to Refinery29. Share responsibilities like decorating, food prep, and cleanup to ensure you can enjoy the celebration too.
Make the Celebration Extra Festive
To make the big day even more special, create a cozy and warm holiday atmosphere at home with Thanksgiving-inspired décor.
Keep the good times rolling with a few fun group activities and a vibey playlist. Take some photos during the meal so everyone has memories of the gathering to look back on.
Finally, Thanksgiving is all about reflecting on what you’re grateful for. So bring the spirit of giving thanks to your Friendsgiving with a gratitude activity. Invite guests to go around the table and name something they appreciate. Another option is to leave out cards where friends can write down what they’re thankful for.
However you choose to celebrate, Friendsgiving is all about spending meaningful time with the people you care about. Just don’t forget to dig into the delicious food — roasted seasonal veggies, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and all.
