How to Throw the Perfect Friendsgiving
Thanksgiving season creates the perfect opportunity to gather with your loved ones and enjoy some good food and great company. Many of us celebrate Thanksgiving with our families, but it’s important to honor our friendships as well. Holding a Friendsgiving party is the perfect way to show appreciation for your second family. Whether you’re inviting friends over for Thanksgiving Day or adding an additional celebration to your holiday roundup, we’ve got you covered with these five tips for throwing a Friendsgiving that will be remembered fondly for years to come.
The Feast
What would a Thanksgiving celebration be without a feast? This holiday is known for a table piled high with decadent dishes, but it can be daunting to create a menu for the big day. To make your life easier, start by coming up with a theme. Of course, one option is the classic Turkey Day spread, but there’s no need to limit yourself to the traditional fare. If you’d rather not spend the day mashing potatoes and tending to the turkey, consider opting for some simpler cuisine. You could treat your friends to a refreshing brunch (cucumber sandwiches and mimosas, anyone?) or set out an array of cured meats and cheeses on a charcuterie board for some refined snacking.
You may be the host of the party, but that doesn’t mean you have to take on the entire menu by yourself. One great option is to throw a Friendsgiving potluck. Use a collaborative site like Google Docs to make a sign-up sheet where your friends can choose a food to share with the group. This is a great way to bring your guests in on the fun and let them showcase their favorite dishes.
Plan a Tablescape
It’s important to create an inviting tablescape that your friends can gather around for the main event. Invoke a brisk autumn day with wheat centerpieces and gold silverware, or simplify your setting with some fresh fall flowers. You can also stray away from the typical autumn theme altogether! Consider using contrasting flatware that enhances the table with a pop of color, or match your place settings to the aesthetic of your dining space for an easy, seamless look.
Don’t forget the place cards! This isn’t a necessary step, but it adds an elegant touch to the festivities. There are plenty of customizable place cards online, or you can design your own for a personal touch. Another fun option is to cover your table with kraft paper and write your friends’ names out at each place setting. Then provide colored pencils so your guests can list what they’re thankful for or trace out some festive hand turkeys.
Decide on Décor
Friendsgiving can be an incredibly versatile celebration. This is especially true of the décor! You can stick with the traditional fall colors and textures by incorporating pumpkins, gourds, hay, and flannels. Brighten the room with a fun Friendsgiving banner and some fall-scented candles, or cozy up your space with autumnal garland and holiday potpourri.
You can even customize your aesthetic to match your group of friends. Don’t be afraid to deck out your dining space with motifs that pay homage to your loved ones. An array of printed photos that depict fond memories will add a nostalgic flair and remind everyone of the reason for the season.
Festivities
Friendsgivings are all about cherishing old memories and creating new ones. What better way to do this than by including some fun fall activities? Set out board games and an autumnal puzzle and let your friends choose what interests them. Another fun option is a festive photobooth where you and your guests can capture some good memories. Choose a free space in your home and decorate it with fall colors to make an easy backdrop. Then set out some fall-themed props or turkey hats and let the fun begin!
Friendsgiving To-Go
Worried that your fridge will be brimming with leftovers after the party ends? There are several options that will keep the clutter at bay and let your loved ones leave with some spoils from the feast. The simplest option is to let everyone know you’re holding a BYOC (bring your own container) party. Encourage your pals to grab some leftovers on their way out so they can enjoy those scrumptious dishes in the days to come.
If you’re looking to go the extra mile, you can provide take-home containers for your crew. Order some Thanksgiving-themed take-home boxes, or set out reusable containers. There are plenty of budget-friendly options that won’t break the bank, and you’ll be saving the planet too!
How are you going to celebrate with your friends this Thanksgiving? Show us what you’re grateful for by tagging @walkeredison on social media.