Hosting Friendsgiving

What is Friendsgiving?

Friendsgiving is not celebrated on any specific date. This gathering does not have any rules or expectations. Friendsgiving combines the best parts of Thanksgiving with a lower stress guest list. With just a few simple tips you can host your own successful and fun Friendsgiving meal.

1. Create the guest list and divvy out the dishes

When hosting Friendsgiving, it is important to get out the date, time, and place as soon as possible. You can create a fancy invite or just simply send a group text. Typically, the host will oversee the turkey or main course and everyone coming brings an additional dish. “Evite” is an online invitation app that allows you to not only keep track of RSVP’s but also lets you create a “what to bring” list. This way you avoid 3 of the same casseroles. You also avoid a host who is overwhelmed.

Nobody should be spending a lot of time in the kitchen, so it is important for everyone to bring their dishes prepared and in their serving dish including serving utensils. This may seem obvious but let everyone know the final headcount so that there is no chance of running out of food. Make sure someone has appetizers, so there are plenty of things to munch on while pulling the menu together.

the charcuterie tray

My answer to all things appetizers is a charcuterie tray. With finger foods ranging from sweet to salty, there is something for everyone. I get my inspiration from Pinterest and one of my all-time favorite books, Beautiful Boards.

2. Don't forget the drinks

Hosting Friendsgiving should not have the host supplying all the libations. Each person should bring a bottle of wine or their favorite beverage. During this Friendsgiving we had a special oyster shooter to begin the festivities.

3. have fun with the décor but mostly make sure everyone has a place to sit

Friendsgiving is a knockoff of Thanksgiving, so sitting down together to share a meal is a big part of the celebration. Even if you choose to keep the décor simple, setting a fall inspired table really sets the mood. For our Friendsgiving, other than the fall centerpiece I already had, I used a table runner and plaid napkins to add color. I made the napkin rings with just a few items found at Hobby Lobby and printed out place cards I created on Canva.