Friendsgiving is the perfect opportunity to gather your closest pals, indulge in some delicious food, and celebrate all the things you're grateful for. Whether it's your first time hosting or you're a seasoned pro, a little planning goes a long way in making your Friendsgiving memorable. Here’s your ultimate guide to throwing the best Friendsgiving party ever!
1. Set the Date
Before you do anything else, you need to choose a date. Since the Thanksgiving holiday itself is a busy time for many, it’s a good idea to host your Friendsgiving the weekend before or after Thanksgiving Day. That way, your friends can make it without conflicting with family obligations. Consider a time that works best for everyone—weekends typically work best for most people.
2. Determine the Guest List
The next step is figuring out who you want to invite. Think about the friends who make you laugh, who you’ve had great memories with, and who you’re grateful to have in your life. The number of guests will impact everything from the amount of food you need to the size of your table, so keep that in mind. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a manageable number—somewhere between 8-12 people is ideal for a cozy, fun gathering.
3. Send the Invitations
Once you’ve got the date and guest list locked in, it’s time to send out the invites. These can be digital or physical, depending on the vibe you're going for. Paper invitations are charming and thoughtful, but digital invites (like those through Evite or even a group text) are convenient and fast. Either way, make sure to include important details like the date, time, location, and what you’d like your guests to bring.
4. Potluck Style – Main Dishes, Sides & Apps
One of the best things about Friendsgiving is the food, and to make sure the meal is a spread of deliciousness, go for a potluck-style dinner. Assign each guest to bring either a main dish, a side, or appetizers. This not only helps with meal planning, but it also takes the pressure off you to do it all. And let’s be real—it's more fun when everyone gets to share a dish they love!
If you’re looking for a bit of guidance on what to bring, you could even set up a sign-up sheet where people can write down what they’re making, ensuring a well-rounded menu. Make sure to ask people to bring a mix of options, especially if anyone has dietary restrictions. Don’t forget to include dessert!
5. Wine, Please!
No Friendsgiving is complete without a variety of wine to pair with the feast. Encourage your guests to bring wine, but be sure to suggest a nice variety. Here are a few of my personal favorites to start with:
- Sophie James Rosé – Light, refreshing, and easy to drink. This wine pairs beautifully with appetizers and lighter fare like salads or turkey.
- Pinot Noir – A classic, versatile red that goes with almost everything on the table.
- Palmaz Riesling – A slightly sweeter white that complements both savory and spicy dishes. It’s especially great with rich, flavorful sides.
Having a few different types of wine will ensure there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout the meal. Wine charms are a fun way to help your guests keep track of their drinks!
6. Decor – Set the Mood- shop it all here
Next up: decor. You don’t need to break the bank to create a festive and inviting atmosphere. Amazon is your best friend for affordable, cute decorations. Start with the essentials:
- Tablecloths – Choose something that complements your theme (think autumnal hues, rustic charm, or elegant neutrals).
- Charger Plates & Cloth Napkins – These add a polished touch without costing a fortune.
- Table Runner – A simple table runner can instantly elevate the look of your dining table.
- Pennant Banners – These are a fun way to add some personality and festivity to the space.
- Wine Glasses & Silverware – Invest in reusable or cute disposable options if you’re going for easy cleanup.
- Wine Charms – These are especially fun for a big group. Make sure everyone has their own charm so they can easily identify their drink.
- Friendsgiving Candle – This candle makes the perfect gift.
If you’re feeling extra crafty, you can also personalize place cards or create a “Thankful Wall” where guests can write something they’re grateful for and hang it up.
7. Music & Atmosphere
Once the decor is set, think about the atmosphere. Music is key to setting the right vibe. Create a Friendsgiving playlist with a mix of upbeat songs and more mellow tunes for a laid-back vibe. Throw in some classic fall or Thanksgiving-themed songs, but don’t forget the crowd-pleasers that will keep everyone singing along.
8. The Most Important Ingredient: Good Friends
Of course, the most important part of any Friendsgiving is the people. It’s not about perfection—it’s about the memories you create together. A successful Friendsgiving party is all about having fun, eating great food, laughing until your stomach hurts, and being thankful for the friends you have in your life.
A Friendsgiving gathering is a chance to spend quality time with the people who mean the most to you. By following these simple steps—setting the date, creating the perfect guest list, organizing the food, and making sure the space feels cozy and festive—you’ll host a memorable event that everyone will rave about for years to come.
Happy Friendsgiving! 🦃🍷