10 Best Ideas for a Memorable Friendsgiving

Have you ever heard of Friendsgiving? It’s a fun twist on Thanksgiving that is becoming increasingly popular as a way to bring your favorite people together to celebrate the holiday season. It’s a chance to make lasting memories together while enjoying a festive feast. If you’re contemplating hosting a fun gathering for your chosen family, this guide will provide you with the 10 best Friendsgiving ideas for an unforgettable party.

What Is the Purpose of a Friendsgiving?

As to why you should host a Friendsgiving, the answer is quite simple — to break the general concept of Thanksgiving and celebrate relationships beyond family tradition. Also, it seems that as we grow older and take on more responsibilities, it often becomes difficult to nurture the friendships in our lives.

We need to find ways and opportunities to strengthen the bond that makes our relationships so special. With a Friendsgiving, you can creatively build new traditions with your favorite people who are unique to your group, making the holiday season a time to create deeper and more meaningful connections.

How to Plan a Friendsgiving

Any party or gathering needs a great deal of planning and organization beforehand to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Let’s dive into the most important to-dos when planning your Friendsgiving.

1.) Set the Date and Time

Decide on a date and time that works for you and your friends. For the majority of people, weekends are the best time for a party. Consider hosting your Friendsgiving in the first half of November. This allows you to avoid the potential stress of the actual Thanksgiving week. Alternatively, you can also opt for a date after Thanksgiving for a more relaxed and laid-back gathering with friends.

2.) Write a Guest List

This point is obvious, right? Write a list of friends you want to invite. For smaller spaces, opt for fewer people to ensure a pleasant night for everybody. If your space allows it, you can also allow everyone to bring a plus-one to the Friendsgiving festivities. This way you can see your besties but also make new ones.

3.) Send Invitations

Whether digital or physical, send out invitations well in advance and request an RSVP. This way, you can plan more efficiently. Include details of your Friendsgiving like the date, time, location, party theme or dress code (if any), and any specific requests.

4.) Plan the Menu

Decide if you will cook the entire menu or if it will be a potluck-style Friendsgiving. Coordinate with friends to ensure a variety of dishes and consider potential food intolerances or allergies. Don’t forget to include beverages or other snacks you may need.

5.) Decorate Your Space

If you follow a theme or color scheme for your Friendsgiving make a list of items you need to purchase. If you like crafting, you can make decorations yourself, including tablecloths, centerpieces, or garlands.

6.) Plan Activities

To keep your guests entertained, you might want to consider adding games or karaoke. They can help create a fun and engaging atmosphere.

7.) Pick a Playlist

Make a playlist that fits the mood of the party. You can share it with your friends and let them add their favorite songs as well.

8.) Come Up With a Plan B

Always have an alternative setting in case of sudden weather or other unpredictable changes.

9.) Buy Enough Essentials

Pick up enough plates, utensils, napkins, and other essential items for your Friendsgiving. Don’t forget trash bags to make cleanup a breeze.

With this checklist, you will ensure an enjoyable Friendsgiving experience for both you and your guests. The most important point is to relax and have fun.

10 Best Friendsgiving Ideas

1.) Sustainable Invitations

Consider digital invitations or save-the-date notes for your Friendsgiving party. They are easy to create and also sustainable, for you won’t have to deal with paper, writing cards, and post stamps. Websites like Evite or graphic design tools like Adobe Express and Canva are great ways to design a custom e-card with your preferred color scheme and details. Digital invitations offer endless possibilities for creativity and personalization.

2.) Simple Friendsgiving Feast

Unless you want to have a 10-course dinner, don’t overcomplicate the Friendsgiving menu. Go for easy but delicious recipes or plan a potluck with different dishes that cater to everyone’s tastes. Whether it’s easy pesto pasta, mini pizza, finger food, different dips with bread variations, or cheese charcuterie boards, there are many ways to spice up the culinary experience for your friends. Also, consider cooking together with your guests as a collaborative and interactive element to your Friendsgiving celebration.

3.) Signature Friendsgiving Drink

Is there a cocktail or beverage that holds a special memory for you and your friends? Consider offering that as a signature drink and include a few non-alcoholic options, so everyone can join in the fun.

4.) Nostalgic Tablescape

Ditch the usual tablecloth and go for something extraordinary. If you have a themed Friendsgiving opt for colors, centerpieces, and other items that fit the code. Or add a sentimental vibe and place old photos of you and your friends on the table. This will transform your dining area into a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

5.) Polaroid Station

Speaking of old memories. Don’t forget to make new ones. Provide a camera and take pictures of your friends to conserve every moment of your Friendsgiving.

6.) Gratitude Corner

Set up a blank canvas and provide craft and paint supplies. Let your guests express their gratitude creatively through sketching, writing or painting. By the end of the Friendsgiving evening, you will have a unique artwork representing your friendship. Scan the artwork and send it to everyone as a lovely keepsake.

7.) Friends-Giving Charity

Why not celebrate Friendsgiving by giving back to the community? Together with your friends, come up with a plan or ideas on how and what you can donate to a local charity or project in honor of Friendsgiving. Inform your friends of the charity drive when inviting them, so everyone knows about the cause and thinks of ways to contribute.

8.) Autumnal Friendsgiving

For a perfect fall ambiance, light up your space with warm hues. Consider fairy lights or candles to create a cozy atmosphere. Add other fall elements like pumpkins or flower arrangements that symbolize friendships like Chrysanthemums, sunflowers, or daisies. Complement your Friendsgiving decor with Friendsgiving balloons sets.

9.) Swaying to Friendsgiving Songs

Music is probably the most important part of every party! Some Songs beautifully capture the essence of friendship. Here are some songs to add to your Friendsgiving playlist:

• You’ve got a friend by Carole King
• My best Friend by Weezer
• I’ll be there for you by The Rembrandts
• Count on me by Bruno Mars
• How to save a life by The Fray
• Lean on Me by Bill Withers
• Stand by Me by Ben E. King
• Chiqitita by Abba
• Wannabe by Spice Girls
• 22 by Taylor Swift

10.) Friendsgiving Gifts

Hand your friends a gift in memory of the Friendsgiving celebration. Think of gifts that reflect your friend’s character, whether they are homemade or purchased. Consider things like coasters or cookies, little gift baskets, or mini plants. Write a personal note giving words of appreciation and thanks.

Feast, Fun & Friendship

Hopefully, the ideas and tips in this guide inspired you to host a memorable Friendsgiving. Make the most of the cozy fall season together with people who hold a special place in your heart.