Want to host the best Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving this year? With a little planning and creativity, you can create a special dinner for your closest friends or family. Both Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving are all about gathering with the people you care about, whether they’re family by birth or by choice, to share gratitude and enjoy good times together.
Start by picking a date and making a guest list. Talk with your friends or family to choose a date that works for everyone. Think about how many people your space can hold comfortably. Once you know how many guests are coming, it’s easier to plan the menu and any fun activities. Don’t hesitate to ask guests to bring a dish or drink for a potluck. This makes things less stressful for you and lets everyone contribute to the celebration.
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Next, set the mood with festive decor and music. You don’t need to break the bank to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Simple touches like string lights, fall-themed centerpieces, and a playlist of your favorite tunes can go a long way. Encourage your guests to dress up in their favorite autumnal attire to add to the festive vibe.
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Friendsgiving Meaning:
Friendsgiving is a relatively new holiday that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a gathering of friends to celebrate Thanksgiving together, usually before or after the actual holiday. Friendsgiving is a great way to enjoy the holiday with your chosen family, whether you can’t make it home for Thanksgiving or simply want to celebrate with your friends.
Unlike traditional Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving has no set rules or expectations. It’s a more casual celebration where you and your friends can create your own traditions and make it your own. You can choose to have a potluck-style meal where everyone brings a dish to share, or you can have a more formal dinner party with a set menu. The possibilities are endless!
When planning your Friendsgiving celebration, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s all about spending time with your friends and having fun. Don’t stress too much about making everything perfect. Keep it simple and focus on enjoying each other’s company.
One of the best things about Friendsgiving is that you can incorporate your own family traditions or create new ones with your friends. Maybe you always watch football on Thanksgiving, or you have a special recipe that your family makes every year. Share these traditions with your friends and make them a part of your Friendsgiving celebration.
Overall, Friendsgiving is a time to come together with your friends and celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned Friendsgiving host or planning your first one, remember that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the company of your friends.
Planning Your Friendsgiving:
Hosting a Friendsgiving can be a fun and memorable experience for you and your friends. However, it can also be a bit stressful if you’re not properly prepared. Here are a few tips to help you plan the best Friendsgiving this year.
Set the Date and Invite Your Friends
The first step in planning your Friendsgiving is to choose a date that works for everyone. Once you have a date in mind, send out Friendsgiving invitations. You can use online invitations or send out traditional paper invites. Be sure to include all the important details, such as the date, time, location, and any theme you may have in mind.
Prepare for the Big Day
Make sure you have all the necessary supplies and equipment for your Friendsgiving. This includes enough seating for everyone, serving dishes, utensils, and decorations. You may also want to prepare some activities or games to keep your guests entertained. The key to a successful hosting is prepping in advance.
Setting the Table
Hosting a successful Friendsgiving involves more than just good food and drinks. It’s also about creating an inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable. One of the most important aspects of setting the tone for your Friendsgiving is the table. Here are some tips to help you set the perfect table for your Friendsgiving gathering.
Choosing the Right Dinnerware
When it comes to dinnerware, you have a lot of options to choose from. You can go for a classic look with white plates or add some fun and festivity with themed plates. Whatever you choose, make sure you have enough plates and bowls for everyone at the table. If you’re short on dinnerware, consider renting or using realistic disposal ones.
Creating a Festive Tablescape
A festive tablescape can really set the tone for your Friendsgiving gathering. Start by choosing a tablecloth or runner that complements your dinnerware. Add some decorative elements like a centerpiece, candles, or seasonal flowers and decor to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
When it comes to flatware, make sure you have enough forks, knives, and spoons for everyone at the table.
Don’t forget about glasses! Make sure you have enough glasses for water, wine, and any other beverages you plan to serve.
Place cards can be a nice touch to help guests find their seats and add a personal touch to your table. Consider using small pumpkins or other seasonal items as place card holders.
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Linen napkins can add a touch of elegance to your table setting. If you’re short on cloth napkins, consider using paper napkins in seasonal colors or patterns.
Setting the perfect table for your Friendsgiving gathering is about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. With the right dinnerware, tablescape, and decorations, you can create a memorable experience for you and your guests.
Tablescape Ideas:
Friendsgiving & Thanksgiving Table Decor Must Haves:
- Wood Dinner Plates / 2. / Linen Napkins / 3. / Ribbed Glass Vase / 4. / Gold Candlestick Holder / 5. / Colored Wine Glass / 6. / Candle Votive / 7. / Brown Candle / 8. / Gold Silverware /
- Green Pillow Pumpkin / 2. / Dinnerware Set / 3. / Wooden Bowl / 4. / Vintage Water Glass / 5. / Wreath / 6. / Brown Pumpkin / 7. / Plaid Blanket / 8. / Green Pumpkin Pillow / 9. / Black Pumpkin /
Preparing the Menu:
As you plan your Friendsgiving menu, there are a few things to consider. You want to offer a variety of dishes and drinks that will satisfy everyone’s tastes. Here are some sub-sections to help you plan the perfect menu.
Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes
It’s always a good idea to include some traditional Thanksgiving dishes on your menu. These are the classics that everyone expects to see. Some ideas include:
- Turkey and gravy
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing
- Green bean casserole
- Cranberry sauce
- Sweet potato casserole
If you’re not sure how to prepare some of these dishes, don’t worry. There are plenty of recipes available online that can help you out. You can also ask your guests to bring their favorite Thanksgiving dish to share.
Cocktails and Beverages
No Friendsgiving is complete without some festive cocktails and beverages. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Cocktail
- Spiced cider
- Hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps
- Cranberry margaritas
- Pumpkin spice lattes
You can also set up a DIY cocktail station with different mixers and garnishes so your guests can create their own signature drink.
Desserts and Snacks
Finally, don’t forget about dessert and snacks. These are the perfect way to end the meal or to munch on throughout the night. Some ideas include:
- Pecan pie
- Apple pie
- Pumpkin pie
You can also create a leftovers station where your guests can take home some of the extra food. Don’t forget to provide containers.
With these ideas, you’re sure to host the best Friendsgiving yet!
Hosting Friendsgiving:
Incorporating Themes
It is always great to incorporate themes when hosting especially for Friendsgiving so that it differs from the traditional thanksgiving some of my favorites themes are: .
- Host a Friendsgiving games tournament, with categories like board games, card games, and video games.
- Pajamas, Clueless, dressing up as the letter of your first name or reality TV themes.
- If you do decide to go the potluck route having your guests bring family recipe dishes would also be a great idea.
Remember to plan ahead and communicate with your guests to ensure everyone is on the same page. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks and ask for help when needed. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the company of your friends.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to host the ultimate Friendsgiving. Happy hosting!
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today!
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future‘” (Jeremiah 29:11).
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