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10 Ingredients for the Perfect Friendsgiving

friendsgiving dinner passing food and mingling

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Thanksgiving is all about showing gratitude for our families and loved ones. Grandmas and in-laws, siblings, parents, and the like all gather around the table, usually with a spread of turkey, stuffing, and all the Thanksgiving fixings. But for our other favorite peopleā€”our friendsā€”we can also share a day of gratitude and appreciation with Friendsgiving. Friendsgiving is a celebration of those who are like family, minus the shared DNA. If youā€™re hosting the Friendsgiving dinner this year, thereā€™s a lot more to keep in mind than just delicious food and tasty drinks. There’s also everything that goes into making the meal special.

Lay out a special seasonal tablecloth; formally set the dining table with your favorite dinnerware; decorate your space with holiday decorā€”it’s the little things that’ll make your dinner party feel extra special. Set out special mugs or a full spread for after-dinner hot cocoa, or encourage guests to all bring their favorite desserts. However you decide to celebrate, the most important thing is coming together and having fun. Our checklist for creating the perfect Friendsgiving ambiance will ensure you’re wining and dining your found family right while you celebrate the favorite unofficial holiday.

1. Plenty of Food

Yes, weā€™re stating the obvious here… But thereā€™s a twist: Since this isnā€™t a traditional family Thanksgiving meal, turkey and stuffing arenā€™t 100% essential. Mix things up and design a creative menu that will please every personā€”and every palateā€”on your guest list. Or, go the potluck route. But donā€™t forget to share whoā€™s bringing what ahead of time, so you donā€™t have recipe redundancies. Also consider making menu cards to position at each place setting for a thoughtful touch.

For Thoughtful Table Settings


2. A Big Table

Make sure you have enough table space and adequate seating to host your whole crew. If space is a bit tight, consider setting up dishes buffet-style on a kitchen island or bar. Incorporate extra seating where you can, be it poufs or benches, accent chairs, foldable chairs, or something else. If you don’t have space to store these, guests, friends, or neighbors might be able to lend stools or chairs instead if you ask.

A Dining Setup for Every Space


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3. Festive Decor

Incorporate timeless Thanksgiving decor standbys like fall scented candles or taper candles, pumpkins, leaves, and turkeys, and get creative as youā€™re setting the tone for your gathering! Pinterest can be a real lifesaver here, especially for DIY table settings. But donā€™t stress too much over these detailsā€”itā€™s about the food and company, after all.

Chic Holiday Decor Ideas


4. A Holiday Playlist

You canā€™t have a good party without the right tunes! From mellow jazz to moody R&B or lively pop, a custom soundtrack can help set the vibe for your festivities. Choose softer sounds for the dinner portion of the evening (so you can, you know, actually hear each other) and save the more energetic songs for after dessert. Get started with one of these classic dinner party, Friendsgiving, or fun dinner playlists, or even Pandoraā€™s Friendsgiving station.

For Your Listening Party


5. Paper and Pens

Set aside 15 minutes before dinner for yourself and your guests to write out what theyā€™re thankful for and share with the group. This is also a great opportunity to start your own Friendsgiving traditions! Tell jokes, share stories, or go around the table and introduce any guests who might not know each other very well. It’ll set the mood for togetherness and make everyone feel closer.

Helpful Tools for Sharing


6. Fun Thanksgiving Drinks

Create a custom cocktail to wow your guests (may we suggest this autumnal bliss from our cocktail expert, Charles Joly?) Make a few batches ahead of time so youā€™re not playing bartender all night. Wineā€”at least one white and one redā€”is standard to have on-hand for your meal. And donā€™t forget a few non-alcoholic options, like sparkling water or a mocktail!

Beautiful Drink and Barware


7. Pie, Pie, and More Pie!

Apple piePecan piePumpkin pieSweet potato pie! No Friendsgiving (or Thanksgiving) mealā€”or any meal, reallyā€”is complete without several decadent dessert options. Whip up your personal specialty, stock up on whipped cream, and remind your guests to save room. Setting out some cute desert plates is a nice touch, too.

Baking Essentials


8. A Cute Hashtag

Take your celebration from an entertaining social event to a social media event with a unique hashtag. Even if you donā€™t care about likes and follows, a custom hashtag can help you track and organize all the photos posted by your guests. 

For Capturing the Moment


9. Modern Takeout Containers

Thanksgiving might as well by synonymous with leftovers. And like the traditional holiday, youā€™re bound to have extra food after your Friendsgiving feast. Keep some recyclable or reusable takeout containers handy so your guests can take scurry home with the surplus goods. More treats for them, less cleanup for you? Thatā€™s a win-win.

Easy Takeaway Ideas


10. Recipe Cards or Cookbooks

Encourage everyone to bring and write down their favorite recipes as a way to look back on and remember the evening. Get a cookbook or a recipe box that you can use year after year, and start filling it up with everyone’s signature dishes. You can recreate delicious dishes and share something a little extra special with your favorite people. In a few years, your recipe book will be filled with foods from many loved ones in your life.

To Share Memories and Meals


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