Thanksgiving is typically the time of year for family, but what about the other special people in your life? Host a celebration with your favorite friend group this year, too! A Friendsgiving party is the ultimate fusion of friendship and culinary delights. We have some tasty Friendsgiving food ideas, decoration inspiration, and fun games to make your gathering memorable.
Choose cozy decor
Set the tone for a friendly and cozy event! Your friends won’t need anything too elaborate, but you should include some simple and festive decor. Natural elements and DIY crafts are all it takes to add a bit of fall flair.
Get crafty
Painted pumpkins, filled hurricane vases, and flowers add a personal touch to your Friendsgiving ambiance. You can practically shop in your backyard to make charming pieces for your table and walls!
Encourage gratitude
Create a “Tree of Thanks” where guests can hang leaves expressing gratitude. It’s a heartwarming way to remind everyone of the season’s true spirit. Other options include writing on a pumpkin or using craft paper as a tablecloth for guests to share thanks.
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Set your fall table
Embrace the autumn vibes with earthy colors and textures. Think burlap table runners, rustic wooden chargers, and plenty of seasonal flowers, leaves, and pinecones. Layering is the key to elevating your table settings from basic to beautiful, whether you choose rustic or simple styles.
Plan your Friendsgiving meal
As with the decor, keeping things simple works fine for a Friendsgiving dinner. You can share the load with a potluck-style meal or focus on creative twists on traditional Thanksgiving recipes!
Mini Comfort Food Bites
Serve up comfort food favorites in bite-sized portions. Think mini grilled cheese sandwiches, tiny turkey sliders, and adorable pumpkin pie bites. These little delights will keep your guests coming back for more, and they’ll be free to mingle and graze.
Potluck Palooza
A Friendsgiving celebration is about sharing, so why not make it a potluck feast? Invite your pals to bring a dish that they love! From Aunt Sue’s famous green bean casserole to Jim’s decadent pecan pie, it’s a culinary journey that everyone can participate in.
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Global Fusion Feast
You’ll probably be eating a traditional Thanksgiving dinner elsewhere, so use Friendsgiving to explore flavors from around the world. How about a meal with a Mexican, Italian, or Asian twist? Prepare dishes like turkey enchiladas, pumpkin ravioli, or a Thai curry dinner.
Build-Your-Own Food Stations
Who says Thanksgiving Day has to be “turkey day”? Do something different this holiday season! Set up interactive food stations like a taco bar, baked potato buffet, or DIY sandwich corner. This adds a unique twist and caters to various tastes and dietary preferences.
Cheery Cocktails
No party is complete without a selection of signature Friendsgiving cocktails and mocktails. Offer themed creations like apple cider mimosas, spiced sangria, or a refreshing cranberry spritzer! Most drinks can be made without alcohol, so anyone can enjoy them.
Include delightful games and activities
Plan some fun after-meal games to keep everyone entertained! Take a walk down memory lane or create new ones with these cute activity ideas for Friendsgiving.
Friendsgiving Trivia
Put your friends to the test with a Friendsgiving trivia game. Prepare questions about your group’s history, shared experiences, and inside jokes. The winner gets bragging rights!
Recipe Swap
Encourage your friends to bring printed copies of their Friendsgiving recipes. Collect them in a recipe book, box, or binder that everyone can take home as a keepsake. You can also provide printable cards and have everyone fill them out at the party!
Festive Photo Booth
Set up a fun photo booth area with silly props and a backdrop that showcases your friendship. It’s a fantastic way to capture the laughter and memories. Book a local photo booth company that can print your photos on the spot or help you instantly share them on social media.
Gather your friends, create lasting memories, and have a truly heartwarming Friendsgiving this year. Happy feasting and celebrating! 🦃
Book something awesome for your Friendsgiving! Find everything from bands to bartenders to photo booths on GigSalad.
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.