How to Host a Friendsgiving: A Complete Guide

As the holiday season approaches, many people look forward to the classic Thanksgiving gathering, but there's another celebration that's been gaining popularity—Friendsgiving. This gathering brings together friends to share gratitude, good food, and laughter, offering a more relaxed, informal alternative to the traditional family Thanksgiving. 

If you’re curious about how to host a Friendsgiving that your friends will remember for years, you’re in the right place. Here's everything you need to know about planning, hosting, and creating the perfect Friendsgiving experience.

What Is Friendsgiving?

Friendsgiving is a mashup of "friends" and "Thanksgiving," and it’s exactly what it sounds like—a Thanksgiving-style gathering, but with your close friends instead of family. It’s an event to celebrate the bonds of friendship, share great food, and, of course, give thanks to your chosen family.

The Origins and Popularity of Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving has grown in popularity over the last decade, starting as an informal gathering among friend groups. It’s not tied to a specific day, although many people host it a week or two before Thanksgiving Day. The trend gained momentum as people who couldn't travel home for Thanksgiving opted to celebrate with their friends, and it has since become a beloved holiday tradition in its own right.

How Friendsgiving Differs from Traditional Thanksgiving

Unlike traditional Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is often more casual and laid-back. There’s less emphasis on formalities, and it's common to see a potluck-style dinner where guests contribute dishes. Friendsgiving is a fun way to experiment with modern twists on classic Thanksgiving dishes, giving everyone the chance to share their favorite food traditions.

How to Host a Friendsgiving

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the logistics of hosting a Friendsgiving that will leave your friends feeling grateful for the memories.

Planning Your Friendsgiving

The first step in how to host a Friendsgiving is setting a date that works for your guest list. Since it’s not tied to a specific day, you can be flexible and choose a date that fits everyone’s schedule. Send out a casual Friendsgiving invitation a few weeks in advance to give your guests enough time to prepare.

You should also decide on the theme and style of your Friendsgiving party. Will it be a cozy, intimate gathering, or do you envision something grander with themed decor? 

Deciding on a style early on helps guide your menu, decor, and table setting. You could opt for a traditional fall theme with Thanksgiving decorations or get creative with a more modern, minimalist approach. To find inspiration, check out our themed serveware collection or browse through some seasonal home décor.

If some of your guests are new parents, it’s a great idea to consider incorporating a few small surprises or gift ideas for new moms to make them feel especially appreciated.

Preparing the Menu

The food is, without a doubt, the highlight of any Friendsgiving dinner. When planning your menu, think about whether you want to cook the entire meal yourself or ask guests to bring their favorite dishes for a potluck.

If you’re hosting a potluck-style Friendsgiving celebration, you’ll want to coordinate with your guests to make sure there's a good mix of appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts. On the other hand, if you prefer to handle the cooking yourself, make sure to plan a manageable menu, and don’t hesitate to use kitchenware essentials that can help streamline the process.

You can also stick to traditional Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, or if you want to add some modern twists to the mix. A Friendsgiving dinner is the perfect opportunity to get creative. Perhaps a savory sweet potato tart or a roasted vegetable medley could replace more conventional sides. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to take advantage of high-quality cookware from our homeware kitchenware essentials collection.

Setting the Table

The way you set the table can set the tone for your Friendsgiving party. Whether you're going for a rustic fall look or something more elegant, your table setting should feel warm and inviting.

Start with your place settings—mixing and matching Thanksgiving essentials like elegant melamine dinnerware and stylish glassware is a simple way to add sophistication to your table. Consider adding personalized place cards to make your friends feel extra special. For more inspiration, browse our tableware collections to find the perfect setting for your Friendsgiving feast.

It’s always a good idea to ask your guests about any dietary restrictions before planning the menu. Whether you’re accommodating vegetarians, gluten-free eaters, or those with specific allergies, offering a variety of options ensures everyone has something to enjoy. Use creative recipes or substitute ingredients to make dishes more inclusive without compromising flavor.

Hosting the Event

Friendsgiving isn’t just about eating—it’s also a chance to bond over fun activities. From classic board games to a Thanksgiving-themed trivia quiz, there are plenty of ways to keep your guests entertained. You could even get creative by learning how to host a cookie exchange, allowing your guests to share their favorite homemade treats.

A cozy, welcoming atmosphere is also essential to hosting a successful Friendsgiving. Dim the lights, add some autumn-scented candles, and throw in a few comfy blankets to create that warm, homey feel. Check out our home décor collection for more ideas on how to make your space feel festive.

Friendsgiving Etiquette and Tips

Even though Friendsgiving is a more relaxed version of Thanksgiving, some basic etiquette helps ensure that everything goes smoothly. From handling potluck contributions to navigating dietary restrictions, these tips will help you host a stress-free event.

How to Handle Contributions and Potluck Items

If you're hosting a potluck-style Friendsgiving, make it clear in your Friendsgiving invitation what each guest should bring. You could even create a shared list to avoid duplicate dishes and ensure there’s a good balance of appetizers, sides, mains, and desserts.

Navigating Different Dietary Needs

If your guest list includes people with varying dietary needs, consider setting up a separate space on the table for special dishes. Label each dish so guests can easily identify what’s safe for them to eat.

Tips for a Stress-Free Friendsgiving

As much as we love hosting Friendsgiving, it can be a little overwhelming. To minimize stress, here are some things you can do:

1. Plan Your Menu in Advance
   Decide on your dishes and what guests will bring ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.
2. Prep the Day Before
   Complete as much prep work as possible the day before, like chopping, baking, and setting the table.
3. Delegate Tasks to Guests
   Ask your guests to help with food, decorations, or games to lighten your load.
4. Use Simple Table Settings
   Opt for elegant but easy-to-clean tableware to keep things beautiful without extra work.
5. Set Up a Self-Serve Drink Station
   Let guests serve themselves drinks so you can focus on other aspects of hosting.

Friendsgiving Recipes and Drinks

No Friendsgiving is complete without delicious food and drinks. Here are some must-try dishes and drink pairings that will elevate your celebration.

Must-Try Friendsgiving Dishes

No Friendsgiving dinner is complete without some standout dishes. Mixing traditional favorites with modern twists will keep your guests excited and satisfied. Here are some must-try dishes to consider for your Friendsgiving menu:

• Roast Turkey with Herb Butter: A classic Friendsgiving dinner isn’t complete without a roast turkey. To enhance the flavors, rub herb-infused butter under the skin to ensure a moist and flavorful bird.
• Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. Elevate the traditional recipe with roasted garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: For a modern twist on vegetables, try maple-glazed Brussels sprouts. The sweet maple glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the sprouts a rich, sweet-savory flavor that pairs well with heartier dishes.

Drink Pairings for Your Friendsgiving Feast

Pair your dishes with seasonal drinks like a spiced apple cider, a rich red wine, or a cranberry-based cocktail. Wine is always a good idea for any Friendsgiving celebration, but you can also add some fun non-alcoholic options like flavored sparkling water or mocktails.

Post-Friendsgiving Considerations

Once the meal is over, there are still a few things to wrap up. Make sure to handle leftovers, share recipes, and show your gratitude to your friends with a thoughtful follow-up.

Storing Leftovers and Sharing Recipes

After the feast, you’ll probably have plenty of leftovers. Send your guests home with food or store the leftovers in our storage collection. Sharing recipes is also a nice touch, so consider creating a digital recipe exchange after the event.

Sending Thank You Notes and Follow-Ups

Finally, don’t forget to thank your guests for coming. A thoughtful thank-you note or message goes a long way in expressing gratitude. If you want to add a personal touch, consider sending out handwritten cards.

Also, if you’re looking to extend your gratitude beyond Friendsgiving, you might also want to explore some gift ideas for grandparents that show how much you care.

Find Memorable Gifts this Holiday Season with Lenox

Hosting a Friendsgiving is a fun way to gather your closest friends and create unforgettable memories. With thoughtful planning, a cozy atmosphere, and a delicious menu, your Friendsgiving celebration will be one for the books. Don’t forget to add those personal touches with elegant table settings and creative activities to make your gathering extra special.