Friendsgiving season is here, the time for cozy vibes, rainy weather, and a whole lot of food. It’s that perfect in-between moment after Halloween but before the chaos of finals, when you finally get to slow down and just hang out with your favorite people. But let’s be honest: hosting a Friendsgiving can get expensive fast. Between food, decor, and all the little details, costs add up and when you’re on a college budget, that can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need to spend a ton of money to have a fun, festive, and memorable Friendsgiving. With a little planning, some creativity, and a few budget-friendly swaps, you can host something amazing without spending too much money. It’s not about having the perfect setup; it’s about good food, good company, and making the most of the moment.
Tip 1: Share the Responsibilities. My first piece of advice is not to do it all by yourself. Hosting is a team effort. Start a group chat or shared document where everyone claims a dish or task. Treat it as a potluck: one person handles the main dish, someone else brings sides, and another friend is in charge of dessert. Even if someone just brings drinks or napkins, it helps.
Tip 2: Plan the Date Early. I would also recommend picking a date early. It can be difficult to coordinate everyone’s schedules as finals approach, so you’ll feel thankful that you planned.
Tip 3: Keep Dishes Budget Friendly. As much as everyone loves turkey, it can be pricey and time-consuming. Instead, try a turkey breast, rotisserie chicken, or even a big pasta dish that can feed all your friends. For instance, last year my friends and I split a rotisserie chicken, which was inexpensive and large enough for the entire group. Next, you should stick to sides that are easy and affordable. Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, and stuffing are all perfect options. Most of these can be made for under $10 if you shop smart, like either at Trader Joe’s or WinCo. For dessert, try to keep it simple. This can be boxed brownies, store-bought pumpkin pie, or having everyone make their own ice cream with different toppings.
Tip 4: Get Creative with Your Decor. You don’t need extravagant decor to make things feel festive. Use what you already have, which can be string lights, candles, or fall leaves. These small items can instantly cozy up your space. If you want to get more creative, consider thrift shopping for fun tableware, fill mason jars with lights, or place mini pumpkins around the table. These are all effortless and inexpensive while still making the space lively.
Tip 5: Make the Night Interactive. The music that you play will really set the atmosphere of your Friendsgiving. Make a shared Spotify playlist with your friends so everyone will be able to add their favorite songs. You can also add something wholesome to the night: go around the table and share what you’re thankful for, or play board games to make the night more entertaining. For the dress code, think of outfits that will keep you warm and comfortable, while still looking put together at the same time. This can be a sweater and jeans or a cardigan and leggings, it’s really up to you.
Bonus Tip: Ask guests to bring their own cups or plates if you’re short. You can also borrow chairs or utensils from roommates. After dinner, pack up leftovers in containers or ziploc bags so everyone can take some home and to ensure that no food goes to waste.
The bottom line is that Friendsgiving isn’t about perfection; it’s about delicious food, good company, and making memories that you will remember for a long time. You don’t need to spend big to make it special.