Thanksgiving is widely regarded as a family holiday. A turkey is prepared, football is on the TV and family gathers to enjoy good food and give thanks. For some, especially young adults or college students, going home just doesn’t work out. Friendsgiving—a Thanksgiving celebration with your friends—can be a great alternative: all of the delicious food and none of the bickering family members. Whether you decide to make it classy or casual, here are all the things you need to know to make your Friendsgiving unforgettable.
Be a good host by planning ahead. Usually, Friendsgiving is primarily a dinner party. You can make it classy, with candles and table decorations and proper Thanksgiving food, or you can go the casual route with less typical foods and a fall-themed movie. Just make sure that you plan ahead so you know what type of party your guests can expect and what kind of preparations you will need to make. If you need to, borrow tables and chairs to accommodate all your guests. And remember: in order to make it memorable, your menu must be extraordinary.
Develop a mouthwatering menu. If you plan on going the traditional route with a turkey, make sure you have enough to feed all your guests. Estimate one pound of turkey per serving. Try this recipe for a perfectly seasoned and juicy turkey. Check out this list of delicious dishes ranging from classic to quirky for your Friendsgiving menu:
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For starters, try this brie cheese stuffed with cranberries and walnuts or a lemon parmesan dip or some sweet and addictive candied pecans.
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These pumpkin cheddar muffins have the perfect blend of sweet and savory for a before-dinner treat!
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Add some spice to the menu with Curried Pumpkin Soup from The Corner Kitchen.
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Try this Wild Rice and Cider Cranberry Pilaf to impress your friends.
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You can’t go wrong with this Thanksgiving classic! Try this basic stuffing recipe to add to your menu.
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Don’t forget about dessert! It’s a crucial aspect of your Friendsgiving menu. Here’s an amazing recipe for a sweet potato pie that will blow your guest’s minds! And one of my personal favorites–a pumpkin cheesecake torte to close off your lovely dinner.
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Lastly, gatherings are a great excuse to snack. Provide your guests with something to munch on. It could be as simple as some chips and a delectable guacamole or a seasonal snack mix.
Try a photobooth. Find your inner craft enthusiast and cut out some cute props for your guests to take pictures. It can provide a fun activity as well as some keepsakes to laugh about for years to come. Use pumpkins, food, or word bubbles with fun and festive sayings! Just remember to not appropriate any culture with this activity.
Be grateful together. Celebrate your appreciation for all your friends! Provide some cute cards for everyone to write what they are thankful for. You can read them all together during dinner or, if you want a more involved activity, get jars for each person and leave notes in each other’s jars. Have each person write something they appreciate about everyone else and put the note in their jar for them to read later. The attitude of thanksgiving will help your Friendsgiving blossom from an “okay” party to a memorable gathering of friends. Even better, you can continue it after your Friendsgiving ends by putting gratitude notes inside your own jar.
Even if you can’t make it home for Thanksgiving, hopefully a Friendsgiving can replace and even surpass a normal and awkward family gathering! Use these fun ideas to make the party even more festive and fun while you indulge in some delicious treats. Happy Friendsgiving!