Friendsgiving has become the November tradition. It is a chance to celebrate your chosen family before heading home for the holidays. Whether you’re in an apartment, a dorm, or a student-living clubhouse that makes you feel fancier than you are, hosting the perfect Friendsgiving is totally doable. Here’s your guide to pulling off a cozy, aesthetic, and stress-free celebration your friends will be talking about all semester.
1. Start With the Group Chat (and a Google Sheet… trust me)
The magic of Friendsgiving begins with the guest list. Once you know who’s coming, create a shared Google Sheet so no one brings five bags of rolls and zero main dishes. Add columns for main dishes, sides, desserts, drinks, and “I don’t cook, but I can bring ice.”
Pro tip: Give everyone a deadline to sign up for their dish so you can stay organized and avoid last-minute chaos.
2. Set the Vibe With Easy, Affordable Decor
You do not need to spend a lot to make it cute. Think warm string lights, dollar-store faux pumpkins, and neutral napkins from Target. If you want to be extra: print a tiny menu or place cards for the table. It makes the whole thing feel like a micro wedding, but in the best way possible.
3. Offer One Signature Drink
No need to stock a full bar. Pick one special drink to serve and let that be your moment.
Ideas:
- Apple cider + cinnamon sticks
- A cranberry spritz
- Hot chocolate bar with toppings
Serving a single signature drink makes everything feel intentional and saves you money.
4. Make Space for Everyone’s Dietary Needs
College friend groups are always a delightful mix of preferences and dietary quirks from your vegan bestie, the gluten-free roommate, the friend with a peanut allergy, and of course, the one person who announces, “I’m trying dairy-free this week.” Instead of scrambling day-of, ask ahead of time if anyone has restrictions or allergies. It shows thoughtfulness, helps you plan stress-free, and makes sure no one feels awkward, singled out, or left out of the menu. You’d be surprised how far a few simple swaps like dairy-free butter, veggie sides, or nut-free desserts can go in making everyone feel seen. Inclusive hosting doesn’t have to be complicated, and it always pays off with warm, fuzzy vibes (and much happier guests).
5. Add a Tradition or Activity
Make your Friendsgiving memorable with a small tradition. Some ideas that don’t feel forced:
- Everyone shares one thing they’re grateful for this year
- Take a group photo with a disposable camera
- Write notes to each other to open next year
- Play a game after dinner (For the Girls, What Do You Meme, Uno)
6. Don’t Stress Over the Food Being Perfect
Nobody expects Martha Stewart-level cooking in a college apartment. Store-bought items are totally acceptable. Crockpots are your friend. And if someone burns the rolls? It becomes part of the story.
What really matters is having a good time, not whose mashed potatoes have the perfect texture.
7. Send Everyone Home With Leftovers
Pick up some cheap to-go containers so friends can take food home. It’s thoughtful, it reduces waste, and it gives everyone a warm reminder of the night (and a ready-made meal for the next day).
Friendsgiving isn’t really about creating the perfect aesthetic although let’s be honest, the cute décor and fall-themed table settings definitely add to the fun. At its core, Friendsgiving is about hitting pause on the chaos of college life, sharing good food, and celebrating the people who have become your home away from home. When you’re juggling classes, exams, work, and internship hunting, it’s so easy to get swept up in the stress and forget to actually enjoy the season you’re living in. That’s why carving out time to gather, laugh, and reconnect is so meaningful. Your future self will look back and be grateful you made space for moments like these. Moments that remind you that even in the busiest weeks, you’re surrounded by a community that cares.