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Thanksgiving has finally rolled around, and you’re soaking up the comfort of being home surrounded by friends and family. Midterm stress is behind you, but you’re suddenly facing a new anxiety: running into your high school ex at the local grocery store. But, good news, your friends want to have a Friendsgiving and you’re hosting! Although Halloween costumes ran your bank account dry, you want to plan this stress-free on a budget. From decorations to food, I’ll guide you on how to pull off a cute and affordable Friendsgiving!
Outfit inspo
You’ll want to wear something comfortable that you can unwind, laugh, and eat in. A Friendsgiving outfit is all about comfort meets cute. For a more relaxed look, wearing low-rise jeans with a cream sweater gives an effortless appearance. If you want to be fancier, a black skirt, knee-high boots, and a tight long sleeve give off a put-together look.
let’s set the table
Table runners can be pricey, so opting for a Thanksgiving-themed reusable tablecloth from a store like Target or Walmart will create the perfect vibe! Also, lighting a festive candle, such as the Cinnamon Spiced Vanilla Candle from Bath and Body Works, can contribute to an inviting lighting. To make the dining table extra festive, Michaels Stores sells inexpensive sets of plastic pumpkins!
FRIENDSGIVING MENu
Starting the night off with apple cider mocktails and a charcuterie board allows for adorable pictures and snacking! I love making low-effort boards with crackers, grapes, cheese cubes, and some nuts. For the main course, skip the trouble of a turkey and go for something simple but delicious. A rotisserie chicken, turkey tenderloins, or baked turkey breasts are all hassle-free entree alternatives. Add in a Caesar salad and roasted potatoes, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing course.Â
Friendsgiving isn’t complete without sweet treats to end the night. With some inventiveness, you can make simple desserts everyone will love. For caramel apple nachos, slice apples and top them with caramel, then set out bowls of chocolate chips, sprinkles, and M&Ms for a fun “nacho bar.” Or, if you want to go the simpler route, grab a pie from the grocery store and make it feel homemade by adding ice cream and whipped cream.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER dinner
You haven’t seen your hometown friends in a few months, and you want some games to catch up with each other. Starting with a gratitude game, you can each take a piece of paper and write one thing you are thankful for, and share it with your friends! If you want to skip the games, it’s a good idea to make a photo corner. This corner will make for adorable photos for memories and Instagram!
Hopefully, you can take some inspiration from these ideas. Being home for Thanksgiving is a time to rejuvenate and reconnect with your hometown friends and family. Hosting a Friendsgiving doesn’t have to drain your wallet or add any unnecessary stress. With a few decorations and easy recipes, you can turn a simple Friendsgiving into a night full of memories.Â
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