Things to Remember When Hosting Friendsgiving!
Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year. I grew up hosting with my family but now that I’ve been back home post-grad, I wanted to make sure that I prioritized being able to see my friends all together atleast once a year! Everyone has come to appreciate it so much because of how hard it is to make sure we all see each other after graduating.
Friendsgiving has become so precious to us and we’re hoping to make it a tradition for many years to come!
Here are some of my favorite tips!
📅 Event planning timeline: If you all have busy schedules, I suggest asking everyone a month in advance with how busy weekends are around the holidays. I told everyone to keep it mind around Halloween and was able to pull everything together within 1-2 weeks with how our schedules lined up
👩🍳 Cooking tips: Have everyone bring their favorite dish! I took on Mac & Cheese but prepped it 2 days prior because I knew the day of would be too hectic, with cleaning and getting the house ready!
🍷 Drink pairings: DIY a cocktail, such a fun group activity! Let me know if you want my recipe for my Raspberry Rum Spritz.. Be sure to also have non-alcoholic beverages like water, juice and some soda options for those designated drivers!
🛋️ Decor ideas: Keep it simple but even just adding some nice lighting goes a long way! I love tjmaxx, Home Goods and Amazon for quick autumn themed decor!
🍴 Etiquette tips: Setting the table helped the dinner feel sooo much more sophisticated! I’m lucky enough that my family has invested in great cutlery because we love to host all year round. If you can, I would definitely recommend setting the table, but if not just have paper plates, napkins and plastic utensils! Just be prepared as everyone is here to eat!
🎶 Playlist suggestions: Put together a playlist of all your fav chill r&b vibes that will last atleast 4 hours! Have a speaker ready to set the vibes for the night!
🦃 Thanksgiving traditions: Have everyone go around the table and say what your thankful for this year! Growing up my family has always done, and my friends loved the idea so we were able to reminisce, share life updates and talk about all the good times together!
💬 Guest reflections: I kept a talking card game like “We’re Not Really Strangers” on standby. I knew I was mixing friend groups and not everyone knew one another so having a game like this that creates conversation was not only memorable but made everyone leaving the night feeling so much closer!
#friendsgiving #hosting #thanksgiving #postgrad #tipsandtricks
Hosting a Friendsgiving is more than just sharing a meal; it's about creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere where friends can reconnect and celebrate gratitude together. One key to success is sending a digital invitation well in advance. Tools like Canva offer customizable templates to make invites attractive and easy to manage RSVPs, helping coordinate schedules ahead of the busy holiday season. Decorations set the tone for the gathering. Affordable and easy-to-install paper lanterns from online stores like Amazon can add a cozy ambiance and autumnal charm without a big budget. Personalized touches, such as printed photo placeholders with handwritten notes, foster feelings of appreciation and spark nostalgic conversations among guests. When planning the menu, encourage everyone to bring their favorite dish. This not only eases the host’s burden but also showcases diverse recipes, creating a shared culinary experience. Preparing complex dishes like Mac & Cheese ahead of time can significantly reduce day-of stress. Drinks are an essential part of the festivities. Creating a unique cocktail, such as a Raspberry Rum Spritz, can serve as a fun group activity, while also remembering to provide non-alcoholic options for designated drivers ensures everyone feels included. Setting the table thoughtfully enhances the dinner atmosphere. Investing in quality cutlery or simply using well-coordinated disposable plates and utensils maintains elegance and convenience. For entertainment, crafting a playlist with chill R&B vibes lasting a few hours helps maintain a relaxing mood. Additionally, having conversation starters like the "We're Not Really Strangers" card game encourages interaction between mixed friend groups, resulting in deeper connections and memorable moments. Lastly, incorporating Thanksgiving traditions, such as going around the table to share what each person is thankful for, deepens the significance of the gathering and helps friends build lasting memories. With these thoughtful tips, your Friendsgiving will be a joyful, well-organized celebration that people look forward to year after year.
