What is Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving is a combination of the words "friends" and "Thanksgiving" that refers to an informal or casual meal held with friends either on or around Thanksgiving. In short, it's Thanksgiving reimagined with your closest circle, often with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. First showing up in the zeitgeist around 2007, what started as a low-key dinner with friends (typically replacing a traditional Thanksgiving spent with family) has evolved into its own well-known and beloved holiday. It's a modern gathering that gives hosts and guests alike the freedom to set the tone, whether that means a potluck-style meal, a formal sit-down dinner, or something in between. As for when to celebrate Friendsgiving, well, that's up to you and your friends! While some host Friendsgiving on the third Thursday of November, others opt for a weekend date, or even Thanksgiving Day itself, making flexibility one of its defining features.
Why Host a Friendsgiving?
Hosting a Friendsgiving is a great way to ease the stress of the holidays, combat loneliness during this time of year, support your "chosen family," or start a new tradition to celebrate cherished friends as you eat a delicious Thanksgiving-style meal and express gratitude with your inner circle. It's an opportunity to create new memories that feel just as meaningful as long-standing family traditions. Friendsgiving also gives you the freedom to design the celebration your way. From childhood besties to friends you made as an adult and even the neighbor who now feels like family, there is no limit to your guest list. In many ways, it's less about the formality of the table and more about the joy of gathering, the comfort of community, and the chance to remind the people in your life how much they matter.
What Makes a Good Friendsgiving Host?
Planning Tips
Like any event, hosting a Friendsgiving means sending invitations as simple as a group text or as elaborate as custom-designed digital e-vites, finding a venue (typically your own home), creating a shared Friendsgiving playlist, coordinating logistics, and, of course, planning the menu. Taking a little time to get organized and ready ahead of your dinner helps set the tone and ensures that everyone can relax and focus on enjoying the gathering.
In the spirit of friendship, Friendsgiving dinners often feature a potluck-style approach, with each guest bringing a side dish, dessert, or seasonal beverage to share. Not only does this lighten the host's workload, but it also makes the table feel extra special as it's a true reflection of everyone's contributions. Aside from traditional Thanksgiving comfort foods and desserts, like turkey (pro tip: buy it and defrost early), stuffing, and pumpkin pie, menu items can be quick, easy, and totally unexpected. Think easy-to-assemble caprese skewers, warm out-of-the-oven brie and crackers, or a crowd-pleasing chicken tikka masala or lasagna instead of a traditional turkey.
The beauty of Friendsgiving is that there are no strict rules. Your menu can be as classic, creative, or eclectic as your group. And don't forget the finishing touches: a cozy playlist, some candles or lights, and a few seasonal decorations go a long way toward creating an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and festive.
Décor Tips
Since the main event of a Friendsgiving involves sitting around the table together, take the opportunity to make every place setting feel extra warm and inviting. Adorn the table with seasonal linens, candles, and of course, fresh flowers! Autumn blooms bring rich colors and textures that instantly set a cozy, welcoming mood. Think bold sunflowers, fiery red and orange dahlias, velvety roses, or classic mums in jewel-toned shades. For added dimension, you can weave in seasonal accents(link /guides/fall-textures-hues/) like seeded eucalyptus, golden wheat stalks, or even sprigs of rosemary for a fragrant touch.
Get creative with seasonal touches and find inspiration with trending accents. Mini pumpkins or gourds can be nestled between floral arrangements, while amber glass vases or copper vessels highlight the warmth of fall palettes. For a modern look and striking statement, display flowers in a monochromatic scheme, such as all burgundy dahlias mixed with deep greenery. On the other hand, looser, meadow-inspired arrangements featuring asters and snapdragons give the table an effortlessly charming vibe.
A thoughtful idea for Friendsgiving place cards is to write a short and sweet note about why you're thankful for each friend who is there to share the meal. You might even attach the note to a small bud vase at each setting, filled with a single seasonal bloom that doubles as a favor. By combining thoughtful details with the natural beauty of fall florals, your Friendsgiving table will not only look festive but also feel deeply personal, creating an environment where everyone is celebrated.
Hosting Tips
The number one job as a host is to make guests feel all those warm, fuzzy feelings. As you open the door and welcome them to your Friendsgiving, don't wait to ask them what their drink of choice is. Show them around, introduce them to others, and ensure everyone feels included and has something to sip and snack on as they wait for dinner to be served. Little touches, including a festive drink station, a cozy spot to set down coats and bags, or a small appetizer tray, can immediately make guests feel right at home and well taken care of.
It's important for any host to keep things running smoothly and to have a few games or activities prepared. Friendsgiving is the perfect time to have fun with seasonal-themed games that encourage laughter, connection, and a little friendly competition. Some creative options are pin the feathers on the turkey, blindfolded taste tests, or turkey bowling. Thoughtful activities, like filling a Friendsgiving memory jar or assembling a gratitude chain, allow guests to reflect and share meaningful moments together. You might also consider adding small interactive elements, such as a DIY cocktail or hot cocoa station, or a photo backdrop with autumnal accents, which can turn an ordinary dinner into lasting memories. By blending organization, intention, creativity, and fun, your Friendsgiving will become an event that your friends look forward to every year.
Following Up Tips
As the evening winds down and guests begin to leave, walk them to the door and thank them for coming and contributing to a wonderful evening. A few heartfelt words at the end of the night can leave a lasting impression and reinforce the sense of connection you've built. Once guests have gone, create a shared photo album and invite everyone to swap all the great photos taken during the evening. This not only captures the memories but also allows friends to relive the laughter, the fun moments, and the beautifully decorated table.
You may even want to gather everyone's social media info so you can create a highlight reel, tag guests, and encourage them to stay in touch and foster new friendships with one another. Small gestures like this can extend the spirit of Friendsgiving well beyond the dinner table.
Then, send out thank-you notes (digital or handwritten) to let guests know how much you appreciated their presence and contributions. Finally, start thinking about next year's gathering. A little early planning, even just discussing potential dates or themes, helps keep the excitement alive and makes Friendsgiving a cherished annual tradition that everyone looks forward to.
There is nothing better than sharing a meal with friends, especially during the harvest holiday season! Take this time to host a dinner filled with intention, meaning, and gratitude, and give all your friends a little extra love. Whether it's your first Friendsgiving or a long-standing tradition, the joy comes from the simple pleasure of being together.
