Like the first autumn leaf that drifts down to signal the start of a new season, I’ve discovered that hosting a Friendsgiving dinner party creates a perfect shift between everyday meals and traditional holiday gatherings. I’ll share my tried-and-true strategies for bringing together your chosen family in a celebration that’s both meaningful and manageable.

Intro: What is Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving is a modern holiday tradition where friends gather to share a Thanksgiving-style meal, typically celebrated around the actual Thanksgiving holiday. I love how this celebration has gained popularity over the past decade, offering a perfect opportunity to create cherished memories with my chosen family.

Unlike traditional Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is more relaxed and flexible. I can host it before or after the actual holiday, making it convenient for friends who travel home for Thanksgiving. The menu doesn’t need to be strictly traditional either – I often encourage guests to bring their favorite dishes, whether that’s a family recipe or a unique cultural twist on classic Thanksgiving fare. It’s this blend of friendship, food, and festivity that makes Friendsgiving such a special occasion.

Tips For A Low-Stress Planning Process

I’ll help you reduce stress while planning your Friendsgiving by starting with a detailed kitchen plan. Writing down what goes in the oven versus on the stovetop will prevent last-minute chaos and timing issues. I recommend assigning specific dishes to guests, ensuring everything from appetizers to desserts is covered without overwhelming any single person.

Make A Kitchen Plan – Write It Down

To keep your Friendsgiving dinner running smoothly, you’ll need a solid kitchen plan that maps out every detail. I recommend grabbing a notepad and creating a detailed timeline for the big day. This will help you avoid kitchen chaos and guarantee everything gets done on time.

• List every dish you’ll prepare and its cooking time, temperature, and oven rack position
• Map out your counter space, assigning specific prep areas for different dishes
• Note which pots, pans, and serving dishes you’ll need for each item
• Schedule precise cooking start times, working backward from your target dinner hour
• Create a checklist for small tasks like preheating the oven and setting timers

Having this written plan will keep you organized and help prevent any last-minute scrambling.

What Goes In The Oven, What Goes On The Stove

Now that you’ve mapped out your kitchen plan, let’s determine which dishes need oven space and which can be prepared on the stovetop. I always start by identifying the turkey’s cooking time and temperature requirements since it’s the main dish that needs prime oven real estate. While the turkey roasts, I’ll use my stovetop for dishes like mashed potatoes, gravy, and sautéed green beans.

I’ve learned to choose side dishes that can be prepared at similar temperatures to maximize oven efficiency. Stuffing, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls can often bake together. If you’re short on oven space, consider dishes that can be made ahead and reheated or served at room temperature, like cranberry sauce or certain vegetable sides.

Assign Food Items for Guests

Delegating dishes among guests is one of the smartest ways to keep your Friendsgiving manageable and enjoyable. I recommend starting a group chat where everyone can sign up for specific dishes. This helps avoid duplicate items and guarantees a balanced meal.

• I’ll handle the turkey and gravy since I’m hosting, plus I know my oven’s quirks
• Ask guests with longer commutes to bring shelf-stable items like wine, bread, or desserts
• Assign side dishes to nearby friends who can easily reheat their contributions
• Request that guests bring their dishes in serving-ready containers with their own serving utensils
• Bonus Tip! Ask the chronically late guest to bring the least important menu item. 😉

Remember to follow up with guests a few days before to confirm their dishes and answer any questions they might have.

Setting Up Your Friendsgiving Table

Here are my favorite table decoration ideas that’ll make your Friendsgiving space feel warm and inviting. As an Amazon partner, I may make a small commission from affiliate links at no cost to you.

Tableclothes, Chargers, Placemats

Starting with a crisp tablecloth as your foundation, layer on chargers, placemats, and elegantly folded napkins. For the finishing touches, I recommend keeping your centerpiece simple and adding a small gift at each place setting to make your guests feel extra special.

• Choose a cloth tablecloth that extends 12 inches over each table edge in cream, rust, or golden hues
• Layer metallic or woven chargers under dinner plates for an elegant touch
• Mix and match complementary placemats to create an eclectic yet cohesive look
• Consider cork or natural fiber placemats for a rustic fall vibe
• Use cloth napkins in coordinating colors, folded simply or with decorative rings

 

These foundational pieces will set the stage for your place settings and centerpieces while protecting your table from spills and scratches.

Napkins and Napkin Rings

The right napkins and napkin rings can elevate your Friendsgiving table from casual to sophisticated, instantly. I recommend choosing cloth napkins in fall colors like rust, burgundy, or deep orange to complement your seasonal theme. For a luxe touch, opt for linen or high-quality cotton napkins with a subtle sheen.

When it comes to napkin rings, I love mixing metallic finishes – copper, gold, and brass create an eclectic yet cohesive look. You can also use natural elements like twine wrapped with small pine cones or a sprig of fresh rosemary.  Remember to fold your napkins neatly and position them slightly left of each place setting for a polished presentation.

Friendsgiving Centerpiece – Keep It Simple

 

Creating a stunning centerpiece doesn’t require elaborate arrangements or expensive decorations. I’ve found that simple, natural elements create the most inviting atmosphere for a Friendsgiving celebration. Let me share my favorite low-key centerpiece ideas that won’t break the bank or block conversation across the table.

• Fill a clear glass vase with mini velvet pumpkins, pine cones, and fall leaves for a seasonal display
• Line up three mason jars with floating candles and scatter autumn-colored flowers between them
• Create a runner using fresh herbs like rosemary and sage, interspersed with tea lights
• Arrange a collection of different-sized white pillar candles on a wooden board
• Display seasonal fruit like pears and apples in a rustic wooden bowl, adding depth with burgundy dahlias

Table Gifts for Each Guest

 

Beyond the natural beauty of your centerpiece, thoughtful table gifts add a personal touch that makes each guest feel special at your Friendsgiving celebration. I recommend placing a small wrapped gift or personalized favor at each place setting. Consider these ideas:

• Thanksgiving Table Poppers with Joke & Gift Inside
• Botanical Thanksgiving Themed Mini Hand Lotion
• Gift Pen with Greeting Card
• Mini Scented Candles in Decorative Tin
• And My Favorite! Boho Decorative Candle Votive 

 

For a heartfelt approach, I like creating custom place cards that double as keepsakes. Write a brief note expressing gratitude for each friend’s presence in your life.  Whatever you choose, keep the gifts consistent in theme and size to maintain table symmetry while showing appreciation for your cherished friendships. 🥰 You can find more ideas and items at the Distinctives Store on Amazon.

Entertainment and Activities for Your Gathering

I’ll help you make your Friendsgiving gathering more fun with some engaging activities beyond the meal. Your guests will love our Table Topics conversation starters and three simple table games that keep everyone involved and laughing. My personal favorite is The Package Game – a fast-paced gift-wrapping challenge that always gets people competing and creates unforgettable memories.

Table Topics – Conversation Starters

 

Lively dinner conversations can transform your Friendsgiving from a simple meal into a memorable gathering. I’ve found that having some thoughtful conversation starters ready can help break the ice and deepen connections among friends. To keep the dialogue flowing naturally, I suggest mixing light-hearted and meaningful topics.

• Share your most embarrassing cooking disaster and what you learned from it
• Describe a family tradition you’d like to start or continue with your friend group
• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
• If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be and why?

 

Mix these questions into natural pauses in conversation, and don’t feel pressured to use them all.

You can find more ideas and items at the Distinctives Store on Amazon.

Easy Table Games

While conversation starters help break the ice, adding some fun table games can take your Friendsgiving entertainment to the next level. I recommend playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” where each guest shares three statements about themselves, and others guess which one is false. “Categories” is another quick game – pick a theme like “Thanksgiving foods” and go around the table naming items until someone can’t think of one.

For more structured fun, try “Gratitude Pictionary” with Gratitude Table Topics where players draw what they’re thankful for, or “The Thankful Game,” where everyone writes what they appreciate about each person at the table. These games work perfectly between courses or during dessert, keeping the energy up without disrupting the flow of your meal.

My Favorite – The Package Game

 

Among all the party games I’ve played at Friendsgiving gatherings, the Package Game stands out as my absolute favorite. It’s simple – wrap a prize in multiple layers of paper, adding small treats between each layer. Everyone sits at the table, and when the music plays, they pass the package around. When the music stops, whoever’s holding it unwraps one layer and keeps the treat they find.

• Use 15-20 layers of wrapping paper for the perfect game length
• Include candy, gift cards, or small toys between layers
• Play upbeat holiday music to set the mood
• Make the final prize worth $20-25 to build excitement
• Let someone control the music who isn’t playing to keep it fair

 

Here are some easy games and grab-and-go icebreakers that I use to keep my guests entertained while I’m finishing up in the kitchen. I wrap up a small prize for the winner.

• Thanksgiving Icebreaker Card – The Biggest Turkey
• Friendsgiving Scratch-off Ticket – 2 Winners – You provide the prize.
• Thanksgiving Bingo – Who doesn’t love Bingo?
• Off Topic – Friendsgiving Board Game – So Much Fun!!

Final Tips for a Stress-Free Celebration – Have Fun!

 

Now that you’ve planned and prepared thoroughly, it’s time to relax and enjoy your Friendsgiving dinner party celebration. Remember, your friends are there to spend time with you, not judge your hosting abilities. If something goes wrong, laugh it off and keep the party moving forward.

I recommend delegating last-minute tasks to willing guests who ask if they can help. This allows you to mingle and actually enjoy the gathering you’ve worked so hard to create. Take photos, play games, and savor the delicious food and meaningful conversations.

Don’t forget to be present in the moment. These celebrations create lasting memories, so put down your phone, forget about perfection, and focus on the joy of connecting with your chosen family around the table. Until next time…. Savor The Gathering!! 🍽️❤️