The holidays look different for everyone, and one easy way to make this season special is by hosting a Friendsgiving. Invite your favorite people, prepare tasty food—whether potluck or hosted—and enjoy good company in a relaxed, festive setting.
Below are 10 Friendsgiving ideas and practical tips to help you plan a memorable, low-stress celebration.
What is Friendsgiving?
If the idea of Friendsgiving is new to you, here’s a quick explanation: Friendsgiving blends “friends” and “Thanksgiving.” It’s an informal, celebratory meal where friends gather to share food, gratitude, and time together. Often held as a potluck, each guest brings a dish to share, which keeps hosting simple and communal.
Friendsgiving can take place the night after Thanksgiving using leftovers, the same weekend, or in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. It’s flexible—host it early, late, intimate, or large. The goal is connection rather than perfection.
Celebrate Your Way
There are no strict rules for Friendsgiving. You can keep it casual or turn it into a themed night with games or a movie. Invite a few close friends, or include a wider circle—your call. Consider why you’re hosting: you might be staying in town for the holidays, want to welcome new friends, or start a new annual tradition.
Reasons to host Friendsgiving:
- You can’t travel home for the holidays and want to celebrate with people nearby.
- You’re meeting new friends or building community.
- You want to start a yearly tradition with your group.
- Your gathering can be small (three people) or large (20+), depending on your space and preference.
More of our Favorite…
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
If you want healthy recipe ideas to fill your Friendsgiving table, look for balanced sides and lighter takes on traditional favorites. Plenty of classic dishes can be adapted to be lighter without sacrificing flavor.
10 Friendsgiving Ideas
Once you decide to host, plan with ease. Simplicity is often the best approach—choose a few details to focus on and keep the rest relaxed. Here are ten practical tips to make your Friendsgiving smooth and enjoyable.
Use the list below to guide your planning and keep the celebration warm and stress-free.
1. Make a guest list
Decide who to invite and whether you want an intimate gathering or a bigger party. Ask for RSVPs to plan seating and portions. Digital invitations, a quick group text, or a casual phone call all work—just set a clear RSVP deadline.
tip!
Set an RSVP date so you can organize the menu and seating in advance.
2. Menu planning — potluck style
Potlucks make Friendsgiving doable. Choose a loose theme—traditional Thanksgiving, taco night, soup bar, or comfort-food mashup—then assign categories like appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts so dishes complement one another and nothing is duplicated.
3. Do a little meal prep
Prep what you can a day or two before: chop vegetables, make dips and sauces, or par-cook potatoes. Preparing in advance reduces the mess and lets you enjoy the day. If several dishes need long oven time, try to stagger baking across two days.
Pro tip: Spread oven-heavy recipes across two days to avoid timing conflicts.
4. Friendsgiving decor
Decor can be elaborate or simple. Seasonal flowers, gathered into mason jars or small vases, create a warm, welcoming atmosphere without a lot of effort. Scatter arrangements around the table and living areas for a cohesive look.
5. Tablescape decorations
Create a cozy table with seasonal florals, linen napkins or colorful dishtowels, and simple place settings. A well-styled table sets the mood without requiring hours of effort.
6. Delegate
Let guests help. Assign simple tasks like chopping, stirring, or refilling drinks. Many people enjoy contributing, and it keeps you from doing everything alone.
7. Do a quick clean
Wipe surfaces and tidy the bathroom before guests arrive. A clean, welcoming space is appreciated; deep cleaning can wait until after the party.
8. Make the house smell great
Simmer water with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise about an hour before guests arrive to fill your home with a cozy, inviting aroma.
9. Set the mood with music
Create a playlist ahead of time or make a shared playlist so guests can add songs. Background music helps conversations flow and keeps the atmosphere festive.
10. Leftovers for everyone
Ask guests to bring containers for leftovers. Sharing leftovers is a generous way to extend the celebration and keeps your fridge from overflowing.
Friendsgiving Food Ideas
Decide whether you want a traditional Thanksgiving spread—turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing—or a themed menu such as pizza night or a soup bar. The best menu is one you’re excited about and that suits your guests’ preferences and dietary needs.
Drinks
Welcome guests with a signature cocktail or mocktail: spiced apple cider, hot toddies, mulled wine, or a seasonal mimosa set the tone right away. Having a few non-alcoholic options ensures everyone feels included.
More Ideas
- Festive seasonal cocktails and mocktails
- Warm spiced cider made in a large pot or slow cooker
- A simple champagne or sparkling fruit option for toasts
Appetizers
Set out appetizers before dinner so guests have something to nibble on. A charcuterie board, warm dip, savory meatballs, or vegetable-based bites like buffalo cauliflower will keep guests satisfied while you finish the main meal.
More Ideas
- Cauliflower “buffalo wings” or other vegetable-based bites
- Warm dips and a variety of crackers
- A holiday-themed charcuterie board with fruit and nuts
Main Dishes
Choose a show-stopping main or offer a few hearty options: roasted turkey breast, whole roasted chicken, baked pork roast, or a slow-cooked stew. Sous vide or slow-cooker methods free up oven space and make timing easier.
More Ideas
- Sous vide turkey or smoked turkey for a unique twist
- Crockpot lasagna or braised meats for hands-off cooking
- Spicy roasted butternut squash soup as a vegetarian main
Side Dishes
Sides complete the meal. Classics like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and roasted red potatoes are crowd-pleasers. Consider crockpot sides to free up oven and stove space and add a bright salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
More Ideas
- Crockpot mashed potatoes
- Mashed sweet potatoes or sweet potato casserole
- Shaved Brussels sprout salad or quinoa-based salads
Desserts
Finish the meal with seasonal desserts: pumpkin bars, apple crisp, cookie bars, or gingerbread. Offer a few options so guests with different tastes can find something they love.
More Ideas
- Pumpkin pie or pumpkin bars
- Apple crisp or fruit-based crisps
- Cookie bars, gingerbread, or bite-sized sweet treats for easy sharing