How to Host the Perfect Friendsgiving: A Step-by-Step Guide to Celebrating with Your Chosen Family

The holiday season is officially here, and what better way to kick it off than with a Friendsgiving celebration? Imagine gathering your favorite people, feasting on comfort food, and laughing until it hurts. Hosting a Friendsgiving is the perfect chance to create lasting memories and share the joy of Thanksgiving with your chosen family. Here’s your ultimate step-by-step guide to planning an unforgettable Friendsgiving that everyone will be talking about until next year!

1. Create the Guest List

First things first – the guest list! Who do you want to share this special time with? Do you want an intimate setting with your closest friends or a big bash where all are welcome?

2. Choose a Date and Time

The next step is to select a date. Coordinate with your friends to make sure everyone can attend. Many people host Friendsgiving the weekend before Thanksgiving, but you can also have it the weekend after to accommodate travel plans.

3. Plan the Menu

Coordinate with your friends to create a menu. You can assign different dishes to each guest for a potluck style, or even cook together! Make sure to have traditional Thanksgiving dishes like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, then spice things up by including some unique or cultural dishes!

Don't forget to consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests.

4. Drinks

Stock up on a variety of beverages, including water, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options to cater to all your guests' preferences. You can even prepare specialty cocktails such as an Apple Cider Spritz or Tiramisu White Russians.

5. Guest Contributions

Encourage your friends to contribute not only with food or drinks, but also with any other items needed, such as utensils, plates, or extra seating.

6. Decide on the Mood

Consider whether you want a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or a more casual and fun gathering.

7. Entertainment

Once you’ve decided on the mood you’re going for, you can plan out the entertainment. Plan some fun activities or entertainment for your guests…and don’t forget to put together a few playlists!

8. Prepare a Timeline

Create a schedule for the day, including when to start cooking, when guests should arrive, and when you plan to feast.

9. Decorations

Decorate your home to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider fall-themed decorations, like pumpkins, autumn leaves, and candles.

10. Cooking and Baking

Start cooking and baking early in the day, and enlist the help of your friends if possible. Cooking together can be a fun part of the Friendsgiving experience.

11. Hospitality

Greet your guests with a warm welcome, and make sure they are comfortable. Offer appetizers and drinks as they arrive.

12. Gratitude and Sharing

Friendsgiving is a great time to express gratitude. Consider going around the table and having everyone share what they're thankful for.

13. Serve the Feast

When it's time to eat, serve the meal buffet-style or family-style, depending on your arrangement. Make sure everyone has a seat and is ready to enjoy the food.

14. Enjoy and Socialize

This is the most important part! ENJOY yourself! Relax, eat, and enjoy the company of your friends. Engage in conversations, play games, and let loose.

15. Leftovers

Provide containers for your guests to take home leftovers, as Thanksgiving meals often yield plenty of food.

16. Clean Up

After the festivities, enlist the help of your friends to clean up. Washing dishes, packing away leftovers, and tidying up your home are all part of the process.

17. Thank You Notes or Follow-up

Send thank-you notes or texts to your friends for attending your Friendsgiving and contributing to the celebration.

Hosting a Friendsgiving isn’t just about good food and festive vibes—it’s an experience that brings your favorite people together for unforgettable moments, belly laughs, and heartfelt connections. It’s a time to celebrate the friends who feel like family and to create memories that will warm your heart long after the holiday season ends. So gather, feast, and cherish every minute with your chosen family—here’s to a Friendsgiving filled with joy and gratitude!