10 Tips for Hosting a Great Friendsgiving

Hosting your first Friendsgiving? No worries! Think of it as just hanging out with your best friends, but with more food. If the thought of cooking a turkey or coordinating who brings what has you a bit stressed, I’ve got you covered.

These 10 tips will help you keep things stress-free, delicious, and enjoyable. From getting your menu right to making sure everyone goes home with a smile, here’s how you can throw a Friendsgiving that’s all about good memories and great times.

Secure Your Date Early

Friendsgiving is a blast, but as the holidays approach, everyone’s calendar fills up fast. To make sure your gathering isn’t missed, pick a few potential dates and run a quick poll among your friends to see which one works best.

Personally, I love a Sunday noon kickoff—perfect for enjoying some football alongside the feast. Once you’ve nailed down the date, send out your invites at least a month in advance.

Pro tip: set the start time an hour before you actually plan to eat, giving everyone a little leeway to arrive and settle in.

Shop Early to Save Big

Ready to make Friendsgiving memorable without breaking the bank? Start shopping now. Hit those early sales for ingredients and decorations.

Did you know that turkeys can cost as little as 47 cents a pound if you’re quick enough? That’s right—supermarkets often slash prices on big-ticket items early to lure shoppers in. Grabbing these deals not only saves money but also avoids that last-minute rush.

Leverage Coupons and Loyalty Programs

Ever noticed how your inbox fills up with coupons around the holidays? That’s your cue to start planning. Snag those flyers and sign up for your grocery store’s loyalty program. They’ll send coupons that can trim down your spending significantly.

When you see a sale on items you need for your Friendsgiving feast, snatch them up. Planning your menu around what’s on sale isn’t just smart—it’s budget-friendly!

Easy Serving and Leftover Tips

For Friendsgiving, keep the serving simple and the leftovers plentiful. Instead of carving turkey at the table, pre-carve it in the kitchen and arrange it on a platter—it looks great and saves you the hassle. If your guest list is big, go for two turkeys so there’s plenty to go around.

I find buffet-style serving really eases the meal flow. And don’t forget about the leftovers! Encourage everyone to pack some up. Whether they bring their own containers or you supply some foil and plates, it’s a win-win.

Make a Playlist

Music can make or break a gathering. For Friendsgiving, mix it up with a playlist that includes both fall classics and a sprinkle of early holiday cheer. Imagine chatting over Billie Holiday or laughing as “Stretchy Pants” plays in the background. Make sure to include a link in your invitation for friends to add their favorites too.

Keep the Fun Going

Post-dinner, break out the games or get crafty with a DIY station. Nothing beats a little friendly competition or creativity to round off a great meal. If you’re all about relaxing, set up a cozy movie night with popcorn and comfy face masks.

Stress-Free Friendsgiving

Let’s face it, the holidays can be hectic, but Friendsgiving is all about enjoying good company. So, if your turkey plans fall through, no sweat—there’s always the option to grill some steaks or grab some takeout. Really, it’s about being together, not just the traditional eats. Keep the vibe light and laugh off any hiccups; your guests will love the laid-back atmosphere.

Easy Menu Planning

To dodge the classic potluck goof of duplicate dishes, why not set up a shared Google Doc? Everyone can jot down what they’re bringing. If you’re the host, you get first pick—fair’s fair, right? For a tech-savvy touch, keep a Facebook event updated as plans evolve. It’s a great way to make sure you’ve got all the dishes covered, from appetizers to desserts.

Organize the Feast

When it comes to Friendsgiving, the more, the merrier—especially with the menu! I take on the turkey, gravy, and stuffing myself, and then make a list of other dishes for guests to bring. It’s like curating a potluck; everyone gets to contribute.

This way, you ensure a diverse spread and lighten your own cooking load. Just include everything from sides to desserts in your list. It helps keep things organized and lets everyone showcase their cooking skills.

Send Them Off With a Gift

As the evening winds down, send your friends off with more than just leftovers. How about a small memento from the night? Think recipe cards for the dishes you all enjoyed, a cozy seasonal candle, or a little jar of honey from a local farm.

And don’t forget to capture the moments with some photos—share them on social media or send out prints. It’s these little touches that make the memories last.