For the last couple of years I've thrown Friendsgiving gatherings. I really enjoy coordinating a dinner and bringing friends together for an autumn feast. Over the years I have tested a couple things and have found what works and doesn't work.
By all means I am not an expert on this. But, I hope these ideas will help you put on the best Friendsgiving, or autumn gathering, for a special night. Many of these ideas are incredibly trendy! Show your friends and loved ones how much you care.
Use these ideas to elevate your entertaining game without trying too hard. Whether you are doing a simple dinner, or closer to to party, these ideas will help you prepare for a smooth gathering.
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15 TIPS FOR THE ULTIMATE FRIENDSGIVING PARTY
1. Determine Your Space Capacity And Guests
Before you get the ball rolling with invites, you must take note of how many people you can accommodate in your space. In my college years, I hosted large crowds and we sat on the floor around the apartment. This might work for you.
If you need more seating, consider investing in a folding table and chairs. You can use these throughout the year as needed! You can also take the party outdoors if you have suitable weather.
2. Send Out The Invites
Call me old school but there's nothing like a physical invitation. There are many ways to do evites, but a physical invite is more special. It shows you put in thought about your guests. Plus, who doesn't love getting a physical card?! If you go with the digital route, I have used Paperless Post before and has worked well.
3. Assign Food For People To Bring
Friendsgiving gatherings are potluck-style by nature. It's totally okay to request people to bring a dish to share. You can even go as far as coordinate the type of items. The last thing you want is having 7 pumpkin pies and only 2 side dishes. It is good etiquette for you to take on the main dish (turkey/ham?), since you are hosting, and leave small dishes to guests.
Make the main dish and 2-3 side dishes just in case. Have some extra platters or cute wood boards to place the food on.
4. Assign A Place Card For Each Person
There's something cute about having a placecard with your name on it. You certainly don't have to assign seats, but it's pretty cool to walk up to a table with name cards. You can also label the food with them
You can make it into a game! 1. Have people sit randomly 2. Go around the room and say why you are thankful for the person on the nametag you sat on.
5. Have Enough Dinnerware
Affordable Real Silverware and Dinnerware:
Nice Disposable Silverware and Dinnerware:
Make sure there is enough dinnerware and silverware for each guest. You can opt for disposable plates and silverware or real ones that are affordable. Last year I purchased an AFFORDABLE catering set of plates and silverware to accommodate my entertaining needs. In the long run this investment saved me money because I am not having to buy disposable each time. Also, it's much nicer using porcelain dinnerware and putting them in the dishwasher after.
If you want to stick to disposable and toss after, that's cool too. Get some nice ones to make the food more presentable.
6. Put A Nice Wreath On Your Front Door
Get The Look:
The front door is the first thing people will see upon arrival, so make it festive! A wreath is a nice touch for fall. G even further and put out a couple pumpkin for an extra cute front entry. Don't forget some command hooks to hang the wreath and not damage the door.
7. Use A Buffet Style Layout For Food
Elevate Your Serving Area:
Buffet style is the easiest way to serve food. Dedicate a table or counter space for food and dinnerware to be placed. Make sure you have enough serving utensils. This will give you more dining space. I like to add a fresh arrangement and some tealight candles (in glass containers) for nicer presentation.
TIP: Use a folding serving tray to add more counter space.
8. Set Out a Nice 'Cheese Board'
Elevate Your Serving Area:
Laying out a cheese board (or vegan alternative) platter is a fan favorite. It's a great appetizer technique while you all wait for all guests (and food) to arrive. I love layering with grapes, dried dates, chocolate, hummus and dip. Use a nice cheese board and knife set along with some cute bowls.
9. Decorate The Dining Table
You can't have dinner on a blank table. You don't need to go all out. A nice and simple centerpiece will do. I like to browse Pinterest for lots of affordable and unique tablescapes.
10. Have A Signature Cocktail (Or Mocktail)
Every year I like to have a signature drink that pleases the crowd. Whether you have cocktails or mocktails, it's nice to treat your guests to a homemade drink. I put together my top picks for Friendsgiving drinks in another post. Check out these 10 Drink Ideas For Your Autumn Gathering.
11. Opt for An Edible Turkey Arrangement
Nothing screams fun like an edible fruit arrangement. Get festive with a Turkey arrangement. It's always nice having some healthy food on them table.
My mother made this one last year. It is so easy to make. Use a pear and a spaghetti squash for the body and fruit skewers for the 'feathers.' You can make the fruit skewers the night before and assemble the it the day of. Learn more about it here.
12. Have Some Killer Music In The Background
I like to play some nice music in the background. Depending on your vibe, it's cool to play something slow and hip. I like Chill Vibes on Spotify.
13. Share Your Gratitude
I believe Autumn gatherings are important to express our gratitude. Incorporate an activity for you and your friends to share what you are thankful. It can be as simple as writing them down on a notecard and sharing aloud. Save them for next year to take a trip down memory lane.
14. Play Party Games
You can’t have a party without some fun party activities. I am a huge fan of playing games. It's a good way to get the party started or 'wait for dessert.' Here are some activity ideas:
- Play a fun game of football to burn some calories before your meal
- Cards Against Humanity or Exploding Kittens are always fun!
- Play a drinking game if you're looking to get boozed. Home Bar and Games has a couple good ideas.
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