If you love autumn and friends, then I'm sure throwing a Friendsgiving gathering is for you. If you're not familiar with Friendsgiving, its essentially a casual dinner party for your friends to express your gratitude for each other. Show some extra love for your loved ones this year by hosting the best autumn gathering.
I've thrown a couple Friendsgiving parties (gatherings) over the last few years and have learned the ins and outs for a successful party. I really enjoy coordinating a dinner and bringing friends together for magical evening.
Whether you are looking to host a small or larger crowd, these great ideas will help you plan for the best gathering! I have put together some tips to help you plan out the attendees, decor, food, drinks, and activities for a FANTASTIC party. (I assume traditional Thanksgiving-type food but you can have any theme you want. I've done an International Food theme too.) Your friends will be obsessing over your party for the rest of the year!
Affiliate links may be used in this post, which means I'll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. There is no additional cost to you. You can read the full disclosure here.
INVITE + COORDINATE:
1. Determine Seating Capacity + Guests
Before you invite 40 people, make sure you have enough room to fit them. Seriously, it's a good idea to determine the amount of people you can accommodate. In my college years we often sat on the floor around the apartment. It worked just fine for us. Make your list of people to invite. Note, expect some people not to show up.
If you have a smaller crowd and you're looking to have full seating for dining, consider investing in a folding table and chairs. These will definitely come in handy for all your future gatherings. AND, they're super affordable!
Accommodate More Guests:
2. Send Out Some Invites
Now it's time to send out your invites. Be extra thoughtful this year and send out physical cards. It feels nice receiving a physical invitation rather than just a text or evite. It shows you put in extra thought. I love these from Amazon!
If you opt for digital invitations, consider Paperless Post. They have a couple free templates to choose from.
The Perfect Invites:
3. Coordinate The Food Exchange
Friendsgiving parties are potluck style by nature. This will make your life a lot easier and will save you money. Whether you go with traditional thanksgiving food or try out something new, it's important to coordinate the type of food people are bringing. The last thing you want is having 10 deserts and only 2 side dishes. Take note of any dietary restrictions. Here are some categories you might consider coordinating:
- Some appetizers (cheese board, grapes, crackers and dip. etc)
- 1-2 Main Dishes (turkey, ham, something vegan, etc.)
- 3-5 Side Dishes
- 2-3 Drink Options (alcoholic/non alcoholic)
- 2-3 Desserts
DECOR + STYLE:
1. Hang A Fall Wreath
The first thing people see when they arrive is your front door. A nice wreath is a great way to greet your guest. I love this one from Amazon. It is modern, simple, and you can even use it in throughout the winter! Buy two and hang one in your dining space.
Recreate The Look:
2. Have A Friendsgiving Backdrop
Nothing is more festive than this cool Friendsgiving balloon backdrop. If you love balloons, you have to get this balloon garland setup. It's a cute way to add festivity and keep it casual.
Recreate The Look:
3. Style a Cute Bar Cart
Balloons not the look you're going for? Try out this cute bar cart idea. It's a great way to bring style to your wine and cocktails (or mocktails). A bar cart will elevate your entertaining game. Pair with a nice side table and stool. You can even place your desserts here!
Recreate The Look:
4. Use Some Candles
Candles are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere. I love adding one or two scented candles (not overpowering) to freshen up the space. Put one in the bathroom.
The Perfect Scented Candle:
5. Simple Centerpiece: Amber Glass Apothecary Jars
You don't need to go crazy with the centerpieces. Amber glass apothecary jars are trendy right now. Add some autumn sprigs to make a nice arrangement. Combine with small pumpkins. Put some out at the buffet table too.
Recreate The Look:
6. Use Black Tablecloths
Black tablecloths will take you a long way! If you're not the best decorator or want to make the space extra moody, black tablecloths or runner are best! Layer on sexy candlesticks for a simple, yet sophisticated, look.
6. Simple Place Cards For A Personal Touch
I personally don't like telling people where to sit, but I think its cute to have people's name out. It's a thoughtful touch. Make it into a game/ice breaker. You can set them out and have people sit wherever they want. Have them guess the person's (chosen name tag) favorite coffee order and why they are thankful.
APPETIZERS:
1. Have Enough Dinnerware
Before you get started with food, have your attendee list. Whether you go with disposable or the 'real thing,' it's important to have enough dinnerware for your guests. Last year I invested in a (affordable) catering set dinnerware and I love it! I use them frequently for my gatherings. If you go for reusable, get some nice ones.
Good-quality Reusable:
2. Cheese Board (Charcuterie)
I like to set out a cheese board (or Charcuterie) as much as I can. This is a great way to start out the evening while you wait for dinner. Put out your favorite cheese, nuts, fruit, etc. You will quickly learn the fan-favorite snack. Everyone is sure to love at least something on the tray.
Best Charcuterie Essentials:
3. Dip Dip Dip
Everyone loves dip, right?! There are so many options out there for dips. Consider spinach artichoke dip, cranberry sauce, pumpkin spice cream cheese, or hot corn dip. A hummus spread is a great option for fall.
4. Easy Butternut Squash Soup
Soup is a great way to get cozy and get the taste bud juices flowing. I love butternut squash soup because it's hearty and healthy too. Soup makes people happy. Need I say more? Checkout my super easy recipe to make your own soup. You can make it the day before to save you time.
5. Banana Bread
I know this may sound weird, but banana bread is a great appetizer. Something a little sweet before dinner never hurts. Cut the bread into small cubes for easy portions. I am sucker for good banana bread anytime of day. Get weird and check out my crowd favorite recipe here!
DRINKS:
I have a post all about drinks (no alcoholic too) for your Friendsgiving here. It details 10 awesome drink ideas that are simple and Instagramable. But, here are 3 great options too:
1. Autumn Harvest Thanksgiving Punch Mocktail (no alcohol)
If you're leaving alcohol out, this one's for you! This autumn punch is full of flavor and will make you feel so cozy. Pair your meal with this easy drink full of lemonade, apple cider, orange juice, rosemary, sparkling water, and fresh fruit!
TIP: You can make this the night before to save you time the day of your gathering.
Get the whole recipe at Five Spot Green Living.
Recreate this Drink:
2. Apple Cider Moscow Mules
You can't have Friendsgiving without a Mule. This one is a classic staple for fall. Combine apple cider, ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice for the perfect drink. Using copper mugs REALLY takes this drink to the next level and even enhances the flavor!
Get the full recipe at Broma Bakery.
Recreate this Drink:
3. Fall Apple Cider Margarita
This one is for tequila lovers! This fall margarita by Wicked Spatula is EVERYTHING. You can make this cold or hot. Rim the top with sugar or salt to make it extra special. . . Spiced apple cider, brandy, agave tequila, lemon juice, and honey.
Get the full recipe at Wicked Spatula.
Recreate this Drink:
SIDE DISHES:
2. Make a Casserole
With so many casserole options to choose from, it can be intimidating choosing something unconventional. You can never go wrong with the 'classics' like green bean casserole, stuffing, butternut squash + brussel sprouts.
Try out something new with this Everything Bagel Cauliflower Casserole from Meals with Maggie.
Great Casserole Options:
3. Corn Bread!!
Make the cornbread of the year. Cornbread is sure to please your crowd. Cornbread is easy to make and delicious. I love this cornbread recipe by Baker Bettie. It's moist and fluffy! You can make it in a cast iron.
Great Cast Iron:
MAIN DISHES:
1. Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash (Vegan)
Avoid serving the same main dish this year and try something new. Chances are this won't be the only fall gathering with turkey or ham for you and your guests. Make your dinner less boring and consider Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash by Vegan Huggs. It's a great way to put a twist on your dinner and avoid the hectic work of a traditional turkey.
2. Easy Turkey
We all know Turkey is the staple main dish for Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving. I do not eat or make turkey, but I recommend checking out this recipe from Recipe Tin Eats. It is super easy to make in the crockpot.
Great Slow Cooker Option:
MAIN DISHES:
1. Chai Spiced Maple Sugar Cookies
Get the full recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Recreate these cookies:
2. Pie Time!
Perfect Pie Dishes:
PARTY ACTIVITIES:
1. Play Great Background Music
I like to play some nice music in the background. Depending on your vibe, it's cool to play something smooth yet current. I like Chill Vibes on Spotify.
2. Share Your Gratitude
I believe Friendsgiving is all about celebrating your friends and loved ones. Incorporate an activity for you and your friends to express your gratitude. 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.
3. 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.
Leave a Reply