The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Skidmore chapter.
- Now that Halloween is finished, it’s time to prep for Thanksgiving. And as a Skidmore student, what better way to celebrate than with a Friendsgiving? Friendsgiving is the perfect excuse to gather your college friends, roommates, or club members to share a meal and celebrate the season before the holiday season goes full-speed into Christmas mode. If you’re stepping up as the host, here is a guide I’ve created to plan your perfect Friendsgiving.
- First, decide your budget and where you’d like to host your Friendsgiving celebration. For upperclassmen with apartments, hosting in your apartment is an ideal way to gather friends for a great celebration. First-year students living in the dorms could gather friends in a larger dorm room, use common spaces like the Joto rooftop, or even coordinate with an RA to organize a floor-wide Friendsgiving. If the weather’s nice, consider a picnic at Congress Park or Case Green, and bring a speaker and some fun board games. These are just a few options to get you started!
- Next, plan the perfect potluck menu. Organize a Google Sheet for sign-ups so everyone knows what’s being brought, helping to avoid duplicates. If you’re open to experimenting, try a “Friendsgiving Around the World” theme, where each friend brings a favorite dish from their home country or region. This can be a fun way to discover new meals and learn about each other’s cultures. Don’t forget to check for dietary restrictions so everyone can enjoy the meal, and consider adding some Thanksgiving classics like mashed potatoes or stuffing for a traditional touch.
- Add some festive decor and music to make the environment warm and welcoming. If you’re feeling creative, set up a “Thankfulness Wall” with sticky notes or a poster board and provide markers for everyone to write down what they’re thankful for. Notes can be serious, funny, or even inside jokes, making it a meaningful way to spread love among friends.
- For supplies, assign a few friends to bring essentials like plates, cups, and utensils, especially if you’re hosting in a dorm or common area. If you’re hosting at your apartment and have enough supplies, this might not be necessary, but it’s always good to plan.
- Finally, I came up with a few low-key activities to enjoy as you eat:
- Bring cards and board games to keep the fun going.
- Wrap up the meal with a toast where each person shares something they’re thankful for or love about Friendsgiving.
- Watch a Thanksgiving movie or TV show or organize a movie/TV show marathon.
I hope this guide helped in giving you some ideas for your Friendsgiving. Happy Friendsgiving!