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 UCF chapter.
Thanksgiving might have passed, but it is never too late to host a Friendsgiving. Hosting your first Friendsgiving is an exciting opportunity to gather your closest friends for a cozy celebration filled with food, laughter, and gratitude. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan and host a memorable Friendsgiving
Plan Your Guest List
- Invite your closest friends: Start by making a list of friends you want to invite. This is the perfect event to integrate your different friend groups without it being awkward. Since this is your first Friendsgiving, you might want to keep it small and intimate.
- Send Invitations: Send out invitations well in advance. You can use e-invites, text messages, or even create a Facebook event to keep track of RSVPs. Group chats are also very helpful.
Choose a Date and Time
- Coordinate with friends: Choose a date that works for most of your friends. Since Friendsgiving is a flexible holiday, it can be celebrated anytime around Thanksgiving week or even the weekend before or after.
- Set the time: Decide if you want to host a brunch, lunch, or dinner. Dinner is the most traditional but choose what fits best with your schedule and your friends’ availability.
- Set the Place: Pick a location that works best for everyone. As the host, the most common place would be your house. It’s cozy and safe for your friends, but you could also reserve areas on campus if that works best for your friend group.
Create a Menu
- Potluck Style: One of the best ways to host Friendsgiving is to make it a potluck. Ask each guest to bring a dish. You can assign categories like appetizers, sides, desserts, and drinks to ensure variety.
- Main Course: As the host, you might want to take charge of the main dish, like roasting a turkey, getting a pie, or preparing a vegetarian alternative.
- Dietary Preferences: Consider your friends’ dietary restrictions and preferences. Ensure there are options for everyone, including vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies.
Prepare Your location
- Decorations: Create a warm and festive atmosphere with simple decorations. Think fall-themed items like pumpkins, autumn leaves, candles, and string lights.
- Seating arrangements: Ensure you have enough seating for everyone. If needed, borrow chairs or set up a cozy picnic-style seating area with blankets and cushions.
- Table setting: Set the table with plates, utensils, napkins, and glasses. A decorative centerpiece can add a nice touch.
No pressure, it doesn’t have to be the most aesthetically pleasing set-up. It just has to be a warm and inviting space for your friends that shows them you put some care and effort into celebrating the season of gratefulness with them.
Cooking and Setup
- Prep ahead: Do as much preparation as possible the day before. Chop vegetables, marinate meat, bake desserts, and purchase decorations in advance to reduce stress on the day of the event.
- Day-of cooking: On the day of Friendsgiving, focus on cooking and setting up. Ask friends to come a bit early to help.
Plan Activities
- Games and entertainment: Plan a few fun activities to keep the evening lively. Board games, card games, and even a gratitude circle where everyone shares what they’re thankful for can be great additions.
- Music playlist: Create a playlist of relaxing background music to enhance the ambiance. Choose a mix of your friends’ favorite tunes and some mellow, festive songs.
Enjoy the Celebration
- Welcome guests: Greet your friends warmly as they arrive. Offer them drinks and show them where to place their dishes. Remember, some of them might not know each other. Don’t forget to make introductions.
- Serve the meal: Once everyone has arrived, gather around the table or food area and serve the meal. Encourage everyone to try a bit of everything and enjoy the culinary variety.
Clean Up Together
- Team effort: After the meal, enlist the help of your friends to clean up. This can be a bonding experience and makes the process quicker and easier.
- Leftovers: Have containers ready for leftovers. Encourage your friends to take home some of the delicious dishes to enjoy later.
Hosting your first Friendsgiving can be a joyful and rewarding experience. Planning and coordinating with your friends are the keys to a memorable celebration that embodies the meaning of friendship. Enjoy the food, laughter, and time spent with the people who matter most to you.