Friendsgiving — or Squadsgiving as I like to call it — is definitely worthy of an official holiday of its own. It includes all of the delicious button-busting foods with none of the extended family members hounding you about your life. In college, this time of the year marks the end of your last midterms and the transition into finals crunch time; so friendsgiving is the really the last hoorah before finals and winter break. While ideas for your gathering may be littering all over your Pinterest board and Instagram, your squad deserves something unique and individualized.
1. Potluck
Just because it’s called Friendsgiving, it doesn’t mean you have to “give” your friends all the food. To save yourself, as the host, lots of time and money, ask friends to bring a few side dishes and desserts. Assigning dishes could be helping in making the event more organized. That way, there won’t be five people brining pumpkin pie — not that I would complain.
2. Pie Bar
What’s better than pumpkin pie at Friendsgiving? A multitude of pies that you can choose from! Pie bars is one of my favorite Friendsgiving ideas — everyone gets their choice of dessert and finishes their meal happy and stuffed. You can also try integrating a caramel apple bar into your celebration; guests will be able to dip apple slices in caramel and customize their toppings.
3. Play Games
Sure, Friendsgiving is mostly about the food; but it’s also about spending time with the people you love. Playing games is a great way to accomplish that. Try Cards Against Humanity or Apples to Apples. Mad Libs is also always a crowd pleaser, even though it’s a little old school. Plus, it’s pretty easy to play along while you eat.
4. Pass on the Turkey
If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say “Well, I’m not the biggest fan of turkey,” I could buy all of the turkeys. Although it’s a tradition for turkey to be the main dish at Thanksgiving, try putting the spotlight on a different dish this year in the spirit of putting a spin on Friendsgiving. I know it’s a little eccentric, but my friends and I are big breakfast food people (who isn’t though?). A feast of eggs, pancakes, donuts and cinnamon buns would make for the perfect Friendsgiving meal.
5. Be Creative with Seating
I don’t know any college students who have a big enough dining table to host all their friends. In favor of tiny college apartments, set up floor seating, using pillows, around your coffee table instead. If you are trying to accommodate a large group of people, you can also try setting up throw pillows all over your living room. I’ve really been digging the bohemian vibe of this arrangement lately, and it would be perfect for a relaxed Friendsgiving.
6. Décor
Even though there’s technically no reason for you to go all out on décor for something that isn’t even a holiday (yet), if you’re anything like me, you’ll still empty your wallet at the nearest TJ Maxx for this very purpose. While there’s no shortage of Thanksgiving décor this time of year, try practicing some self-control and stay simple with a banner, lights or candles. Personally, I know my love for white pumpkins knows no bounds — they are such easy décors and can be used around the house from the beginning of October to the end of November. Plus, they are so versatile in how they can be displayed and decorated.
7. Serve Punch
As a host, you are usually expected to supply the drinks. That can add up quickly, especially if it involves alcohol. To make this a little easier for you and your wallet this year, try a big bowl of punch — or two. It’s generally a cheap and delicious way to serve beverages. Try the Apple Pie Punch or the Cranberry Apple Cider Punch, they really pack a “punch” and can be made easily with or without alcohol.
Follow these seven tips for a Friendsgiving your squad will remember!