When we were first dating, my husband Brian and I started celebrating Friendsgiving because he had to work the day after Thanksgiving, so traveling to see our families was out of the question. Nowadays, we’re back to celebrating Thanksgiving with family, but we’ve kept up our Friendsgiving traditions, too. There’s something magical about a relaxed autumn feast with friends. Here are some tricks we’ve learned over the years for having a perfect Friendsgiving dinner.
Make Invitations Personal
Friends are obviously a key element for Friendsgiving, so plan your invitations carefully. While it may be tempting to send an invite over email, make it more personal for your friends by sending a physical one through the mail. Mail isn’t a huge deal anymore so when it happens, it’s super special for the recipient. If you’re short on time, a phone call is a nice touch too.
Make It A Potluck But Keep The Menu
Cooking a huge dinner can be an ordeal. Keep the stress low by hosting a potluck, but make it a cohesive meal by adding a little direction. Assign guests a general category (salad, dessert, etc.) but give them freedom within that to make what they like so you can play to your guests’ strengths. As the host, prepare a delicious appetizer for guests to enjoy as they arrive. I prefer a cheese plate since it’s so easy to assemble and is always a crowd pleaser.
Make a Menu on the Fly
It’s nice to build a little anticipation before the meal, so let your friends know what’s coming. Welcome guests with a chalkboard menu as they arrive. Have them write who they are and what they made. It makes for a great way to start introductions, set the mood for the meal, and start conversations about the dish everyone brought and the story behind it.
Take It Outdoors
The clear afternoons of October and November present the last chance to really enjoy outdoor gatherings until spring. Before dinner, have guests spend some time outdoors around a fire. There’s nothing better for bringing people together than when guests are sitting around a fire and enjoying the crisp fall air. In the meantime, you get a little more time and space to set things up inside.
Keep the Table Laid Back
A get-together with friends is no time for a formal table. Keep things fun while maintaining elegance with a simply set table with understated dishes and flatware, and natural decor like tiny pumpkins and fall leaves. Your guests will appreciate the relaxed vibes.
Send Them Home Happy
It’s not Friendsgiving without leftovers. Plan for leftovers by preparing simple containers and bags ahead of time. Send guests home with a personalized container of leftovers, a beer to pair them with, and a little treat like toasted pumpkin seeds or apple cider donuts.
