Friendsgiving is becoming just as loved as Thanksgiving itself. It’s a chance to celebrate with your closest friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and relax in a cozy setting. Friendsgiving combines the warmth of Thanksgiving with a fun, laid-back vibe, making it a day filled with laughter, joy, and great memories. Planning to host one this year? If so, you’re in the perfect place for all the inspiration you need.
Hosting a Friendsgiving can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Are you going for something low-key and relaxed, or are you planning a full-on feast with all the trimmings? Either way, Friendsgiving is all about making the gathering unique and memorable. It’s a time to enjoy food, friendship, and the chance to create new traditions with your chosen family.
From creative decor to delicious food ideas, signature cocktails, and engaging activities, these 25 ideas will help you plan a Friendsgiving bash that your friends will remember. Let’s dive into the details and make this Friendsgiving unforgettable.
1. Warm Lighting
Setting up warm lighting instantly creates a cozy atmosphere. Replace overhead lights with string lights, candles, or lanterns to bring a soft glow that feels inviting. Try hanging string lights around the room or draping them over doorways to give a festive yet relaxed vibe.
Candles are another great option to create ambiance. Place LED candles on tables or shelves to add a gentle flicker without worrying about open flames. For an extra touch, put candles in mason jars to create a rustic look that fits perfectly with the Friendsgiving theme.
Adding a few lanterns or fairy lights in jars as centerpieces can make the table glow in a magical way. The warm lighting brings everyone together and sets the stage for a relaxed, enjoyable evening.
2. DIY Table Runner and Centerpieces
A DIY table runner can add personality to the Friendsgiving table. Use natural elements like dried leaves, fall flowers, or colorful fabric scraps to create a unique table runner that reflects the season. It’s an affordable way to bring an autumn feel to your table decor.
For centerpieces, gather small pumpkins, pinecones, or eucalyptus branches. Arrange them along the table for a simple yet elegant look that brings the outdoors inside. This adds texture and seasonal charm without requiring elaborate setups.
If you want an extra festive touch, paint mini pumpkins in gold or bronze. It adds a bit of glam to the table without taking away from the cozy, homey feel of Friendsgiving.
3. Personalized Place Cards
Personalized place cards make each guest feel special and add a polished touch to your table. Write each guest’s name on mini pumpkins or use wooden slices for a natural, rustic look. Place cards like these are simple to create and show your friends you took the time to make the evening unique.
Another option is to cut leaf shapes from fall-colored paper and write names on them. Add a touch of metallic paint around the edges to make them stand out. This small detail goes a long way in making everyone feel valued and appreciated.
Having personalized place cards also helps with seating arrangements and makes the table look well-organized. Your friends will love the thoughtful touch.
4. Friendsgiving Potluck
A potluck is one of the easiest ways to host a Friendsgiving feast. Ask each guest to bring a favorite dish to share, which not only reduces the pressure on the host but also adds variety to the meal. Everyone gets to contribute something special, making the meal feel communal.
Create a sign-up sheet so guests can choose what to bring, avoiding duplicates. A mix of traditional dishes and creative sides adds excitement and introduces new flavors to the table. This setup also lets guests showcase their signature recipes.
A potluck-style Friendsgiving makes the event more inclusive and gives everyone a chance to share something meaningful. It’s a simple way to fill the table with a wide variety of delicious food.
5. Build-Your-Own Food Stations
Food stations are a fun, interactive way to serve a meal. Try a mashed potato bar with toppings like cheese, bacon, chives, and gravy, allowing everyone to customize their own serving. This setup adds an element of fun and personalization to the meal.
For dessert, a pie station with mini pies in different flavors lets guests sample a variety without committing to a whole slice. It’s a great way to offer multiple dessert options without needing to bake full-sized pies.
Food stations keep guests entertained and allow them to create a plate tailored to their tastes. It’s an easy way to serve food and add an element of excitement to the meal.
6. Signature Friendsgiving Cocktails
Signature cocktails bring a festive touch to Friendsgiving. Try spiced apple cider mimosas, a mix of apple cider and champagne with a cinnamon stick garnish for a drink that’s both delicious and seasonal. It’s an easy way to add a special flair to the evening.
Another idea is a pumpkin spice white Russian, which combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and pumpkin spice cream. This cozy cocktail is perfect for a fall celebration. Cranberry sangria with red wine, cranberry juice, and fresh fruit is also a refreshing, festive choice.
Offering a signature cocktail adds a unique, celebratory feel to Friendsgiving. It’s a fun way to get everyone into the spirit and enjoy a seasonal drink together.
7. Friendsgiving Bingo
Friendsgiving Bingo is a lighthearted game that adds laughter and interaction to the evening. Create Bingo cards with Friendsgiving-related squares, like “brings a dish in Tupperware” or “mentions last year’s event.” This game is easy to play and adds a friendly competition element.
Provide a small prize for the Bingo winner to keep things exciting. Guests can mark off squares as they spot different scenarios throughout the night, keeping everyone engaged.
Bingo is an entertaining way to get everyone involved, and it’s perfect for breaking the ice if not all your guests know each other well. It’s a simple, fun activity that everyone will enjoy.
8. Friends-Themed Trivia
Bring some nostalgia to Friendsgiving with Friends-themed trivia. Divide guests into teams and ask questions from the Thanksgiving episodes of the iconic show or favorite quotes. This game is a hit with fans and brings plenty of laughs and memories.
Award a prize to the winning team to add some friendly competition. Trivia games are easy to set up and create a fun way to bond over a shared favorite show.
Friends-themed trivia brings out the laughs and creates an entertaining atmosphere that everyone will remember. It’s a fun, lighthearted addition to the gathering.
9. Photo Booth for Memories
A photo booth is a perfect way to capture Friendsgiving memories. Set up a backdrop with fall colors, string lights, or a few seasonal decorations. This simple setup allows guests to snap fun photos throughout the evening.
Include props like hats, mustaches, or signs with phrases like “Friendsgiving 2023.” If you have a Polaroid camera, it adds an extra touch by letting guests take home instant photos as keepsakes.
A photo booth is an easy and enjoyable way to create lasting memories. It’s a fun activity that friends can enjoy while documenting the special night.
10. Outdoor Fire Pit or Indoor Fireplace
A fire pit or fireplace adds warmth and ambiance to Friendsgiving. Set up an outdoor fire pit if you have one, with blankets for guests to cozy up while enjoying the fresh air. It’s the perfect way to create a rustic, fall-themed atmosphere.
If you’re indoors, use an electric fireplace or add some extra candles around the room for a similar cozy feel. Roasting marshmallows for s’mores is a fun touch that guests will love.
This setup provides a warm, relaxing setting that brings everyone together. A fire’s warmth and flickering light make the gathering feel more intimate and memorable.
11. Friendsgiving Playlist
A playlist can set the perfect tone for Friendsgiving. Curate a mix of upbeat songs and mellow tunes that keep the energy comfortable and light. Music in the background creates a festive, inviting atmosphere without taking over conversations.
Share the playlist in advance and let friends add their favorite songs too. This personalization makes the playlist feel more inclusive and lets everyone feel a part of the event.
A well-curated playlist adds warmth to the evening and keeps things lively, giving your Friendsgiving a soundtrack that everyone can enjoy.
12. Seasonal Scented Candles
Adding seasonal scents to the room makes it feel cozier and more festive. Choose candles in fragrances like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin spice. These scents create a homey feel that enhances the fall vibe of Friendsgiving.
If you prefer a flameless option, use essential oils in a diffuser. Scents like cedarwood, clove, or orange can fill the space with autumnal warmth without needing open flames.
Scented candles create an inviting atmosphere that engages all senses, adding to the overall ambiance. This small detail can make a big difference in creating a welcoming, comfortable space.
13. Gratitude Jar
A gratitude jar is a simple yet meaningful activity that lets everyone share what they’re thankful for. Set up a small jar with blank notes and pens nearby, inviting guests to write down something they’re grateful for. Reading these aloud at the end of the night can be a heartfelt moment that brings everyone closer.
You can even make this a keepsake tradition by saving the notes and reading them again at next year’s Friendsgiving. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving while honoring friendship and gratitude.
This activity allows guests to reflect and brings a deeper, emotional element to the celebration. It’s a small but impactful addition that makes Friendsgiving more memorable.
14. Decorate with Pumpkins
Pumpkins are an affordable, festive way to decorate for Friendsgiving. Arrange different-sized pumpkins in clusters around the room, on the table, or even by the entrance to create a welcoming vibe. Painting or carving pumpkins in unique designs can add a personalized touch.
Mini pumpkins can also double as place settings when arranged with each guest’s name. This fall decor is versatile and easy to work with, enhancing the Friendsgiving ambiance without much effort.
Using pumpkins in decor adds an autumnal feel that makes the space feel warm and seasonal. It’s a simple yet effective way to bring a touch of fall indoors.
15. Friendsgiving Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is perfect for a Friendsgiving gathering. Fill it with a mix of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, and crackers to give guests a variety of options. It’s a great appetizer that lets friends snack and mingle before the main meal.
Customize the board to fit the fall theme by adding dried fruits, honeycomb, and even mini pumpkins for decoration. This makes the spread feel special and adds to the visual appeal of the table.
Charcuterie boards are interactive and easy to assemble, making them an ideal starter for a relaxed Friendsgiving vibe. It’s a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.
16. Cozy Blankets and Pillows
Adding cozy blankets and pillows to your Friendsgiving setup enhances comfort and warmth. Drape blankets over chairs or have a few piled on the couch to invite guests to relax. Choose fall colors like burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep reds to keep the seasonal theme.
Pillows add an extra layer of coziness, making the space feel homey and inviting. If you’re hosting outdoors, blankets can keep guests warm around a fire pit or on the porch.
These touches help create a laid-back environment where friends feel encouraged to settle in, get comfortable, and stay for hours. It’s a simple way to make the space feel like a true gathering spot.
17. S’mores Station
A s’mores station is a fun, nostalgic dessert option for Friendsgiving. Set up a small station with marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate, allowing guests to make their own s’mores. If you’re outdoors, a fire pit works perfectly, but indoor s’mores makers are also available.
Offering a few extra toppings like peanut butter cups, caramel squares, or fruit lets guests get creative with their s’mores creations. This interactive dessert option is a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together.
S’mores are fun, delicious, and easy to prepare. They add a playful touch to Friendsgiving and encourage guests to mingle and share laughs around the fire.
18. Friendsgiving Recipe Exchange
Friendsgiving is all about sharing, so why not exchange favorite recipes? Ask guests to bring a recipe card for the dish they prepared, and set up a small recipe station where everyone can grab copies of each other’s creations. This lets guests take home a piece of the celebration and perhaps add new dishes to their own holiday traditions.
This recipe exchange is not only practical but also a sentimental way to share family recipes and traditions with friends. It’s a lovely keepsake from the evening.
A recipe exchange adds meaning to the meal and allows guests to connect over shared culinary interests. It’s a great way to celebrate the flavors of Friendsgiving.
19. Friendsgiving Wreath Making
Set up a small station for wreath-making as a creative activity. Gather fall-inspired materials like dried flowers, small pumpkins, pinecones, and eucalyptus branches. Guests can create their own unique wreaths to take home as a memento of the gathering.
This craft activity is fun, relaxing, and encourages creativity. It’s perfect for those who enjoy DIY projects and gives everyone a festive keepsake to remember the event.
Wreath-making adds an interactive element to Friendsgiving and lets guests express their style. It’s an activity that keeps everyone engaged and provides a personal touch to the evening.
20. Host a Leftover Swap
Friendsgiving usually means plenty of leftovers, so why not host a leftover swap? Provide small containers and let guests pack up portions of their favorite dishes to take home. This way, everyone gets a chance to enjoy a variety of foods over the following days.
The leftover swap helps reduce food waste and lets guests share in each other’s culinary creations even after the night is over. It’s a fun, practical way to wrap up the celebration.
This idea is perfect for ensuring no food goes to waste and gives guests a thoughtful takeaway from the gathering. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
21. Friendsgiving Movie Marathon
End the evening with a Friendsgiving movie marathon. Pick a few favorite Thanksgiving-themed episodes from shows like Friends or How I Met Your Mother, or go for a cozy classic like You’ve Got Mail or Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. This is a relaxed way to wind down the evening.
Provide blankets, popcorn, and some hot drinks for a cozy movie setup. It’s a great way to bring everyone together at the end of the night.
A movie marathon lets everyone settle in, relax, and enjoy each other’s company without any pressure. It’s the perfect way to end Friendsgiving on a cozy, nostalgic note.
22. Gratitude Circle
A gratitude circle is a beautiful way to wrap up Friendsgiving on a meaningful note. Gather everyone in a circle and invite each person to share something they’re grateful for. This can be as serious or lighthearted as guests feel comfortable with, adding a personal, reflective moment to the evening.
The gratitude circle brings friends closer and gives everyone a chance to reflect on the friendships they value. It’s a simple yet powerful way to end the celebration with a sense of appreciation.
This activity adds emotional depth to the gathering and makes Friendsgiving feel even more special. It’s a perfect ending to an evening focused on gratitude and friendship.
23. Set Up a Self-Serve Coffee and Tea Station
A self-serve coffee and tea station is perfect for winding down after dinner. Set up a variety of teas, coffee, hot cocoa, and optional toppings like whipped cream, cinnamon, and marshmallows. This lets guests customize their warm drinks, creating a cozy, comforting experience.
Add in a few seasonal syrups, like pumpkin spice or caramel, for an extra treat. Guests can create their ideal cup while catching up with friends.
The coffee and tea station provides a laid-back, comforting element that makes everyone feel at home. It’s a simple addition that brings warmth to the gathering.
24. Friendsgiving Keepsake Table
Create a keepsake table where guests can leave notes, small mementos, or photos from the evening. Provide a small scrapbook where friends can write memories or attach Polaroid photos taken during the night. This lets everyone contribute to a shared keepsake from the celebration.
The keepsake table is a thoughtful way to preserve memories and look back on the gathering in future years. Guests can add their own touches to the memory book.
This memento table creates a lasting reminder of Friendsgiving and encourages everyone to leave a part of themselves behind.
25. Send Guests Home with Goodie Bags
Sending guests home with a small goodie bag is a thoughtful way to end Friendsgiving. Include a few festive treats, like homemade cookies, small candles, or mini bottles of wine. This small gesture shows your appreciation and gives everyone a little reminder of the gathering.
Personalizing each bag with a handwritten note or a small keepsake adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness. It’s a beautiful way to say thank you and wrap up the celebration.
Goodie bags are a lovely way to end Friendsgiving and make guests feel special. It’s the perfect way to send everyone home with a smile.
Conclusion
Friendsgiving is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the friendships that bring warmth, laughter, and joy into our lives. With these 25 ideas—from cozy decor and personalized food stations to engaging activities and meaningful moments—you can create a gathering that’s both memorable and heartwarming. As you share food, reflect on gratitude, and enjoy each other’s company, you’re building lasting memories that deepen your connections. Ultimately, Friendsgiving is about honoring those friendships and creating a joyful experience that everyone will cherish well beyond the evening.
