We know better now than ever, it’s not always possible to travel home for Thanksgiving. And even if it is, sometimes you want to celebrate with your best friends, too.
That’s where Friendsgiving comes in. This new holiday lets you share a meal with friends in lieu of family, or as a supplement to the traditional Thanksgiving feast. We’ll show you how to plan the perfect Friendsgiving menu, set a casual holiday table and embrace the true meaning of the season.
Find more ideas in our Thanksgiving hosting handbook.
How to Plan a Friendsgiving Menu
The key to a successful Friendsgiving party is two-fold: good food, and lots of it. Ideally, everyone will bring a dish or beverage to pass. But if you’re hosting, we suggest supplying the main dish and a few sides, then let your friends fill in the gaps. (Bookmark our turkey guide for everything you need to know about cooking your holiday bird to perfection.)
Editor’s Tip: Even if you love green bean casserole, you don’t want six dishes of it showing up at your Friendsgiving. Make sure to send around a potluck sign-up sheet before the big day so everyone knows what to bring. This way you’ll avoid duplicate dishes and make it easy to cater to dietary restrictions.
When planning what you’ll serve, aim for simple recipes that don’t require a ton of time in the kitchen. (Need inspo? These 30-minute Thanksgiving recipes are holiday lifesavers.) After all, you want to be able to enjoy your friends, not spend the whole party scrambling in the kitchen. Opt for slow cooker or make-ahead dishes, and don’t be afraid to buy a few things pre-made, too. We’re particularly partial to this slow cooker turkey breast and a batch of easy-peasy biscuits. When combined, the duo makes a delicious sandwich! Find these recipes (and more!) in our collection of Friendgiving menu ideas.
Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast with Cranberry Gravy
I created this dish when I was craving Thanksgiving dinner, and it was still over a month away. You get all the bells and whistles of Thanksgiving dinner in no time, Add a vegetable, some mashed potatoes and you’re ready to eat. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Crunchy Bacon Blue Cheese Red Pepper Brussels Sprouts
This is my family's absolute favorite dish on my holiday table. What's not to love with the mixed aroma of garlic, onions, bacon, and blue cheese floating through your home? —Jana Gooding, Carlsbad, California
Easy Peasy Biscuits
I love that I can make these biscuits and have enough left over to freeze for another meal. They're a healthier version of a classic American staple. —Amanda West, Shelbyville, Tennessee
Spiced Apple Cider Jelly Shots
These spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set. — Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home Love the look? Find this platter (and more!) here.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
I created this dish after my father had triple bypass surgery. He loves comfort food, and I wanted him to be able to enjoy a rich and tasty dish like mac & cheese without all the fat and butter. It's also a smart way to sneak in some veggies for children. —Megan Schwartz, New York, New York
Simple Lemon Parsley Potatoes
For a simply delicious side dish, I often prepare these potatoes. I like the fact that there are few ingredients and they take such little time to prepare.—Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
My grandfather loves these pumpkin-flavored treats. They remind him of a cookie his mother made. They’re fun to eat no matter what your age. —Amber Wahl, Acampo, California
Spicy Applesauce
We have an apple-picking party every year. It's a bushel of fun, and I always look forward to cooking a batch of this easy applesauce seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and allspice. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites
After making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Slow Cooker Bacon-Mushroom Dressing
My favorite stuffing uses a slow cooker, which helps when your oven's busy. It goes with everything from turkey to game hens. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
Creamy Pumpkin Bubble Ring
I adapted a recipe I saw on public television to create this caramel-coated pumpkin bread. It makes an impressive hostess gift or bake sale contribution. My young ones love to help roll the dough and cream cheese into balls.—Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri
Festive Cranberry Drink
Warm or cold? Take your choice of how to serve this colorful autumn beverage. It’s such a pretty color, and the spicy sweet-tart flavor is delightful with a meal or snack.—Dixie Terry,Goreville, Illinois
Easy Orange and Red Onion Salad
Here's an unusual salad that’s easy to prepare when holiday obligations have you short on time. The combination of red onions and oranges may seem unusual, but it's surprisingly delightful. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Quick & Easy au Gratin Potatoes
On holidays, a friend serves these creamy, cheesy potatoes when we gather together to celebrate with lifelong friends and grown children. —Carol Blue, Barnesville, Pennsylvania
Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini
For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Slow-Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Every year my Mom made cream cheese mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving. I tailored the recipe to my family's taste and carried on the tradition. I make them a day ahead and use my slow cooker to free up oven space for other dishes. —Ann Nolte, Tampa, Florida
Green Bean Casserole
This easy green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite dishes. You can make it before any guests arrive and refrigerate it until it’s ready to bake. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
No-Fuss Herb-Roasted Turkey & Stuffing
I learned to bake turkey in a brown paper bag, but now I use an oven roasting bag for perfect results that keep white meat moist. —Marla Hyatt, St. Paul, Minnesota
Pecan Pie Bars
These pecan pie bars are rich and delicious - just like pecan pie! They're perfect for taking to potlucks and other gatherings...I always come home with an empty pan. These Kentucky Derby pecan pie bars are the perfect snack while watching the races. —Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York
Slow-Cooker Creamy Cauliflower Soup
I love indulgent cream soups but not the fat that goes along with them, so I came up with a healthier version. The velvety texture of this cauliflower soup makes it feel so rich, and the spicy kick warms you up in a flash. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
Cheese and sage go well with apples, so why not put them all in scones? These mini ones make a fall brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Pie Shots
Grown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mini Teriyaki Turkey Sandwiches
Preparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a slow cooker. Serving them on lightly-toasted sweet dinner rolls is perfection made easy.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio
Sweet Potato Stuffing
Mom likes to make sure there will be enough stuffing to satisfy our large family. For our holiday gatherings, she slow-cooks this tasty sweet potato dressing in addition to the traditional stuffing cooked inside the turkey. —Kelly Pollock, London, Ontario
Easy Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie does not have to be difficult to make. This easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe has a wonderful taste and will be a hit at your holiday meal. —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, WashingtonHow to Set a Friendsgiving Table
When setting the table, simplicity is key. Remember that you’re here to have a good time, not impress your mother-in-law. Stick to a fun color scheme—such as navy, orange and gray—and don’t be afraid to buy disposable dishware or cutlery.
Keep the casual feel of the party going by serving the meal potluck-style. Guests can get up whenever they’re hungry or need a refill, and all you have to do is relax. Whenever you opt for a buffet, it’s a good idea to label all of the dishes. Old wine corks and card stock make for pretty labels (plus, you now have an excuse to drink more wine). To make the labels, simply cut a groove in the cork with a utility knife, write the dish name and any allergens on the card and secure in place. If you’re not up for a crafting project, find out where to buy pre-made place cards (and all of our other amazing Friendsgiving decor).
Get the Look
Hosting pals for Thanksgiving is such a wonderful way to celebrate good friendships. It's also a perfect time to enjoy delicious food and drinks (like these Friendsgiving party menu ideas). If you're hosting the Friendsgiving feast, here are some decor ideas to adorn your space in style!
Baking Dish
Serve any main or side out of this chic white porcelain square baking dish ($15). The handles make it easy to carry from oven to table so you can bake and serve. Perfect for the bird, stuffings, casseroles (like this rich butternut squash mac and cheese) and desserts. Buy here. Don't miss our step-by-step guide on how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey.
Dinner Plates
Your hungry friends will love heaping these Instagram-worthy dinner plates ($23 for 4) with a mountain of Thanksgiving foods. Choose from one of seven hues (we're partial to Light Grey) or mix and match for a multi-colored arrangement. Buy here.
Metal Serving Trays
Put your most beautiful hors d'oeuvres, sweets, drinks and drinkware on display with these pastel aqua serving trays ($32 for 2). The dainty gold-embellished handles add a dash of glam and glimmer. Buy here.
Wine Cork Place Card Holders
Use these handmade wine cork place card holders ($6 for 15) for labeling dishes or as a way to introduce guests to others. When the Thanksgiving party is done, you can easily repurpose the corks to hold photos around your home. Buy here.
Rectangular Serving Platter
It turns out "plain and simple" doesn't need to be dull and boring. This satiny white serving platter ($5) is easy on the eyes and adds a pearly pop to any surface. It can be used to serve everything from apple cider jelly shots to fancy-schmancy cheeses, crackers and charcuterie. (Here's how to build a cheese board!) Buy here.
Serving Board
The driftwood finish of this beautifully detailed ash serving board ($70) matches any kitchen color scheme. The leather handle allows for easy carrying. It's awesome for finger sandwiches, spreads, charcuterie, cheese and nuts. (In our spread, we used the board for these Easy Peasy Biscuits.) Buy here.
Bamboo Utensils
Bamboo is a great material for so many reasons. It's made from a sustainable and renewable resource, and bamboo fiber has greater strength than steel. That makes this set of super-strong bamboo utensils ($7 per set) perfect for guests to use on Friendsgiving. Buy here.
Bottle Opener
Pop the bubbly! Uncork the wine! Crack open the craft beer! This sleek bottle opener ($40) can do it all with ease, regardless of your skills as an at-home bartender. It also makes the perfect gift for Thanksgiving hosts, new homeowners or anyone celebrating a special occasion. Buy here.
Linen Runner
This stunning navy and white linen table runner ($63) adds a touch of class, comfort and nostalgia to any gathering atmosphere. The soft, distressed texture creates a vintage look that will have your guests asking where you got this gem. Buy here.How to Give Thanks: Gratitude Board
It’s easy to forget how thankful we are for our friends. Set up a reminder with a gratitude board. All you need is a chalkboard and some chalk. As guests arrive, have them write down a few things that they’re grateful for. After the party, take a photo of the board and send it out in a group text message or email so that you can always remember the good times.
Want More Ideas? Find Your Thanksgiving Style.
Transform your table this holiday by planning your Thanksgiving feast around one of our fun (and delicious!) themes. Take our quiz to find the perfect menu, stunning tablescape decorations and more—all based off of your personality.
The post Simple & Fun Friendsgiving Party Ideas appeared first on Taste of Home.
Katie Bandurski