Hosting a Friendsgiving party is all about gathering your closest friends, indulging in great food, and celebrating gratitude for each other in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Unlike traditional Thanksgiving with family, Friendsgiving offers a laid-back, creative, and fun spin on the holiday, where you can bring in quirky themes, unique decor, and memorable activities that reflect your friend group’s personality.
Planning a Friendsgiving can feel exciting and, let’s be real, a bit overwhelming. With so many possible ideas to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the details. The good news? With a few clever tips and creative touches, your Friendsgiving can become a legendary event that your friends will look forward to every year. So, here’s a list of the 25 best Friendsgiving ideas that are sure to make this year’s gathering unforgettable!
Let’s dive into these awesome ideas to make your Friendsgiving party the most memorable one yet!
1. Set a Cozy Theme
Themes aren’t just for kids’ parties; they can make your Friendsgiving feel even more special! Try picking a theme that speaks to your group’s vibe.
Whether you go for a cozy “Sweater Weather” theme with blankets and hot cocoa or a “Retro Thanksgiving” with vintage decor, setting a theme helps everyone feel immersed in the experience. Plus, it gives your friends something fun to dress up for, whether it’s comfy sweaters or retro outfits!
2. Create a DIY Photo Booth
A photo booth adds a fun, interactive element to your Friendsgiving. You don’t need fancy equipment—just set up a simple backdrop with seasonal decorations like autumn leaves, pumpkins, or twinkling lights.
Add some props like fake mustaches, turkey hats, or Friendsgiving signs to make the photos extra fun. Not only will you have a blast taking pictures, but you’ll also have great memories to look back on!
3. Plan a Potluck-Style Feast
Nothing says Friendsgiving like a potluck! Having each friend bring a dish takes the pressure off the host and creates a delightful variety of flavors on the table.
Set up a shared online document or group chat where everyone can list what they’re bringing to avoid duplicates. It’s a great way to try each other’s family recipes or signature dishes, and it makes the meal feel more collaborative and festive.
4. Organize a Pie Bake-Off
Why settle for just one dessert when you can have a pie bake-off? Each friend can bring their own pie, homemade or store-bought, and you can hold a tasting competition to pick the favorite.
This is a fantastic way to add some excitement and friendly competition to the mix. Make it official by creating “best pie” awards, and let everyone vote for their favorite flavors.
5. Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar
A hot chocolate bar is not only delicious but also a cozy treat that screams fall. Set up a station with mugs, hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and caramel drizzle.
Let your friends customize their drinks with fun add-ins like peppermint sticks, crushed candy, or even a shot of flavored liqueur. A hot chocolate bar will warm everyone up and add a sweet touch to the gathering.
6. Design a Gratitude Wall
Friendsgiving is a perfect time to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Set up a gratitude wall with sticky notes, markers, and a large blank space where friends can jot down what they’re thankful for.
This simple activity fosters meaningful moments and adds a heartwarming touch to the celebration. It’s always fun to look back at these notes and see the positive energy shared by your friends.
7. Make Signature Friendsgiving Cocktails
Create a signature cocktail (or mocktail!) for your Friendsgiving event to make it feel more personalized. Think autumn flavors like apple cider, cinnamon, cranberry, or even a spiced pumpkin blend.
You can name the drink after an inside joke or something unique to your friend group. Not only will it add a special touch to your party, but it’ll also give everyone something to talk about and enjoy.
8. Craft Personalized Place Cards
Personalized place cards add a touch of elegance to your Friendsgiving dinner table, and they make each guest feel appreciated. You can make them as simple or elaborate as you like.
Consider using mini pumpkins, leaves, or other fall-themed items as place card holders. Write each friend’s name in a beautiful script, and voila! It’s a thoughtful, personal gesture that doesn’t go unnoticed.
9. Play Friendsgiving Bingo
Turn Friendsgiving into a playful event by creating a custom Friendsgiving Bingo game! Use squares like “talks about work,” “brings a side dish,” or “shares a funny story.”
This game is an easy icebreaker, especially if your friend group includes some new faces. Friendsgiving Bingo will bring out everyone’s competitive spirit and add a lot of laughter to your gathering.
10. Set Up a Friendsgiving Playlist
Music sets the mood, so make a Friendsgiving playlist filled with relaxing tunes or fun party hits, depending on your vibe. Ask each friend to contribute a few songs, creating a unique playlist that represents everyone’s taste.
Whether you go for cozy acoustic songs or upbeat hits, having a playlist adds an extra layer of fun and keeps the atmosphere lively. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when your favorite songs come on!
11. Create a Soup or Appetizer Station
Start the meal with an appetizer or soup station where guests can serve themselves as they arrive. Think warm fall flavors like butternut squash soup, mini quiches, or charcuterie boards.
This setup keeps everyone entertained while the main meal is being prepared and lets people mingle. A self-serve station also adds a casual, friendly touch to the party.
12. Host a Friendsgiving Gift Exchange
Who doesn’t love a little gift exchange? Friendsgiving is a great time to show appreciation with a small token of gratitude. Set a budget (like $10 or $15) and encourage friends to bring a wrapped gift.
You can make it more entertaining with a white elephant or Secret Santa twist. The gift exchange adds excitement to the party, and everyone leaves with something to remember the day by.
13. Incorporate Seasonal Decor
Decorating your space with seasonal decor like pumpkins, leaves, and candles can elevate the Friendsgiving vibe. Think warm tones like orange, brown, and gold for a cozy autumnal feel.
Add soft lighting with string lights or candles to create a warm, welcoming ambiance. Seasonal decor doesn’t have to be expensive, and it can help transform your space into a fall wonderland.
14. Set a Friendsgiving Dress Code
Add some flair to your Friendsgiving with a fun dress code. Maybe it’s cozy sweaters, fall colors, or even “fancy Thanksgiving” attire.
A dress code adds a sense of unity and makes everyone feel part of the celebration. Plus, it makes for better group photos that reflect the spirit of the day!
15. Organize a Board Game Marathon
Nothing bonds friends like some friendly competition. A board game marathon can add lots of laughter and excitement to your Friendsgiving.
Select games that everyone can play, like charades, Uno, or Pictionary. This activity is perfect for keeping the party lively and giving everyone a chance to bond over some friendly rivalry.
16. Serve Mini Charcuterie Boards
Instead of one big charcuterie board, consider making mini charcuterie boards for each guest. Include a mix of cheeses, crackers, fruits, and nuts to keep it simple yet tasty.
Mini boards are a fun and unique way to serve appetizers, and they give everyone their own special treat. They’re also great for friends who may have specific dietary preferences.
17. Have a Thanksgiving Movie Marathon
After the feast, settle down with a Thanksgiving-themed movie marathon. Classics like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles or feel-good movies like Friendsgiving are perfect for winding down.
Movies provide a relaxing way to end the night, and they’re especially enjoyable if you’re too full to do much else. Plus, it’s a fun way to keep everyone cozy and entertained.
18. Add a S’mores Station
Set up a DIY s’mores station if you have outdoor space or a fireplace. All you need are marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers.
This nostalgic treat will bring out everyone’s inner kid, and it’s a great way to extend the fun outdoors. S’mores are the perfect blend of fun, comfort, and sweetness for a Friendsgiving night.
19. Host a Thanksgiving Leftover Contest
Turn leftovers into fun with a creative leftover contest! Challenge friends to make mini dishes from the Friendsgiving leftovers.
Give small prizes for categories like “most creative,” “best use of turkey,” or “sweetest treat.” It’s a playful way to end the night and avoid food waste while keeping everyone engaged.
20. Try a Pumpkin Painting Station
If carving pumpkins feels too messy, a pumpkin painting station is a fantastic alternative. Provide mini pumpkins, paint, and brushes so friends can unleash their creativity.
This station doubles as an activity and a take-home favor. Plus, it’s a relaxed, crafty activity that lets everyone chat while creating a personal keepsake.
21. Share Favorite Recipes
Encourage each friend to bring a printed copy of their dish’s recipe, especially if it’s a family favorite or a unique creation. Collect all the recipes to make a Friendsgiving cookbook.
Sharing recipes adds a personal touch to the gathering, and everyone gets to take home a memento. It’s a fun, meaningful way to remember the flavors of the day.
22. Create a Dessert Potluck Table
Instead of one main dessert, go for a dessert potluck
! Ask friends to bring their favorite sweet treats like cookies, pies, or cakes.
A dessert potluck table creates a variety of flavors and satisfies everyone’s sweet tooth. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to end the meal with an array of delicious options.
23. Hand Out Simple Party Favors
Party favors don’t have to be extravagant to be memorable. Think about giving small items like candles, mini bottles of wine, or customized Friendsgiving keychains.
A small token makes guests feel appreciated and gives them something to remember the day by. It’s a lovely touch that shows you value their presence.
24. Plan a Group “Thank You” Toast
Before everyone digs into their meal, gather for a group toast to express gratitude. Each friend can share a quick “thank you” or toast to something they’re thankful for.
This simple act brings everyone together and creates a shared moment of appreciation. It sets a meaningful tone for the meal and makes everyone feel more connected.
25. Make a Friendsgiving Scrapbook
If you’re the sentimental type, create a Friendsgiving scrapbook! Take Polaroid photos, collect mementos, and have friends sign a page or leave a short note.
A scrapbook captures the memories and gives you something tangible to look back on year after year. It’s the perfect way to remember each Friendsgiving and the joy shared with friends.
Final Thoughts
Friendsgiving is all about celebrating friendships and creating memories that last. Whether you’re into food, games, or simply sharing laughs, these 25 ideas will help you host an unforgettable Friendsgiving that everyone will cherish. Make the day special, cozy, and full of gratitude, and remember—it’s not about perfection, but the people around the table.
With these creative tips in hand, you’re all set to make this Friendsgiving a legendary one. Enjoy the food, laughter, and warmth, and here’s to many more unforgettable Friendsgivings to come!