Friendsgiving is a Thanksgiving celebration with one’s friends, as opposed to one’s family. I threw my first Friendsgiving a few years ago and we seriously had the best time! As the host, it was definitely a lot of work but it was absolutely worth it. Anyone can easily throw a fabulous Friendsgiving even if you aren’t the best cook or the master of DIY!
How to Throw a Fabulous Friendsgiving
1. Set the Date
Friendsgiving can take the place of Thanksgiving or be celebrated in addition to turkey day. If most of your friends are heading home for the holiday, then a great time to have it is the weekend before or after Thanksgiving.
2. Make it a Potluck
There is no need for the host to take on all the stress and financial burden. Host your Friendsgiving potluck style and everyone can participate. Just make sure you find the best way for your crew to communicate about who is bringing what.
3. Serve a Themed Cocktail
Serve your guests a themed cocktail upon arrival. This immediately sets a fun tone and shows off your hosting skills. I’m currently crazy about The Standing Room’s Restaurants Autumn Water cocktail. This cocktail will surely be a hit with everyone!
Autumn Water ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Effen Cucumber Vodka
- 0.5 oz. St. Germain liqueur
- 0.5 oz. lemon juice (about two slices of lemon)
- 0.5 oz. simple syrup
- 0.5 oz. cucumber
- 0.5 oz. basil
- 0.5 oz. pear
-
- Muddle cucumber, basil, and pear.
- Pour Effen Cucumber Vodka, St. Germain, simple syrup, and squeeze lemon juice into muddled ingredients.
- Shake all ingredients and pour over large ice cube (or regular ice cubes).
- Garnish with a pear and cucumber skewer.
- Enjoy!
4. Create Individualized Place Settings
I had the pleasure of attending a fabulous Friendsgiving last week at GEARYS Beverly Hills and left with so many wonderful ideas on how to be the ultimate hostess! This setup was truly tablescape goals featuring gorgeous William Yeoward Crystal
5. Plan a Fun Activity for After the Meal
Whether your group likes to play physical games or mind games, having a group activity planned will keep the good vibes flowing. Personally, I always enjoy a beautiful walk outdoors or a fun, competitive game like Ultimate Jenga.
Whatever your plans may be, I hope you have a wonderful time and remember to count your blessings! And if you want more cocktail ideas, here are three Kahlúa cocktails to get you through the holidays.
XOXO – Stuart
So many great ideas! Love! Love! Love!
Oh wow this is pure genius! I love this idea and a themed cocktail is really in keeping 🙂 x
I love how friendsgiving is becoming such a huge part of our culture. I think in a world where more and more people are isolating themselves it is such an important part of our cultural makeup. And living in a college/military town like San Diego there are plenty of people who live here and do not have family nearby.
Thank you for posting this.
What a fun idea! I’ve never done anything like this before. I would enjoy a themed cocktail!
I think a potluck is the best way for everyone to have fun especially for the host to have less stressed. And it is always fun to taste from each others cooking.
I love serving themed cocktails at dinner parties. It makes it so easy to whip up a big batch in advance and keep everyone happy all night.
So many amazing ideas. I would love to throw a Friendsgiving. I love the concept of it. It looks like so much fun.
Potluck is a great option, that way all the things will be divided in a better manner and relieve the stress from one person arranging the party. Themed cocktails/mocktails is another great idea!
These are some really good ideas. I never thought of hosting a separate thanksgiving just for friends. I very much like the idea of having a signature cocktail for the evening.
I love this idea for friends instead of family! And I also like the cocktail idea a little too much 😉
When I think of a Friendsgiving, I literally think of “Friends” and how they shared the holiday together! Such fun and festive tips!
You are inspiring me to throw a party! Thanks for the tips and easy to follow instructions. My favs are the cocktail…and potluck 😀
omggg Stuart!! That table set up is just divine!! Now I am a bit sad I am skipping the holiday to go to Morocco! I am coming to your house lol
Wow! This sounds like a great idea, nice twist on an old classic
Love the idea of activities/games after the meal, I somehow never thought of that :/ xoxo
this looks so perfect and festive!
We just went to our annual Friendsgiving last night! There were over 50 of us and it was so much fun. Your table setup is absolutely gorgeous!
The potluck idea is the best…it takes so much weight off cooking. You are absolutely right…that table setup is completely goals – I LOVE it (the pic has left me so inspired)!
Thanks for your awesome advice. Am thinking of hosting a friendsgiving day for my blog fans and your ideas are such a great help!
Oooo now these are some awesome tips!!! When I was in college my friends and I had the best friendskivings!!!! They were always so fun
I love Friendsgiving!! I am skipping out on this year’s and am so sad!! Such a cute post!
That looks like a super fab Thanksgiving!
Such a great idea! I m gonna organize one too!!
Nicky x
http://www.nickyinsideout.com
Great tips!! I can’t wait for my friendsgiving this year!
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Brittney
Missxbo.com
Wow now I want to have a friendsgiving!! It sounds like it has the potential to be more fun than a regular Thanksgiving with family with all the fun friendly festivities
Awesome! The setting and the menu ideas are perfect. Haven’t had one in a long time, I think it’s time I do 🙂
So inspiring – thank you!