Whether it’s the crisping of the air, the leaves fading to shades of red and orange, or the annual comeback of cable knit sweaters, it’s become clear that fall is upon us. One of the classic hallmarks of this autumnal time is the yearly familial gathering: cousins, siblings, aunts, and uncles; a table brimming with delectable food; perhaps a screaming match in front of the Cowboys game? While Thanksgiving typically caters toward family, a new trend has been on the rise in recent years — Friendsgiving.
At its core, Friendsgiving is about gratitude. It gives everyone a chance to pause their busy lives and enjoy a good meal with the people who support, inspire, and make us laugh through every season. As its name suggests, the “holiday” swaps family for friends (the family we get to choose).. While a traditional Thanksgiving can be very formal, Friendsgiving is quite the opposite. It is relaxed and customizable with no pressure to dress up or host the “picture perfect” feast. Instead, the emphasis is on warmth and inclusion.
Unlike the long-standing traditions that often take place on Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving allows for creativity and flexibility. Some friends opt for a pot-luck style dinner where everyone brings their favorite dish, while others experiment with new recipes and unique flavors. Here, the menu is no longer confined to the poultry or green bean staples, but to whatever you can convince your guests to try. .
With its informal flexibility, Friendsgiving means even those with distant family, physically or emotionally, can also enjoy a plate of creamy mashed potatoes with a side of warmth and gratitude. Ultimately, it’s a time to give thanks to not only the people we’re born to, but the people we choose.
FRIENDSGIVING DO’S AND DON’TS:
However, even with all this flexibility, it’s certainly helpful to have a few guidelines. Below is a list of Friendsgiving Do’s and Don’t to ensure a smooth holiday.
DO plan ahead.
Coordination is key for any event, including Friendsgiving. Try to send out invites two to three weeks in advance so your friends can plan around their schedules. You can send physical invitations or even create a group chat. Once people RSVP, ask them what they’re bringing. They can share it in the group chat, or you can create a google sheet to keep everything organized. Planning early gives you the opportunity to shop for decorations, prep what food you’re providing, and ensure you have enough space and seating for the friends attending.
DO make it a potluck.
As a host, it is much easier to host Friendsgiving as a potluck style event. Friendsgiving is meant to be a shared celebration, and it doesn’t have to be a solo performance in the kitchen! Encourage each guest to bring a dish or drink to contribute. This allows the workload to be spread evenly amongst friends, ensures a variety of foods, and allows everyone to feel involved.
DO plan a few activities.
After everyone feasts, it’s nice to have something meaningful to do together. You could go around the table and share what you’re thankful for, play board games or trivia, and take group photos. These small moments often become the highlight of the event!
DON’T start cooking last minute.
Trying to make dishes on the day of the event can lead to chaos. Always prepare what you can in advance and urge your guests to do the same so they’re not scrambling around the day of the event to get their dish made. This way, the only task left is warming up the food.
DON’T dominate the conversation.
As the host, you might feel pressure to always keep the conversation going, but remember to include everyone! Ask open ended questions, encourage the guests to share stories, and avoid monopolizing the discussion.
DON’T forget to express gratitude.
Friendsgiving is all about appreciation for your friends and those close to you. Take a moment before or after dinner to tell your guests how much you appreciate them and how thankful you are to share this celebration with them. Gratitude makes the event more meaningful and reminds everyone why you gathered together in the first place.
No matter how you choose to host your Friendsgiving, what matters most is the laughter and love shared around the table. The heart of Friendsgiving lies in the togetherness of those who make your life a little brighter. Just make sure there’s enough food-and enough friends- to make it unforgettable!
