Thanksgiving’s cooler, more laid-back cousin—Friendsgiving—is your chance to celebrate gratitude with your chosen family. It’s about good vibes, hearty laughs, and making memories with the people who feel like home. Planning to host this festive gathering but unsure how to make it extraordinary? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
From mouthwatering food spreads to creative decor and engaging activities, these Friendsgiving ideas will ensure everyone leaves your party with full hearts (and bellies). Let’s dive into 23 fun and creative ways to make this Friendsgiving unforgettable.
1. Set the Mood with Cozy Decor
Want to make your guests feel warm and welcome? Transform your space into a fall haven. Think string lights, warm-toned candles, and plenty of soft throws and cushions.
Incorporate pumpkins, gourds, and dried flowers for table decor to bring in those autumn vibes. A centerpiece with fall leaves, fairy lights, and pinecones adds a magical touch. Hang a “Thankful for Friends” banner to make the decor more personal.
2. Create a Gratitude Wall
Why not make gratitude the star of the evening? Dedicate a wall for guests to share what they’re thankful for. Provide sticky notes, markers, and some string lights to make it pop.
By the end of the night, you’ll have a heartwarming collage of appreciation that reflects everyone’s feelings. It’s a simple yet impactful way to celebrate the essence of Friendsgiving.
3. Playlist of the Season
Music makes or breaks the vibe. Curate a playlist with a mix of feel-good hits, acoustic tunes, and holiday classics to create a cozy ambiance.
Not sure where to start? Use apps like Spotify or Apple Music for pre-made Friendsgiving playlists. A great playlist will instantly get everyone in the festive spirit.
4. Potluck Style: Sharing Is Caring
Friendsgiving is the perfect opportunity for a potluck. Coordinate dishes with your guests to ensure a diverse spread that suits everyone’s tastes and dietary needs.
Assign appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts to different guests to have a well-rounded meal. Encourage creative twists on traditional dishes to keep things interesting and delicious.
5. A Signature Friendsgiving Cocktail
Impress your crew with a signature drink. Spiced Apple Cider Sangria or a Cranberry Moscow Mule are perfect for this occasion and will set the mood.
Offer non-alcoholic options like hot chocolate with a DIY toppings bar to keep everyone included. It’s all about making sure everyone has something delightful to sip on.
6. Dessert Galore
Nothing says celebration like a dessert table. Alongside classic pies, introduce bite-sized treats like pumpkin cheesecake bars or mini apple crisps for variety.
For added fun, set up a “decorate-your-own-cookie” station. It’s a delicious way to add creativity to your gathering and keeps everyone engaged.
7. Host a Friendsgiving Trivia
How well do your friends know each other? Put it to the test with a Friendsgiving-themed trivia game. Prepare questions about each guest’s quirks, favorite foods, or funny stories from past gatherings.
The trivia game will get everyone laughing and bonding over shared memories. Give a fall-themed prize to the winner for added fun and motivation.
8. A DIY Photo Booth
Capture the night’s memories with a fun photo booth. Use a fall-themed backdrop and props like turkey hats and goofy signs to keep it lively.
You can use a Polaroid camera or a phone tripod for easy snapping. The pictures will make for perfect keepsakes of your Friendsgiving celebration.
9. Gratitude Games
Get everyone involved in a lighthearted gratitude activity. Try something like Gratitude Jenga, where questions like “What made you smile today?” are written on Jenga blocks.
Another option is Thankful Charades, where players act out things they’re grateful for. These activities will have your guests laughing while sharing heartfelt moments.
10. Personalized Place Cards
Make your guests feel special with personalized place cards. Write their names on mini pumpkins, leaves, or wooden slices for a rustic touch.
These personalized cards add a warm, personal touch to the table setting. It’s a great way to show your guests you value them and helps everyone find their seat easily.
11. Buffet-Style Dining
Keep things casual with a buffet setup. Use tiered stands and labeled trays for an organized and visually appealing presentation.
A buffet setup allows guests to serve themselves at their leisure, adding to the relaxed vibe of Friendsgiving. It also encourages everyone to try different dishes without any pressure.
12. Themed Tableware
Elevate your table with themed dinnerware and napkins. Opt for earthy tones like burnt orange and sage green or choose quirky plates with autumn motifs.
Themed tableware creates a cohesive look and enhances the fall atmosphere. It’s these small details that make the gathering feel extra special and memorable.
13. Classic Board Games
Bring out classic games like Codenames, Scattergories, or Pictionary for easy entertainment. Board games are always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any group size.
Have a mix of competitive and collaborative games to suit everyone’s mood. Games bring out the fun, lighthearted energy that makes Friendsgiving a night to remember.
14. Host a Movie Marathon
Wind down the night with a cozy Friendsgiving movie session. Pick feel-good films like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, The Holiday, or episodes of Friends for nostalgic laughs.
The movie marathon can be a great way to end the evening on a relaxing note. Make sure there are plenty of blankets and popcorn for the ultimate cozy experience.
15. Karaoke Corner
Turn up the volume with karaoke. Create a mini stage area with a mic and some fun lighting to add to the atmosphere.
Everyone loves belting out classic tunes, even if they’re off-key. Karaoke is an excellent way to keep the energy high and get everyone involved in the fun.
16. Handwritten Thank You Notes
At the end of the evening, surprise your guests with handwritten thank-you notes expressing why you’re grateful for them. It’s a small gesture but can leave a big impact.
These notes add a personal touch that will make your Friendsgiving stand out. It’s a lovely way to show appreciation for the people who make your life special.
17. Homemade Party Favors
Send everyone home with a little piece of Friendsgiving. Homemade party favors, like mini jars of jam, candles in autumn scents, or bags of spiced nuts, are perfect choices.
These thoughtful take-home gifts give guests something to remember the night by. They also make the celebration feel even more unique and memorable.
18. DIY Decor Workshop
Incorporate a creative twist by hosting a mini DIY decor session during the party. Provide supplies for making fall wreaths or painted pumpkins as take-home mementos.
This activity adds an element of creativity and fun while giving everyone something personal to take home. It’s a great icebreaker and keeps guests entertained throughout the gathering.
19. Pajama Party Friendsgiving
Who says you can’t wear pajamas to dinner? Embrace the cozy vibes with a pajama-themed party where everyone shows up in their comfiest attire.
Bonus points for matching onesies or fall-inspired loungewear. A pajama party keeps the vibe casual and comfortable, perfect for an intimate evening with friends.
20. A Friendsgiving Feast Around the World
Spice things up with an international twist. Ask each guest to bring a dish from a different country to add diversity to your Friendsgiving meal.
You’ll have a global feast that’s full of surprises. It’s an exciting way to learn more about each other’s culinary traditions and try new flavors.
21. Throwback to the 90s
Add a dash of nostalgia with a 90s-themed Friendsgiving. From the music to the decor, take your guests on a trip down memory lane.
Serve classic snacks like pizza rolls and soda floats for the full effect. It’s a perfect way to relive the good old days with your friends.
22. Friendsgiving Fiesta
Turn up the heat with a fiesta-inspired Friendsgiving. Swap out the traditional turkey for tacos, nachos, and margaritas.
Decorate with vibrant colors and play Latin tunes for a lively atmosphere. A fiesta theme is fun, energetic, and a great way to switch things up.
23. Mystery Friendsgiving
Add a touch of intrigue with a mystery-themed party. Create a storyline, assign characters, and let your guests solve a Friendsgiving whodunit while enjoying their meal.
It’s an activity and dinner rolled into one, keeping everyone entertained throughout the night. A mystery theme is perfect for adding a unique twist to your celebration.
Wrap It Up with Gratitude
As the night winds down, gather everyone in a circle to share what they’re most thankful for this year. This moment of reflection will leave everyone feeling connected and uplifted.
By combining thoughtful details, delicious food, and engaging activities, your Friendsgiving is sure to be the talk of the season. After all, it’s the people, laughter, and love that make it truly unforgettable.