Friendsgiving is all about good vibes with your closest friends. Kids or no kids.
Whether you’re celebrating before or after the actual Thanksgiving day (we already had our Thanksgiving in Canada…in October), let’s be real – turkey overload is real.
Offtopic, but does turkey make anyone else really, really sleepy?
For me it sure does.
I think I heard that it has something to do with tryptophan but I mean come on, there can’t be that much in a few pieces of turkey, can there?!
Maybe it psychological.
Ok, back to Friendsgiving.
There are so many tasty options out there that skip the turkey altogether.
I’ve got 30+ amazing Friendsgiving food ideas that don’t involve turkey, so you can keep things fresh and yummy this year – and stay awake!
Friendsgiving Dinner Party Ideas
Okay, so who’s ready to throw the ultimate Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving is all about celebrating your chosen fam with cozy vibes, good food, and way too much laughter.
Whether you’re going for a cozy, laid-back dinner or a full-on festive feast, I’ve got some rad ideas to make this Friendsgiving totally unforgettable.
Let’s get those invites out and start planning the most epic night with your besties!
1. Potluck Party Only
Friendsgiving is all about sharing, so keep it simple with a potluck where everyone brings a dish. This way, everyone gets to contribute, and you don’t have to handle everything yourself.
Just start a group chat to coordinate dishes and you’ll end up with a great variety on the table.
2. DIY Charcuterie on a Budget
Charcuterie boards look impressive but don’t need to be pricey. Pick up affordable cheeses, crackers, fruits, and a couple of dips, then arrange them on a wooden board or large plate.
Throw in a few extras like nuts or chocolate for a quick, photogenic snack spread without spending too much.
3. Easy Crockpot Sides
Let me tell you mamas, I loooove my Crockpot. Let a Crockpot do the work for at least one of the sides. Pre-made mashed potatoes or stuffing work well and can be kept warm without any hassle.
It frees up oven space for other dishes, and you won’t have to keep running to the microwave to reheat things.
4. Comfort Food Appetizers
Small bites like mac n cheese bites, mini quesadillas, or sweet potato fries are easy and popular. You can find them frozen or make them yourself, depending on how much time you have. I’ll assume for the mamas with kiddos…not much!
Either way, they’re perfect for nibbling on while waiting for the main dishes.
5. Bring Your Own Mug + Cocoa Bar
Outsourcing! Have everyone bring their favorite mug and set up a hot cocoa bar with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and toppings like crushed candy canes. It’s a simple but cozy way to offer dessert, and everyone can customize their drink to their liking.
6. Cozy Blanket Fort for Chilling
If there are lots of kids attending, how about doing something kid-friendly and….just for them.
If you have a large living space, you can transform the hangout area by setting up a simple blanket fort with fairy lights and cozy blankets for an instant, relaxed feel. It’s a great place for everyone to gather, chat, and unwind after dinner.
Plus, it’s easy to put together with just a few blankets, chairs, and any string lights you have on hand.
If you’re short on space, how about a spare bedroom, a corner of a living room, or even the basement. I find that kids aren’t picky when it comes to fun (only when it comes to eating).
7. Mocktail Station for Custom Drinks
Set up a small area with juices, sparkling water, and fruit garnishes for a DIY mocktail station. This way, everyone can create their own fun drink, even if it’s non-alcoholic. It’s a thoughtful way to make everyone feel included, and the drinks look cute in photos too.
And of course you can incorporate alcohol to make it a full-on cocktail station if that’s part of the plan.
8. Low-Maintenance Dessert Spread
Instead of baking all day, grab a mix of store-bought desserts like mini pies, cookies, and brownies. Lay them out on a tray or platter for an easy dessert table that looks festive with almost zero effort.
Adding a few seasonal items like apple cider donuts or pumpkin bars adds an autumn feel without extra work.
9. Polaroid Wall for Memory-Making
If someone has a Polaroid camera, set up a spot for taking pics and hanging them up on the wall as the night goes on. It’s a fun way to capture moments and decorate at the same time. By the end of the night, you’ll have a whole wall of memories that everyone can look back on.
If not, pull out the iphone, add some Insta filters, and share the fun pics with the group!
10. Board Games and Cards After Dinner
After you’ve eaten, pull out some simple card games or board games for a relaxed, fun way to keep the night going. Games like Uno, Cards Against Humanity, or even a good old-fashioned deck of cards are low-key but can lead to hours of laughter. No one needs to be a pro, it’s just something to keep the conversation and laughs going.
Maybe keep the poker out of it, unless that’s your vibe.
Friendsgiving Theme Ideas
So, you’re ready to take Friendsgiving to the next level with a theme?
A fun theme can totally transform the night and make it a vibe everyone will be talking about. Whether you’re feeling cozy, glam, or a little retro, I’ve got some awesome theme ideas to make this Friendsgiving unforgettable.
Let’s make it the most epic night with your besties!
11. Cozy Cabin Night
Set a warm, rustic tone with lots of plaid, candles, and cozy blankets. Think log cabin vibes with wooden serving trays, mason jar glasses, and pinecone decorations. This theme feels like a mini escape to the mountains and is perfect for a relaxed, intimate Friendsgiving gathering.
12. Retro 90s Throwback
Turn back the clock with a 90s-themed Friendsgiving full of nostalgia. Set up a playlist with hits from the era, ask everyone to dress in 90s-inspired outfits, and consider serving up some iconic snacks like pizza rolls and chips with dip. Add in neon colors, disposable cameras, and retro games to complete the look.
13. Picnic-Style Floor Feast
Create a chill, picnic-style vibe by setting up blankets and low tables, and have everyone sit on the floor. Scatter cushions around for comfort and set up mini stations with snacks and drinks so everyone can just grab and chill. This setup brings a cozy, communal feel to the gathering and is super photo-friendly.
14. International Potluck
Celebrate global flavors with an international potluck theme, where everyone brings a dish from a different country. It’s a fun way to try new foods and learn about different cultures while sharing a meal. Set up small flags or labels for each dish so everyone knows what they’re trying.
15. Fall Festival
Capture the fun of a fall festival with pumpkins, hay bales, and festive decor. Decorate with mini gourds, string lights, and plaid tablecloths to bring the season inside. If you have the space, consider a DIY caramel apple station or a mini pumpkin-painting activity to keep everyone entertained.
16. All White Everything
Go for a chic, minimal look with an all-white theme. White table settings, candles, flowers, and even white foods like cheese boards and mashed potatoes give the party a sleek, modern feel. It’s super elegant and easy to pull together, plus it makes the food the centerpiece of the night.
17. Movie Marathon Night
Pair Friendsgiving with a movie marathon of all-time classics or everyone’s favorite flicks. Set up cozy seating with pillows and blankets, dim the lights, and prepare lots of popcorn and movie snacks. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy the holiday with a mix of food and entertainment.
18. “Friends” TV Show Theme
If you and your friends love the show Friends, base the night around it with iconic details from the series. Name the dishes after episodes or characters, set up a photo spot with “Central Perk” mugs, and throw in references like Monica’s famous Thanksgiving turkey. Dress up as your favorite character to take it to the next level.
19. Glitter and Glam
For a more upscale Friendsgiving, go with a glitter and glam theme, with metallic table decor, twinkling lights, and elegant glassware. Encourage guests to dress up a bit, even if it’s just for fun at home. The sparkly vibe will make it feel like a special event, perfect for a memorable night.
20. Breakfast for Dinner
Switch things up with a breakfast-themed Friendsgiving. Serve brunch favorites like pancakes, waffles, and bacon with mimosas or coffee. It’s easy to prepare, and everyone loves breakfast food. Plus, breakfast is always a hit and makes for a unique twist on the usual dinner.
Friendsgiving Aesthetic – Tips for a Fabulous Dinner
If you’re aiming for a Friendsgiving that’s not just fun but also seriously aesthetic, I got you!
From table settings to cozy lighting and Insta-worthy details, these tips will help you create a Friendsgiving vibe that’s pure magic.
21. Go with a Monochrome Color Palette
Choose one color and stick with different shades of it throughout your decor. A monochrome palette brings a cohesive, elevated look without much effort. Whether you go for warm neutrals, deep greens, or even bold jewel tones, this aesthetic is easy to pull off and instantly makes the space feel stylish.
22. Mix Textures for a Cozy Feel
Combine textures like velvet, linen, and faux fur for a layered, inviting table and seating setup. Use a mix of soft throws, textured napkins, and even some knit placemats. The variety of textures adds depth to the aesthetic and keeps things visually interesting without needing tons of extra decor.
23. Play with Dried Flowers and Grasses
Opt for dried flowers, pampas grass, or wheat stems instead of fresh flowers. They bring a rustic, earthy look that’s perfect for fall and can be reused for future gatherings. Arrange them in vases of different sizes for a natural centerpiece that feels effortless yet put-together.
24. Use Candle Clusters for Warm Lighting
Place clusters of different-sized candles along the table for a soft, warm glow. Mix pillar candles, votives, and tea lights for an inviting, layered effect that instantly makes the space feel more intimate. If you’re worried about open flames, go for LED candles for the same effect.
25. Add Small, Personal Touches
Make your Friendsgiving feel special by adding personalized touches, like handwritten place cards or mini name tags on each setting. It’s a small detail that makes each guest feel welcome and adds a little flair to the table. Bonus: it’s also super inexpensive to make!
26. Mix Vintage and Modern Tableware
Blend old and new by mixing modern plates with vintage glasses or retro silverware. It creates a unique aesthetic with character, and you don’t have to buy a whole matching set. Thrift stores are perfect for finding those one-of-a-kind pieces to pull this look together.
27. Go Green with Eco-Friendly Decor
Create a sustainable aesthetic by using eco-friendly items like reusable cloth napkins, bamboo cutlery, or biodegradable plates if you’re keeping it casual. Add fresh greenery as centerpieces, like eucalyptus leaves, which also smell amazing. It’s a great way to keep things stylish and environmentally friendly.
28. Use Dark, Moody Colors
Opt for a dark, moody palette with rich colors like navy, deep burgundy, or forest green. Pair these tones with gold accents or black candles for an elevated, modern look. This aesthetic feels bold and dramatic, perfect for a dinner that feels just a little fancy.
29. Embrace Minimalism with Clean Lines
For a simple, refined aesthetic, go minimalist with just the essentials on the table. White dishes, simple glassware, and a single small centerpiece keep things looking polished. The minimal look feels timeless and elegant, putting the focus on the food and the company.
30. Add Edible Decor
Use foods like pomegranates, figs, or fresh herbs as decor on the table. They bring in natural color and texture and can be used in dishes or eaten as snacks later. Edible decor is practical and beautiful, adding an organic feel that’s perfect for Friendsgiving.
An Easy Friendsgiving
Don’t let this holiday be stressful for you. If you have little family and want to enjoy this holiday, then host a friendsgiving party!
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