You’ve probably heard of Friendsgiving, but have you ever hosted one? It’s such a holiday trend these days, there’s even a definition in Merriam-Webster, which was added in January of this year (2020).
It’s simply a time to gather with friends (sometimes family) around the holidays, specifically Thanksgiving, where you show gratitude and love for one another. Everyone has hectic schedules, so for many friends groups, this is an excuse to get together at least once a year, and has become a fun tradition.
If you’re on the hosting end, here are 11 tips for hosting the perfect Friendsgiving, without getting yourself completely stressed out.
- Make it a potluck and assign something for each party to bring. If you have that one friend who is a self-proclaimed mixologist or bartender, perhaps they can bring the booze. If you have another friend that isn’t great at cooking, maybe they can bring the paper plates and napkins, etc. (which is another tip so you aren’t stuck doing dishes all evening). The host should typically be in charge of the main dish, since it takes longer to cook, and you won’t have to transport it. Order ahead of time and stock up on Good Ranchers meat, then assign everyone else (or let them pick) what to bring. Your main dish can be steak, chicken, ribs, pasta, or whatever you like, there are no set rules here.
- Keep a list of who is bringing what to stay organized. Or if someone has to cancel last minute, you know someone else needs to whip up some delicious mashed potatoes or dessert. Remember, Friendsgiving is a full meal, so make sure you have all the sides, toppings, and the sweets. This includes appetizers or snacks before the big meal. Here are four easy sides for Friendsgiving.
- Be strategic with who is bringing what. If you think a friend may arrive late based on the years you’ve known him or her, then assigning appetizers or drinks probably isn’t the best idea. Maybe she can bring dessert, since she’s likely to show up right before everyone leaves.
- Try to encourage guests to bring their item “ready-to-go.” If it needs to bake or needs a crockpot, knowing that ahead of time will save you a lot of trouble.
- Pick a date, early in the month. Friendsgiving doesn’t have to fall on a certain day. Remember that holidays get busy for everyone, so planning ahead early in the month is ideal.
- Tell guests to bring Tupperware if they want leftovers, assuming there are any. Or, since you’re the host/hostess, you can keep them all. If you don’t want to ask guests to bring Tupperware, add these to your shopping list and have them on hand. It's certainly a nice touch.
- Make sure you have enough food. No one should leave Friendsgiving hungry. This also goes for asking friends to let you know if they are bringing any guests, so you can plan accordingly.
- Make sure you have enough seating. This doesn’t have to be traditional seats at the formal dining table, but make sure everyone has a place and can sit and eat comfortably. Even barstools at the counter are fine, or sitting outside on the deck if the weather is nice. If you live in an apartment, perhaps you can rent out the clubhouse to account for all of your guests.
- Remind your guests about a week before Friendsgiving, so it’s on their calendar and they are still prepared to bring that item they said they would.
- Have fun. This is Friendsgiving after all; you aren’t cooking for your new boss and co-workers. You should be able to be somewhat stress-free and have fun with your friends, because that’s the whole point.
- Bonus points: throw in a theme. You can make it a tacky sweater party, all black and gold, or whatever you want. It’s always nice to have group photos at the end of fun events like this.
Our family at Good Ranchers wishes you the best Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving, and all-around amazing holiday season.
Check out our recent Good Ranchers reviews, and don’t forget to stock up for Friendsgiving with one of our four curated meat subscription boxes and save 20%. Be sure to follow us on Pinterest too.
Please note: Good Ranchers prices, packages, availability and locations may change.