01

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Go Big Batch

Adam Albright

Plan out your Friendsgiving drinks a few days before the party. There's no need to whip up single-serve cocktails for every guest—a big batch of punch is sure to get the party started. Plus, we're obsessed with how fun the garnishes are in this gorgeous punch bowl setup.

02

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Fun Shortcuts

SAVE

Hannah Bigot

This turkey may look like a lot of work, but purchased hummus and a simple piping technique are all it takes. Surround the hummus with presliced veggies and you've got a party-worthy platter in no time! Cut the veggies the day before to save time on the day of the gathering. Day-of, arrange the veggies around the hummus and keep it in the refrigerator until guests arrive.

03

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Set the Table

Carson Downing

You don't have to set a formal table for Friendsgiving—but that doesn't mean you can't get creative with the place settings! Even if you're setting the table with paper plates and paper napkins, adding a festive name card for each guest will elevate the celebration.

04

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Slow Cooker Shortcuts

Karla Conrad

The best Friendsgiving recipes are easy ones! Free up oven space and make just about anything in your slow cooker. Everyone loves slow cooker casseroles and sides, but how about pie? Our pumpkin slow cooker pie is quick, easy, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

05

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Send an Invite

Carson Downing

Never end up with three sides of mashed potatoes again! This fun (and free!) printable Friendsgiving invite lets you assign dishes, drinks, and serving ware to your guests. Hosting never looked easier.

06

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Skip Dinner

Jason Donnelly

Save the dinner meal for Thanksgiving Day and host a festive Friendsgiving brunch instead! Invite everyone over for a tasty meal of pumpkin cinnamon rolls, sweet potato hash, and apple crisp.

07

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Make an Edible Centerpiece

Carson Downing

Skip a fancy centerpiece for Friendsgiving and create an edible showstopper instead. To make, simply pile cheese and crackers on a cake stand. Arrange fresh grapes around the bottom and you're ready to start snacking.

08

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Try Turkey Breast

Andy Lyons

Juicy BBQ turkey breast is one of our favorite Friendsgiving recipes. A turkey breast is easier to cook than the whole bird and doesn't require any carving—simply slice and serve at dinnertime.

09

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Double-Duty Dessert

Hannah Bigot

No need to make dessert and party favors. Instead, whip up a fun, shortcut dessert that doubles as an adorable take-home item.

10

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Take Shortcuts

Marty Baldwin

Instant is A-OK! Instead of peeling, prepping, and boiling loads of potatoes, try a simple shortcut. Dress up instant mashed potatoes with creamy herb cheese—no one has to know this Friendsgiving side dish wasn't made from scratch.

11

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Non-Traditional Cuisine

Andy Lyons

Turkey and mashed potatoes are staples of Thanksgiving dinner, but feel free to get creative with your Friendsgiving spread. We have dozens of Thanksgiving menus to inspire your Friendsgiving cuisine, including a Hawaiian dinner menu and Cajun-inspired Thanksgiving recipes. For a potluck-style dinner, announce the theme ahead of time and have every guest sign up for a side dish.

12

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Tabletop Games

Keep 'em entertained with simple games scattered on the tabletop. From classics like peg jumping to mini Chinese checkers, a simple game will draw guests to the table and encourage a little friendly competition.

13

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DIY Decor

Kip Dawkins

Use your Friendsgiving decor to show off the ones you love. Decorate for the party with a sentimental photo garland. Simply print black and white photos of attendees and string them on a piece of twine. After Friendsgiving, let guests take their photos with them—or save them to display next year.

14

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Assembly-Only Apps

Con Poulos

Stick to assembly-only appetizers to save time and stress. Put out a pretty cheese platter filled with purchased nuts, olives, and fruit. Or, go even simpler with a trio of bar snacks like potato chips, nuts, and olives.

15

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Free Up Fridge Space

Ray Kachatorian

Room in the refrigerator can be tight during party time. Free up valuable space by moving your beverage station outside. Simply fill a large bowl or tub with ice and fill with bottles of beer and water.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How early is too early for Friendsgiving?
• It's best to celebrate this holiday as close to Thanksgiving as possible. That's why most people will schedule Friendsgiving the weekend before or after Thanksgiving. Of course, there are no rules, so pick whatever day works best for your group.
• How do you invite guests to Friendsgiving?
• Just like any other event, send out invitations stating the date, time, location, and when guests should RSVP by. You can send these invites through the mail or send free, digital invitations. If it's a potluck, just make sure to add info about what dishes guests should bring.
• Is Friendsgiving always a potluck?
• Usually, everyone will bring a dish to Friendsgiving so that everyone is contributing to the meal. However, it's also possible that the host is planning on making the entire meal themselves. If you're attending someone else's Friendsgiving, make sure to check in with them ahead of time to see what they want you to bring.