She Strengthens

Gather ‘Round: The Ultimate Guide to a Stress-Free Friendsgiving

The Spirit of Friendsgiving

Friends are the family we choose, and what better way to celebrate that bond than with a festive dinner party? Friendsgiving is the perfect opportunity to kick off the winter season with your closest pals. And, with a little planning, it can be a stress-free and unforgettable experience.

Planning the Perfect Gathering

Schedule with Care

Avoid conflicting with actual Thanksgiving plans and schedule your Friendsgiving at least a week before or after the big day. This ensures everyone can attend and you won’t ruffle any feathers.

Enlist Help

Hosting a multi-course meal solo can be overwhelming. Recruit a friend to co-host and share the responsibilities. This way, you can focus on enjoying the company of your friends.

Potluck Perfection

Make it a potluck-style Friendsgiving to save time and ensure everyone has a dish they love. Assign categories (appetizer, salad, side, dessert, etc.) and have each guest sign up for a contribution. Don’t forget to remind them to text beforehand if their dish requires refrigeration or a warmup.

Appetizers Made Easy

Keep appetizers simple and stress-free with options like chips and guacamole, meat and cheese trays, or a bowl of olive tapenade. These quick and easy choices will get the party started without breaking a sweat.

Rethinking the Turkey

Ditch the traditional turkey if it’s not your thing! Consider alternative options like rotisserie chicken, chicken wings, or a plant-based main course. This will save you time, money, and hassle.

Dietary Delights

Respect your friends’ dietary restrictions by offering vegan, gluten-free, and other options. Ask about food allergies and preferences when sending out invitations to ensure everyone feels included.

Seating Solutions

Get creative with seating arrangements to accommodate your space constraints. Consider a Friendsgiving picnic, standing happy hour, or using lap desks and giant books to create cozy eating areas.

The Perfect Playlist

Create a playlist that sets the tone for your gathering. Ask friends to share their favorite tunes, stick to upbeat tracks, and mix old and new songs for a unique blend.

Ice, Ice, Baby

Don’t forget to stock up on ice for cold beverages. Divide it into containers in your freezer and store the rest in coolers or bowls in the kitchen.

Real Dishes Only

Ditch single-use plastics and paper plates for real dishes and utensils. Visit thrift stores for a fun and eclectic mix of plates, and make cleanup a breeze.

Cleanup Crew

Plan ahead for post-party cleanup by asking a few close friends to join the cleanup crew. Reward them with sparkling wine or a late-night snack, and make the task more enjoyable with a fun playlist.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a stress-free and unforgettable Friendsgiving celebration. So, go ahead and send out those invites – it’ll be worth it!