Planning the Ultimate Friendsgiving Without the Stress

Friendsgiving is the holiday’s cooler cousin. It’s less about perfection and more about connection. Whether you're hosting five close friends or opening your doors to a full house, your gathering can feel warm, stylish, and low-pressure, all at the same time.

This guide is all about helping you plan a Friendsgiving that feels like you: relaxed and full of moments worth remembering (and yes, Tik Tok’ing). So light a candle, grab your favorite mug, and let’s walk through how to pull it off with intention and ease.

1. Set the Tone (And the Date)

Don’t wait until the last minute to plan. With everyone juggling busy schedules and travel plans, aim to choose your date early, ideally 2–3 weeks before Thanksgiving. It doesn’t have to be a weekend. A Thursday night Friendsgiving with cozy vibes and leftovers for lunch the next day? Yes, please.

Once the date’s locked in, choose a vibe:

• Cozy candlelight dinner

• Casual potluck and football

• Brunch & board games

• Wine & dessert night

Pro Tip: Send a quick text poll or use a scheduling app to pick your date. Once it’s official, follow up with a real invite (email, group chat, or a pretty Canva graphic).

2. Make It a Potluck—but Keep It Coordinated

A potluck is the easiest way to make hosting feel doable, but the key is coordination. You don’t want three pans of mac and cheese (well… maybe you do). Assign categories or create a shared Google Sheet so guests can claim their dish.

Suggested categories:

• Main (Turkey, glazed ham, fried chicken, vegan loaf)

• Sides (mac & cheese, green beans, stuffing, yams, etc.)

• Drinks (alcoholic + non-alcoholic)

• Desserts (cakes, pies, sweet potato anything)

And remember: hosting still means guiding the vision. Don’t be afraid to nudge people toward what’s needed.

3. Don’t Overdo the Decor

A little goes a long way. Stick to a few thoughtful touches that set the mood:

• A neutral fall tablescape with real or faux pumpkins

• Taper candles or fairy lights

• Printed menu cards or place settings with guests’ names

• A kraft paper runner where people can write what they’re thankful for

Bonus: You can use what you already have. Mismatched chairs? Cozy. A mix of plates? Intentional.

4. Curate the Vibes

Music matters. Create a playlist that matches your mood – acoustic chill, 90s R&B, indie-folk, or feel-good throwbacks. This is not the time for awkward silence or YouTube ads.

And yes, Friendsgiving traditions are a thing. Here are a few ideas:

• Everyone shares what they’re grateful for

• Host a “best dish” vote with a small prize

• Set up a photo wall or DIY Polaroid station

• Friendsgiving Bingo (you can find templates online!)

5. Don’t Forget the Flow

Even casual gatherings need structure. Think through the night:

• What time should guests arrive?

• When will you eat?

• Is there a toast or game?

• Who helps with cleanup?

Having a loose timeline means you can be present and keep things moving.

6. Create a Moment of Gratitude

This is what makes Friendsgiving special. Carve out 10–15 minutes for something intentional:

• Go around the table and share something meaningful

• Write down notes of gratitude and pass them around

• Create a memory jar to open next year

These are the moments that make your gathering more than just dinner.

7. Bonus: Download the Hosting Company Friendsgiving Checklist

To help you stay on track, we’ve created a downloadable checklist with everything you need, from invite timelines to grocery store runs. Print it out, stick it on the fridge, and check things off as you go.

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Friendsgiving isn’t about Pinterest perfection; it’s about people. It’s the laughter while serving seconds, the stories told over sweet potato pie, and the love you feel when your home is filled with friends who feel like family.

With just a little planning and a lot of heart, you can host a Friendsgiving that’s effortless, beautiful, and uniquely you.

Don’t forget to grab your free checklist and tag us @WeAreTheHostingCo when you set your table! We love to see how you celebrate.