How to Throw a Fun (and Effortless) Friendsgiving Everyone Will Remember

Thanksgiving might be about family, but Friendsgiving? That’s where the real fun begins. It’s cozy without being formal, sentimental without being stuffy, and the food doesn’t have to be perfect — just shared. Whether you’re hosting your first Friendsgiving in a tiny apartment or planning a big get-together with your chosen family, this guide will help you throw a night that’s fun, memorable, and a little bit magical.

1. Set the Mood

The best Friendsgiving dinners feel warm, inviting, and real — like everyone can kick off their shoes and laugh too loud.

Start with lighting. Overhead lights can feel harsh, so swap them for warm lamps, candles, or string lights. Scatter tea lights down the center of the table or hang fairy lights around the room. The goal is to make the space glow.

Next, choose a color palette that feels autumnal but fresh: think muted terracotta, deep green, rust, beige, or even a hint of blush. If your furniture is neutral, let your tableware and florals bring in the color.

Pro tip: If you don’t own matching plates or glasses (no shame, most of us don’t), mix and match them! The mismatched look feels casual and effortlessly stylish.

2. Make the Table the Star

A beautiful table doesn’t need to cost much. Start with a simple base: a neutral tablecloth, kraft paper roll, or even a cozy blanket used as a table runner.

Then, layer texture:

• Add dried flowers, pampas grass, or eucalyptus branches.

• Mix in pumpkins (real or faux) for height and warmth.

• Use old wine bottles or mason jars as candle holders.

You can also make it interactive: leave gratitude cards at each seat for guests to fill out. Everyone can share one thing they’re thankful for before dessert. It adds a heartwarming moment that always leads to laughter (and sometimes happy tears).

3. The Food: Keep It Potluck-Style

One person cooking a full Thanksgiving meal? That’s a recipe for burnout. Friendsgiving is about community, so make it a potluck.

Create a shared document or group chat where everyone signs up for a dish — that way, you don’t end up with five mac & cheeses (though honestly, that wouldn’t be the worst thing).

Here’s an easy breakdown:

• Host: Main course (like roast chicken, turkey breast, or veggie lasagna)

• Guests: Sides, desserts, and drinks

• Someone creative: The signature cocktail

If you want to make things extra special, set a theme. Try “Global Thanksgiving” where everyone brings a dish inspired by their culture, or “Cozy Comfort Foods” for a laid-back feast of casseroles, soups, and pies.

Pro tip: If your oven is tiny or you’re short on cookware, ask guests to bring food already heated — or rent a hot plate or buffet warmer for the night.

4. Drinks That Bring the Vibes

Friendsgiving deserves more than boxed wine (though we love a chill rosé moment). Make a signature cocktail — something autumnal and easy to batch.

Try:

• Apple Cider Sangria: White wine, apple cider, brandy, cinnamon sticks, and sliced fruit.

• Maple Bourbon Smash: Bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and ginger beer.

• Cranberry Mimosa: Champagne + cranberry juice for a festive touch.

Set up a DIY drink station with glasses, garnishes, and a few non-alcoholic options like spiced tea or sparkling apple juice. It doubles as décor and makes guests feel at home.

5. Music & Ambiance

No great party is complete without a great playlist. You want something that flows — soft indie or acoustic music for dinner, then upbeat throwbacks once dessert hits.

A few playlist ideas:

• “Coffeehouse Autumn” (cozy acoustic vibes)

• “Friendsgiving Feels” (soulful and nostalgic)

• “Dancing After Pie” (fun and chaotic post-dinner tunes)

  
  

You can also make it interactive: have everyone add a few of their favorite songs beforehand. By the end of the night, you’ll have a playlist full of shared memories.

6. Don’t Forget Dessert

You don’t have to bake a fancy pie from scratch (though if you do, we’ll cheer you on). Keep it simple with:

• Store-bought pumpkin or pecan pie — dress it up with whipped cream and cinnamon.

• A dessert board — brownies, cookies, fruits, and candies arranged artfully.

• S’mores dip — chocolate and marshmallows baked in a pan, served with graham crackers.

  
  

You could even make a fun “Pie Swap” where each guest brings one pie, and everyone samples slices from each.

7. Add a Little Fun

After dinner, keep the energy going with an activity or game.Try:

• “Most Likely To” Thanksgiving edition (“Most likely to eat leftovers for breakfast”)

• Charades or Pictionary

• Photo booth corner with a backdrop of fairy lights or fall leaves

  
  

You can even make it sentimental by having everyone share their favorite memory from the past year or a goal for the next one.

8. Embrace the Imperfections

Here’s the secret to a great Friendsgiving: it doesn’t have to be perfect. The candles might burn unevenly, someone will spill wine, and the mashed potatoes might be a little lumpy — but that’s what makes it real.

Your friends won’t remember if your napkins matched. They’ll remember the laughter, the shared food, the cozy chaos of it all.

So take a deep breath, put on that playlist, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy the night.

Because the truth is, Friendsgiving isn’t about the perfect setup. It’s about being surrounded by people who feel like home.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Morning After

If you’re the host, plan a cozy breakfast for the next morning (especially if people crash overnight). Think pancakes, coffee, and leftover pie. It’s the perfect way to end the weekend — full, happy, and grateful.