For about the past 10 years, I have hosted or attended a Friendsgiving during the holidays. Friendsgiving is similar to Thanksgiving, except instead of just you and your family, it’s a group of your friends. Hopefully, since it’s your friends, it will be less stressful than family (keyword “hopefully”). Since I have partaken in this tradition for several years, I wanted to share some tips for hosting this event.
Hosting
Now, hosting is a significant role with any holiday or event so make sure that you’re up for the tasks. It’s the job that has the most responsibility, and there’s not much in the way of relaxing. My advice to you, is if you’re going to be a host/hostess do not be a hostzilla (did I create a new word?). You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? That host that is extremely strict and stressed out to where the guests are walking on eggshells (Oh yeah, I’m sorry to report, I’ve been that gal). You and everyone else just wants to have a good time, so keep it light. Remember, you don’t have to do everything as the host. It’s perfectly acceptable to rely on your friends for assistance.
Invite List
You need friends, so if you don’t have any go out and get some (haha, I kid). Seriously though, make sure that you know that your friends are interested and able to make it. Make sure it’s a good group of friends. For me, I would also invite the friends and coworkers that didn’t have a place to go for Thanksgiving as it’s not always fun being alone on the holidays.
Menu
One of my favorite part of this holiday is the food. You can go with a traditional Thanksgiving menu or choose a theme (such as Italian or Thai). Themes are always fun, and you can get creative. Also and this is extremely important, you don’t have to cook everything. In fact, I recommend that you allow your friends to bring dishes. You should be responsible for the main dishes (for example, Turkey if you’re going traditional). Be sure to check to see if your friends have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. It’s also advisable for you and those bringing dishes to create a sheet listing the ingredients.
Set the Mood
Setting the mood is all about the vibe that you want everyone to experience. Ask yourself, “what do I want my friends to feel when they arrive and throughout the night?” Once you find the answer, you will pick your music and arrange the lighting. If you like to decorate, feel free to go all out. Personally, I will go with mood lighting, some old vinyl playing Frank Sinatra, and a fantastic table setting. As the host, this is up for you to determine.
Activities
There may be time before and after dinner where a group of your friends won’t be sitting down eating, so having activities for everyone is always a good idea. Before dinner, my advice would be to have a social time. Provide cocktails (or mocktails) and some good music and let your friends mingle. After dinner, it’s the perfect time for games or a holiday movie (or both). Party games are essential to get the group active since everyone will be full from dinner.
Cleanup
Now whether your the host or a guest, since it’s Friendsgiving, don’t be shy about cleaning up as a group. At least for clearing the table, beverages, and getting some of the small dishes clean. Allow the larger dishes to soak overnight.
Friendsgiving is all about friendships, not about you as the host doing everything. If you’re friend “J” wants to bring pizza, let him bring the pizza. It might be because he wants to contribute and that’s all he has in his bag of tricks (real-life story). Remember it’s not about the food or you being the host, but you all gathering to enjoy each other’s company. Above all, enjoy yourself.
Side note: This article is based on my personal experiences as a hostess.
This article is not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned above. However, some of the links may contain affiliate links which may generate revenue for the site when clicked, or when a purchase occurs. The information in this post is my thoughts and preferences.
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