Friendsgiving Ideas to Host a Cozy Gathering

Friendsgiving Ideas for Celebrating

potluck dinner party
One of the easiest and most inclusive Friendsgiving party ideas is to throw a potluck dinner party. Not only does this approach ease the burden on the host, but it also allows everyone to contribute their favorite dishes to the Friendsgiving menu.

To keep things organized, send out your Friendsgiving invitation with a shared online document where guests can sign up to bring different types of dishes. Gaby recommends dividing the meal into categories like appetizers, main courses, sides and desserts to ensure a well-rounded Friendsgiving table. You might want to suggest some classic Thanksgiving dishes, like mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie to keep that traditional vibe, or simply go with your guests’ favorite seasonal dishes. Offer general guidelines—like a vegetarian option or a classic comfort food favorite—to accommodate all dietary needs.

Looking for an easy Friendsgiving dish to bring this year? Try Gaby’s Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese, which she created just for us. Rich and hearty, this dish works as a side for just about any menu while also serving as a vegetarian main. Gaby says, “It’s the perfect dish for an event like this because you can prep it ahead, parbake it and then ask the host for 15 minutes of oven time to finish it before serving!”

As the host, Gaby also recommends creating a station for drinks. “Have a designated drink area with a signature cocktail, wine and non-alcoholic options,” she recommends. “It’s one less thing for you to worry about during the event.”

With a little planning, your Friendsgiving gathering will have a well-rounded spread of delicious food, leaving everyone free to enjoy the fun and good company.

host a bake off
If you are looking for some Friendsgiving activities, you can try adding a bake-off to add a little friendly competition to your Friendsgiving party. Ask each guest to bring their best dessert creation, and let everyone vote on their favorite. You could even offer a small prize for the winner, making the event even more memorable. Guests can stick to seasonal classics like pumpkin, pecan or cranberry desserts or make their favorite treat like chocolate chip cookies or lemon bars. A bake-off satisfies everyone’s sweet tooth while adding a little excitement to the event.

give back
Make your Friendsgiving celebration even more meaningful by encouraging your guests to donate non-perishable food items to a local food bank. Adding a charitable element to your Thanksgiving celebration helps foster a sense of community and gratitude, making the gathering more than just about food and fun.

Another option is to find a charity that directly supports families in need. Gaby says “My family and our friends have worked with various charities over the years to kick off the holiday season and support a family in need. We always get this rolling right around Thanksgiving!”

gift exchange
Wrap up your Friendsgiving gathering with a festive gift exchange. Set a budget, like gifts under $25 or under $50, and ask guests to bring a wrapped gift to swap. It's a fun way to end the evening with laughter and perhaps a few surprises. For Friendsgiving gift ideas, be sure to check out our guides on gifts under $25 and gifts under $50 for inspiration. (You can’t go wrong with our Monochrome candles!)

Creating a Cozy Friendsgiving Atmosphere

choosing friendsgiving decorations for a warm ambiance
Creating the right atmosphere for your Friendsgiving is key to making your guests feel comfortable. Gaby advises keeping it simple with candles, throws, a really beautiful centerpiece and great music.

You can also use string lights and candles for a soft, warm glow, and incorporate seasonal colors like deep oranges, reds, and browns for a cozy, autumnal vibe. Add natural elements like pumpkins and dried flowers for that perfect Thanksgiving-themed decor.

Looking for inspiration? Check out our fall home decor shop to find stylish fall Friendsgiving essentials that will help create a festive ambiance.

choosing the right tableware and dinnerware
Your Friendsgiving table should reflect the relaxed, welcoming feel of the party. Opt for ceramic or stoneware dishes for a casual yet stylish look. Elevate your everyday white dinnerware with seasonal touches like a linen napkin, placemats or chargers. Gaby designed her dinnerware collaboration with us to be easy to dress up or dress down with hand-finished touches that give it a timeless look that won’t go out of style.

And don’t forget to stock up on wine glasses and cocktail glasses for the perfect toast! The right tableware will elevate your Friendsgiving menu while keeping things stress-free.

Browse our Thanksgiving entertaining collections, including cocktail glasses and wine glasses, to make your table shine.

creating a festive friendsgiving centerpiece
A beautiful centerpiece can elevate your Friendsgiving table. For Friendsgiving theme ideas, think seasonal! In-season touches like pumpkins, autumn leaves, or dried flowers make for a simple yet festive display.

For those looking to make a statement, our faux stems and branches and decorative objects offer plenty of options to craft the perfect centerpiece for your Friendsgiving gathering. Plus, they can be reused throughout the season and split into bigger or smaller arrangements as needed for added versatility.

tips for seating arrangements and table decor
To make your seating feel intimate but not cramped, try using a round or communal dining table that encourages conversation. While you can group friends who know each other together, Gaby advises, “try to mix and match friends from different walks of life so people are seated next to someone they can have a fun new convo with!”

For table decor, layering is key—start with table linens or runners, then add personal touches like handwritten name cards or even personalized napkins. Don’t forget to check out our collection of napkins, napkin rings and other tabletop decor to complete your table setup. You can also browse our tablecloths and runners for an elegant finishing touch to your Friendsgiving table.

Conclusion

With the right Friendsgiving ideas and a little creativity, your celebration will be as unique and special as the people around your table. The best part according to Gaby Dalkin? “You get to make your own rules, create a cozy vibe, and focus on spending time with your friends. It’s all about the community and shared love for good food!”

Whether it's gathering around a potluck spread of delicious Friendsgiving food ideas or simply enjoying each other’s company in a warm, inviting space, a Friendsgiving celebration is the perfect way to honor the joy of friendship and gratitude.