Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude. But what if you're not able to spend the holiday with your family, or you just want to mix things up a bit? That's where Friendsgiving comes in.
Hosting a Thanksgiving party with friends is a fun way to create new traditions and celebrate the spirit of togetherness. In this blog post, we're going to walk you through the steps of hosting the ultimate Friendsgiving bash, with a special focus on everyone's favorite crowd-pleaser: food.
Friendsgiving doesn't have to be stuffy and traditional. Inject some fun into your celebration.
Extend the Invite.
Before you dive into party planning, you need a guest list. Whether it's your close-knit group of pals or an eclectic mix of acquaintances, sending out fun and festive invitations can set the tone for the whole event.
Consider digital invites with Thanksgiving-themed graphics or even host a virtual Friendsgiving planning session to brainstorm party ideas together.
If you're looking to host a get-together that's a little more out-of-the-box, opt for a themed party that has nothing to do with Thanksgiving. Last year, for example, our Friendsgiving theme was Movie Night. Everyone came dressed as their favorite movie character and, in conjunction with our Thanksgiving food favorites, had desserts and drinks all themed with our favorite movies.
Set the Tone
Friendsgiving doesn't have to be stuffy and traditional. Inject some fun into your celebration with decorations. Think outside the cornucopia with DIY crafts and décor ideas like painted pumpkins, fall foliage, and colorful fall leaves scattered across your dining table. You can even encourage guests to bring a quirky Thanksgiving-themed decoration to add to the mix.
If you want to skip the Thanksgiving motif altogether, settle on a theme that's fun for you and your friends and run with that.
A Flavorful Start
Charcuterie boards are the ideal way to kick off your Friendsgiving feast. These visually stunning spreads of cured meats, cheeses, and various accompaniments not only taste amazing but also make for an eye-catching centerpiece. Here's how to create a show-stopping charcuterie board that will wow your guests:
Choose a Variety of Meats and Cheeses
When assembling your charcuterie board, select a diverse assortment of meats and cheeses to cater to different tastes. Opt for classics like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo for your meats, and include a range of cheeses such as brie, cheddar, and gouda. Don't forget to throw in a slice of creamy goat cheese for added flavor diversity.
If you know what your friends like to eat, make sure to add that to the board. A charcuterie board full of weird cheese that no one eats is no fun.
Add a Mix of Sweet and Savory
The beauty of a charcuterie board lies in its balance of flavors and textures. Complement your meats and cheeses with sweet and savory components. Fig preserves, honey, and fruit like grapes or apple slices are fantastic choices. For a savory twist, include pickles, olives, and mustard.
Sometimes we even add a few sweet treats, like chocolate, to our boards for a great variety.
Incorporate Crunch and Texture
Add a variety of crunchy elements to provide contrast and texture to your board. Nuts, like almonds and walnuts, pair well with cheese. Breadsticks, artisanal crackers, and slices of baguette are essential for scooping up the delicious goodies.
Presentation is Key
Arrange your ingredients aesthetically. Start with the larger items like cheeses and meats, then fill in the gaps with the smaller components. Layer and overlap items for an artful, bountiful look. Place some fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color.
Label It
Consider labeling the items on your charcuterie board. Not everyone may be familiar with every cheese or meat, and it can spark conversations among your guests. Use small signs or pretty name tags to keep things organized.
Cheers to Good Times
While charcuterie boards definitely start the show, don't forget the beverages. Friendsgiving is a time for celebration, so offer an array of drink options. Create a signature cocktail for your event, like a cranberry-infused bourbon punch or a spiced apple cider sangria.
Make sure to provide non-alcoholic choices, such as sparkling water or a fun, festive mocktail for your designated drivers or friends who may not drink.
Share the Culinary Love
Friendsgiving is all about sharing, so don't put all the cooking pressure on yourself. Encourage your guests to contribute their favorite dishes, potluck style.
Assign specific courses or types of dishes, like appetizers, side dishes, and desserts, to ensure a well-rounded and delicious spread.
We love sharing food that means a lot to us with our friends, and love trying the food that's important to our friends. Friendsgiving is a great time to share the recipes and stories behind the foods that make us who we are.
The Entertainer
Keep the party lively with some fun entertainment options. Plan a few Thanksgiving-themed games like "Thanksgiving Pictionary" or "Pin the Tail Feather on the Turkey." You can also set up a photo booth area with props and a backdrop for memorable snapshots.
If you're going for a less traditional theme, skip the Thanksgiving games and invite everyone to bring their favorite board or card game. This is a fun was to learn new games and spend time with friends.
A few of our favorite games include: Bananagrams, Phase 10, Wavelength, and Risk.
A Sweet Finale
After your delicious feast, it's time to satisfy that sweet tooth. Offer a spread of Thanksgiving-themed desserts, such as pumpkin pie, apple crisp, and pecan bars. Don't forget to have a variety of coffee, tea, and after-dinner drinks on hand to accompany these delectable treats.
If you want to bake a little outside of the box, we love bringing a cheesecake to Friendsgiving and some sort of fruit pizza or lemon bar.
Send Guests Home with a Smile
Want to go the extra mile? Show your appreciation to your friends with small party favors. Consider sending them home with a mini pie, a decorative candle, or a personalized thank-you card to remind them of your memorable Friendsgiving celebration.
Ultimately, Friendsgiving is all about celebrating the spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and the joy of good company. There's no wrong way to do it.
With a well-planned Thanksgiving party filled with fun, delicious food, and, of course, a stunning charcuterie board, you'll create lasting memories with your friends that will have everyone excited for next year's gathering.