Friendsgiving honestly feels like the holiday I look forward to most.
There’s just something about squeezing into a too-small living room with people I actually chose, passing around mismatched plates, and laughing until my face hurts that makes it even better than the real Thanksgiving.
No family drama, no pressure to make it perfect—just a night that feels ours.
Of course, hosting can still get stressful. I’ve had times where I made the menu way too complicated or forgot to put out half the food.
That’s why I’ve been keeping little tricks and ideas that make it all easier. From quick kitchen shortcuts to cozy touches that set the vibe, these are the things that turn Friendsgiving from stressful to simple fun.
Friendsgiving Themes & Invitations
I like starting here—choose a theme, send out an invite, and you’ve already set the tone for the night.
1. Host a Friendsgiving that feels like a cozy harvest festival
There’s something about leaning into pumpkins, gourds, and all those deep autumn colors that instantly sets the scene. When you ask your friends to show up in warm fall shades, it feels like the whole room glows.
2. Make it easy on yourself with an autumn potluck
Cooking everything alone is a recipe for stress. When each guest brings a dish, you get a mix of flavors and stories, and you get to actually enjoy the night instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
3. Turn Friendsgiving into a food tour with dishes from around the world
I love when the table tells everyone’s story. Ask your friends to bring food that connects to their culture or something they grew up eating. You’ll end up learning about each other in the best way—over a plate of something delicious.
4. Mix dinner with DIY fun at a craft night gathering
If you’ve got a creative group, put out a few supplies and let people make something while the food’s cooking. It could be place cards, simple garlands, or even mini pumpkin painting. It’s relaxed, hands-on fun, and everyone goes home with a little keepsake.
5. Set up a cozy outdoor movie night under the stars
Pile up blankets, pour something warm, and project a holiday favorite on a wall or screen. You’ll love how quickly everyone settles in, and the snacks always taste better when you’re watching together outside.
6. Switch things up with a laid-back Friendsgiving brunch
Not every gathering has to be dinner. Brunch makes everything brighter—think cinnamon rolls, mimosas, and a good coffee bar. The daylight makes it feel fresh, and you don’t need to overcomplicate the menu.
7. Bring out the board games and turn dinner into a game night feast
If your friends love a little competition, plan on food that’s easy to eat between rounds of charades, trivia, or even Mario Kart. The laughter comes fast, and no one worries about how fancy the table looks.
8. Keep it casual with a pajama-themed Friendsgiving
Sometimes comfort is the best theme. Invite everyone to show up in their coziest PJs or sweats, keep the food easy, and lean into that sleepover vibe. You’ll be surprised how much fun grown-ups have when the pressure’s off.
9. Pick a simple dress code to tie the night together
It doesn’t take much—plaid shirts, fall tones, or a touch of gold can pull everything into a theme. The pictures look intentional, and your friends will love that it feels thought-out without being fussy.
10. Invite friends near and far with a virtual Friendsgiving
If someone can’t be there in person, keep them part of the night with a quick video call. Even joining for a toast or dessert makes the evening feel complete, and it shows how much you value having everyone included.
Friendsgiving Appetizers
Once the theme is set, the next thing on everyone’s mind is the food. And every good meal kicks off with appetizers that get people talking before the main dishes hit the table.
11. Start the night with stuffed mushrooms everyone will love
These little bites are filled with a creamy, herby mix that melts in your mouth. They’re easy to grab, and you’ll notice the plate disappears faster than you expect.
12. Put together a charcuterie board that keeps guests grazing
I love how a mix of cheeses, cured meats, and fruit makes people gather around and chat. It’s relaxed, it looks beautiful, and nobody feels like they have to wait for the turkey to start eating.
13. Surprise your friends with brussels sprout sliders
Roasted sprouts as mini “buns” sound quirky, but once you add a bit of protein and a tangy sauce, they become the one appetizer everyone talks about. You’ll have fun making them, and your friends will have even more fun eating them.
14. Keep it stress-free with assembly-only appetizers
Sometimes all you need are crackers, olives, or a bowl of nuts to keep things moving. You can set it out in minutes, and your guests will be happy to nibble while you finish up the main spread.
15. Serve pumpkin soup shooters for a seasonal touch
Tiny cups of warm pumpkin soup feel festive without being heavy. I like offering them in shot glasses or espresso cups—it’s playful and keeps the fall flavor theme going strong.
16. Make sweet potato bites that feel fancy without the work
Top thin slices of roasted sweet potato with a little cheese and honey, and suddenly you’ve got an appetizer that feels creative but takes almost no time. You’ll love how quickly they disappear.
17. Add cranberry meatballs to the mix for a crowd favorite
Juicy meatballs coated in a sweet-tart cranberry glaze hit that perfect balance of cozy and fun. They’re hearty enough to keep people satisfied but still easy to eat with a toothpick.
18. Bring out a classic spinach artichoke dip
Warm, cheesy, and perfect with chips or bread, this dip is the kind of appetizer you don’t even need to announce. Just set it on the table, and watch everyone dive in like it’s tradition.
19. Offer baked brie topped with honey or jam
The gooey center paired with something sweet feels indulgent, and you don’t need to do much beyond popping it in the oven. It looks impressive, but you and I both know how simple it is.
20. Pass around mini flatbreads with seasonal toppings
Flatbreads with roasted veggies, caramelized onions, or even a little cranberry sauce make for easy hand-held bites. They’re the kind of app that feels more special than pizza but just as comforting.
Friendsgiving Main Courses
Appetizers set the mood, but the main course is what everyone shows up for. This is the centerpiece of the night, and it doesn’t have to be complicated—you just need dishes that feel hearty and worth gathering around.
21. Roast a turkey that feels like the heart of Friendsgiving
It’s the classic for a reason. Season it well, let it get golden in the oven, and watch how the room lights up when it comes out. Even if you’re not a turkey fan, carving it together feels special.
22. Add a honey-glazed ham for a sweet and savory twist
I like having a second option on the table, and ham covered in sticky glaze always wins people over. The smell alone pulls everyone into the kitchen.
23. Serve a vegetarian stuffed squash as a beautiful centerpiece
If some of your friends don’t eat meat, this dish feels thoughtful and seasonal. A roasted acorn or butternut squash filled with grains, nuts, and cranberries looks gorgeous and tastes just as good.
24. Keep it simple with a juicy turkey breast
For smaller gatherings, a whole bird can be too much. A well-seasoned turkey breast cooks faster, slices easily, and still gives you that traditional feel without the extra stress.
25. Make a sheet pan chicken dinner everyone can dig into
When you’re short on time, a tray of roasted chicken with vegetables is a lifesaver. It’s colorful, filling, and you can pull it out of the oven looking like you put in way more effort than you did.
26. Go bold with a non-traditional main dish
Sometimes it’s fun to break the rules. You can do pasta, tacos, or even curry—whatever feels like comfort food for your group. Friendsgiving is your holiday, so it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
27. Let the slow cooker do the work with a big pot of chili
I love this option because you set it in the morning and forget about it. By the time everyone arrives, the whole house smells amazing, and dinner’s basically ready.
28. Throw a Friendsgiving pizza night for something different
Lay out toppings and let your friends build their own pizzas. It’s interactive, it’s fun, and you’ll be laughing while the pies bake instead of stressing over timing.
29. Try a roasted salmon as a lighter centerpiece
Not everyone craves heavy meat dishes, and salmon with lemon or herbs feels fresh but still celebratory. It also looks beautiful in the middle of the table.
30. Bring comfort food to the spotlight with a big lasagna
Layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce bubbling in the oven always get people excited. It’s hearty, it feeds a crowd, and it’s one of those dishes that makes everyone feel at home.
More Friendsgiving ideas
Friendsgiving Side Dishes
The mains set the stage, but the side dishes are what everyone piles high on their plates. They round out the meal and give people plenty of excuses to go back for seconds.
31. Serve creamy mashed potatoes that everyone can dig into
Fluffy potatoes with just the right amount of butter feel like the comfort food you can’t skip. I always end up going back for an extra scoop.
32. Bake a bubbling dish of mac and cheese that feels extra cozy
Rich, cheesy, and golden on top, it’s the kind of side that disappears before you know it. Your friends will thank you for putting this one on the table.
33. Make a green bean casserole that brings the nostalgia
Even if it’s not fancy, that mix of beans, creamy sauce, and crispy topping takes people right back to childhood dinners. It’s familiar in the best way.
34. Brighten the table with a bowl of homemade cranberry sauce
Tangy and sweet, it cuts through all the heavier dishes. When you make it fresh, it looks beautiful and tastes way better than the canned stuff.
35. Roast a mix of vegetables with garlic for an easy win
Carrots, broccoli, peppers—whatever you’ve got—turn golden and delicious with just a little olive oil and seasoning. It’s simple but always works.
36. Bake a pan of stuffing loaded with herbs
The smell alone feels like the holidays. Every bite has that savory mix of bread and spices, and you’ll notice it’s one of the first pans to get scraped clean.
37. Bring a sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows
That fluffy topping melts into the potatoes and makes every spoonful taste like dessert hiding in plain sight. It’s playful and crowd-pleasing.
38. Pass around baskets of warm cornbread muffins
They’re easy to grab, they smell amazing, and they balance out all the richer dishes. I love watching people reach for “just one more.”
39. Toss together a seasonal salad that actually feels special
Think pears, arugula, walnuts, and maybe a light vinaigrette. It gives the table a fresh touch and makes you feel a little better about all the carbs.
40. Add roasted carrots glazed with honey for a touch of sweetness
They look vibrant, taste incredible, and bring just enough balance to a table full of savory dishes. It’s a small addition that makes the spread shine.
Friendsgiving Desserts
By the time dessert hits the table, everyone’s already full, but somehow there’s always room for something sweet. This is where you can have fun and let people end the night on a cozy note.
41. Bake a classic pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream
Even if you’ve had it a hundred times, there’s something comforting about a slice with whipped cream on top. I usually cut myself a “small piece,” but it never actually stays small.
42. Decorate frosted cookies in festive fall shapes
Shaped like leaves or pumpkins, they’re easy to decorate and even easier to eat. If you bring a tray of these, don’t expect leftovers to make it past the night.
43. Create a dessert board filled with bite-sized sweets
I like piling it with brownies, chocolate-covered strawberries, and bite-sized cheesecakes. Guests wander back to it throughout the night, and it turns into a second hangout spot.
44. Dish out warm apple crisp with a scoop of ice cream
Cinnamon, brown sugar, and baked apples—it’s warm, cozy, and perfect with a scoop of ice cream. I’ve noticed even people who say they’re “too full” always take some.
45. Cut pecan pie bars for an easy handheld treat
They cut neatly into squares, so people can grab one without committing to a whole slice. I like them because they travel well if I’m heading to someone else’s Friendsgiving.
46. Make mini cheesecakes topped with seasonal flavors
Top them with berries, chocolate, or caramel, and suddenly you’ve got variety without a ton of extra effort. I find people love having their own portion—it feels a little special.
47. Pass around brownie bites for a casual option
Dense, chocolatey, and small enough to pop in your mouth, they’re perfect for guests who want “just a taste.” I always make extra because they vanish quickly.
48. Roll a pumpkin cake with a cream swirl
That swirl of cream filling makes it feel bakery-level, but once you try it, you realize it’s not that tricky. It’s one of those desserts that gets people asking for the recipe.
49. Set up a chocolate fondue with fruit and cookies
I love setting out fruit, marshmallows, and cookies for dipping. It gets everyone talking and laughing as they hover around the fondue pot.
50. Offer a tray of mini pies in different flavors
Pumpkin, apple, pecan—when people can grab their own little pie, nobody has to compromise. It’s a simple way to cover all the bases.
Friendsgiving Drinks
You can’t forget the drinks—they set the pace of the night just as much as the food. I like having a mix of cozy warm options and lighter, refreshing ones so everyone finds something they’ll actually enjoy.
51. Simmer warm apple cider with cinnamon and cloves
When you simmer it with cinnamon sticks and cloves, the aroma fills the room before guests even take their coats off. I always keep a pot going because people love refilling their mugs.
52. Mix cranberry spritzers with sparkling water and herbs
A splash of cranberry juice, sparkling water, and a rosemary sprig—it looks pretty and tastes refreshing. If you want to keep it simple, this is an easy win.
53. Set up a DIY pumpkin spice latte bar
Setting out coffee, whipped cream, and pumpkin spice toppings turns into a mini station everyone gravitates toward. It’s fun to watch friends compete over whose latte looks the best.
54. Pour a pitcher of sangria with fall fruit
I like mixing red wine with fall fruit like apples and oranges. It’s big-batch friendly, so you’re not stuck making drinks all night, and it always disappears faster than I expect.
55. Build a hot chocolate station with nostalgic toppings
Mugs lined up with marshmallows, candy canes, and maybe a splash of Bailey’s for the grown-ups—it’s comforting and a little nostalgic. By the end of the night, the marshmallows are always gone first.
56. Set up a martini bar for a grown-up twist
If you want the night to feel a little more elevated, set out a martini bar with mixers, garnishes, and a couple of classic options. Your friends will love playing bartender, and you won’t feel stuck making drinks all evening.
Friendsgiving Decorations & Table Settings
Once the food and drinks are sorted, I like to think about how the space feels. The table doesn’t need to be perfect, but a few thoughtful touches always make the night warmer.
57. Arrange an autumn centerpiece with pumpkins and leaves
A mix of pumpkins, gourds, and scattered leaves instantly makes the table look inviting. I usually grab whatever’s at the market, and it always comes together naturally.
58. Hang string lights to create a cozy atmosphere
The glow feels soft and relaxed, and honestly, they make even a small apartment feel festive. I keep a set around year-round, but Friendsgiving is when they really shine.
59. Place candles on the table for a warm glow
Tall tapers or little votives give everything a warm glow. If they’re scented with spices or vanilla, the whole room feels layered in fall.
60. Craft personalized place cards for each guest
It doesn’t matter if they’re handwritten or printed—friends always smile when they see their name waiting for them. It sets the tone that this night was made for them.
61. Lay down a themed table runner that sets the tone
Plaid when I’m leaning rustic, or maybe a deep jewel tone if I want something moodier. It’s a simple layer, but it ties all the dishes together visually.
62. Make DIY garlands to decorate walls or mantels
I’ve strung paper leaves, tiny pumpkins, even dried oranges across the mantel. It takes a little time, but I love how it transforms the whole space.
63. Dress up chairs with small seasonal details
A ribbon, a small wreath, or even a sprig of greenery tucked into the back—it doesn’t take much. I’ve had people take photos of their chairs before sitting down.
64. Place a mini pumpkin at each setting
It doubles as décor and a take-home favor. Friends often end up carrying theirs home, which feels like a sweet reminder of the night.
65. Mix plates and glassware for a charming look
I’ve borrowed from neighbors or combined sets I already had, and the mismatched look always feels charming. Guests care more about the vibe than about matching dishes.
66. Add seasonal flowers as a fresh finishing touch
A bouquet of mums or dahlias in the middle of the table brings color and life. I don’t overthink the arrangement—I just let the flowers do the work.
67. Set up a backyard tent for a cozy outdoor vibe
If you’ve got a little outdoor space, add a tent, some string lights, and blankets. It feels like a mix of camping and holiday dinner, and your friends will remember it for sure.
Friendsgiving Activities
After the plates are cleared, I like having something planned that keeps the energy going. It doesn’t need to be complicated—just a little activity that keeps everyone laughing or sharing.
68. Host a cookie exchange that guests can enjoy
Each friend brings a batch of their favorite cookies, and by the end of the night, we’re all swapping bags to take home. It’s fun, it’s sweet, and my freezer usually stays stocked for weeks.
69. Create a gratitude board for everyone to share notes
I set out colorful notes and pens, and friends write what they’re thankful for. Reading them later turns into a guessing game, and it always sparks good conversation.
70. Play Thanksgiving bingo with holiday-themed cards
I print a few cards with holiday words and little traditions, and people get surprisingly competitive. The best part is you can play while dessert’s happening, so it never feels forced.
71. Break out classic games to keep the laughter going
Charades, Pictionary, or even a quick card game—there’s something about playing together that brings out everyone’s goofy side. The laughter makes the night stretch a little longer.
72. Organize outdoor activities like football or cornhole
We’ve tossed a football, played cornhole, even pulled out a frisbee once. Being outside adds a fresh energy, and it balances out all the eating and lounging.
Hosting Hacks & Leftovers
Hosting gets a lot easier when you’ve got a few tricks up your sleeve. I’ve picked up little habits over the years that save me time during the night and help me deal with the mountain of food that’s always left at the end.
73. Rely on big-batch dishes to make cooking easier
A pot of chili or a casserole can feed everyone without me juggling five different pans. It feels good knowing the main part of dinner is handled in one go.
74. Use the slow cooker to free up oven space
Keeping stuffing or mashed potatoes warm in it means I’m not fighting for oven space. You’ll love how it quietly does the work while you focus on guests.
75. Clear fridge space before the big night
It sounds obvious, but I’ve learned the hard way that leftovers need room. Making space early keeps me from shoving dishes around when everyone’s ready to pack up food.
76. Send guests home with to-go boxes of leftovers
Stacking up a pile of containers means everyone leaves happy and my fridge isn’t overloaded. Plus, it’s always fun seeing who grabs the extra pie first.
78. Turn extra food into new meals for the week
Sometimes I’ll set up a sandwich bar with turkey and sides, or portion meals into containers for the week. It feels like stretching the celebration just a little longer.
More Friendsgiving ideas
So there you have it—plenty of ways to make Friendsgiving feel extra fun and memorable.
This year I’m leaning toward a potluck and a big dessert spread. I can already see my friends hanging around the table, trading bites and laughing.
That’s the plan I’m excited about. What about you? Which of these ideas feels right for your Friendsgiving?
