How To Host Friendsgiving
Friendsgiving is a relaxed holiday meal with the people you choose. It is part potluck, part party and a good excuse to see your friends before the busy season. Hosting one is easier than it sounds when you break it into steps. Here is how to plan a Friendsgiving that is fun for your guests and easy on you.
Step 1: Pick a date and a guest list
Pick a day that works for most of your friends, then write your guest list. Think about your space. A table for eight feels different from a living room for twenty. Count the chairs you have, then count again.
Step 2: Send invites early
Send invites two to three weeks ahead. Say what time dinner starts, where it is and that you are asking everyone to bring a dish. Ask guests to reply so you can plan food and seats.
Step 3: Run the potluck with a sign-up list
A potluck goes smoothly when there is a list. Make categories: mains, sides, desserts, drinks and extras like rolls. Let guests choose a dish in each category so you do not end up with six desserts and no vegetables. Ask about food needs, so everyone has something to eat.
Step 4: Decide what you will cook
As host, you usually make the main dish and maybe one side. Keep it simple. If you are cooking a turkey, plan the timing. If not, a roast chicken or a big pot of something works just as well. Everyone else brings the rest.
Step 5: Label the food
Put small cards in front of each dish with the name and what is in it. Labels help guests who have allergies or food preferences and save you from answering the same question all night.
Step 6: Set the table
Use place cards to seat people. A simple seating plan helps friends who do not know each other mix. Add a candle or a small bunch of leaves, and call it done.
Step 7: Plan a game or two
A short game after dinner gets everyone laughing. Try a trivia round, a "what are you thankful for" jar or a group game. Keep it optional so guests who want to chat can chat.
A sample day plan
- Morning: Clean the table, set out serving dishes and put up labels.
- Afternoon: Cook your main dish and warm the sides guests bring.
- Evening: Welcome guests, drinks and snacks.
- Dinner: A quick thanks, then eat.
- After: Dessert and games.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the sign-up. Without a list, you will end up with too many of one thing.
- Cooking everything yourself. The point of a Friendsgiving is sharing the load.
- Forgetting the fridge space. Clear room ahead of time for dishes people bring.
- Not saving time for dessert. Let people rest between dinner and dessert.
Have the paper side ready
The Friendsgiving Host Kit has invitation cards, a potluck sign-up, labels, place cards and games, so your list, your table and your party are ready to print.
Share This Guide
Recommended Posts
- How To Plan Family Holiday Traditions You Will KeepHow to choose, schedule and keep family holiday traditions so the season feels fun instead of busy.
- Easter Egg Hunt Ideas For Kids And PartiesEaster egg hunt ideas for kids and parties, with simple ways to plan the hunt, set the rules and keep every age happy.
- Fall Family Activities For Kids At HomeEasy fall activities for kids at home, plus a simple way to spread them across the season so you actually do them.
Recent Posts
- How To Organize A Substitute Teacher BinderHow to organize a substitute teacher binder so a sub can run your class smoothly, with a list of what to include.
- How To Track Homeschool Attendance HoursHow to track homeschool attendance and learning hours simply, so your records are ready when you need them.
- How To Build Homeschool Lesson Plans And Reading LogsHow to build weekly homeschool lesson plans and add reading logs so you can see what your kids learn and read.
- Kitchen Math Activities For KidsKitchen math activities for kids that teach fractions, measurement, money and time while you cook together.
- 7-Day Juice Plan For BeginnersA simple 7-day juice plan for beginners, with how to shop, prep and plan juices so your produce does not go to waste.