This post is a guide on how to host Friendsgiving.
Friendsgiving is a cherished tradition for many Americans, offering an opportunity to come together, and enjoy a delicious feast with friends. If you’re hosting a Friendsgiving dinner and feeling a bit overwhelmed, we’re here to help! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from planning and preparation to setting the perfect atmosphere for a memorable evening.
4 weeks before Friendsgiving
send invitations
- Create a Guest List: Make a list of friends you want to invite.
- Choose a Date: Start by selecting a date that works for you and your friends, ideally a weekend close to Thanksgiving. The Saturday before Thanksgiving is an excellent choice. If that doesn’t work, a Doodle poll can help you find a suitable date.
- Send Invitations: You can send out digital invitations via email. For every party, I use Paperless Post because it notes who has or hasn’t opened an invitation and allows you to track RSVPs smoothly. In addition to the date, time, location, be sure to include any potluck signup links or BYOB instructions.
plan the menu
- Traditional vs. Creative: Decide if you want to stick to traditional Thanksgiving dishes or add creative dishes to the menu. A mix of both is often a hit.
- Potluck Style: Encourage guests to bring at least one dish to share. Use a digital signup sheet like Signup Genius to streamline the process. List specific categories like appetizers, side dishes, desserts, and drinks to avoid duplicates.
- Dietary Accommodations: Ensure there are options for guests who are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.
- Test New Recipes: If you’re trying new dishes, it’s a good idea to test them out beforehand to ensure they turn out well.
3 weeks before friendsgiving
Set the atmosphere
- Decorations: Keep it simple with fall-themed decorations like pumpkins, leaves, and candles. Dollar stores often have budget-friendly decor options.
- Table Consumables: For easy cleanup, shop for disposable plates, utensils, and napkins. Start making DIY flatware rollups.
- Music and Ambiance: Research and create a playlist of cozy tunes to set the mood. Consider background music or even a themed Friendsgiving playlist. See a great sample playlist here.
Entertainment Plans
- Plan to offer various entertainment choices based on group size and preferences.
- If children are present, set out a bin of toys, plan an activity station for their age group, play a movie, or provide age-appropriate games.
- Karaoke: In some cultures, Karaoke is a fun party must-have. If you and your friends enjoy singing, set up a karaoke machine. It’s a fantastic way to add some laughter and entertainment to the evening.
- Board Games and Card Games: Games provide interactive entertainment and are perfect for bringing friends together. Select a mix of classics and newer games to keep things interesting.
Create a Shopping List
- Based on your menu, create a detailed shopping list for all the ingredients you’ll need.
2 weeks before friendsgiving
Shop for Non-Perishable Items
- Begin shopping for non-perishable items such as canned goods, spices and baking ingredients.
- If you’re purchasing a frozen turkey, do so now to ensure availability. Order the right size for your guest count.
1 week before friendsgiving
Create a Cooking Timeline
- Create a cooking schedule that includes when to start prepping and cooking each dish. Map out the sequence of cooking steps leading up to and on Friendsgiving Day.
- Break down the timeline into manageable segments for each day, considering the cooking time required for each dish, and prioritize tasks that can be done ahead.
Confirm Plans with guests
- Prepare for potential last-minute changes or cancellations.
- Seating Arrangements: Ensure there is enough seating for everyone. If you don’t have enough chairs, ask a friend to bring a chair or two.
Thaw the Turkey
- If you’re using a frozen turkey, start thawing it in the refrigerator.
- Calculate the thawing time based on the weight of your turkey.
- Refrigerate it in a tray to catch any drips.
4 days before friendsgiving
Shop for Perishable Items
- Purchase perishable items like fresh vegetables, greens, fruits and herbs.
- Go early in the day to avoid crowded stores and ensure the best selection of fresh produce.
3 days before friendsgiving
Preparing and Cooking Ahead
- Make any dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and stored, such as casseroles, desserts, and certain side dishes.
- Choose recipes that hold up well when reheated.
- Store make-ahead dishes properly in airtight containers.
2 days before friendsgiving
Set the Table
- Arrange your table settings, including plates, flatware, cups, napkins, and last-minute decorations.
- Set up seating arrangements.
- Decorate the table.
Set up Serving and Beverage Stations
- Set up a well-organized serving and beverage station to streamline meal and drink distribution.
- Stock the stations with extra utensils, napkins, and cups.
- Set out serving utensils and serving platters.
- Create dish labels for clarity.
Brine the Turkey
- If you’re planning to brine your turkey, start the process today.
Plan Your Outfit
- Decide what you’ll wear for the occasion, considering comfort and the level of formality of your gathering.
1 day before friendsgiving
Chop and Prep Ingredients
- Chop vegetables and complete any ingredient prep that will be used on the day of Friendsgiving.
- Pre-measure ingredients for efficiency.
Cook Ahead
- Finish any dishes that can be cooked ahead and reheated before guests arrive.
- Start cooking multi-step dishes ahead of time that can be continued and finished on the morning of Friendsgiving.
friendsgiving Morning
personal grooming
Before diving into cooking, it’s crucial to prioritize getting your personal grooming done first, such as your hair and makeup. This ensures that, in the event of any cooking delays, you’ll have ample time to prepare yourself for the company without feeling rushed. Do not leave this to the last minute!
Ready to Greet: Guests may arrive early or on time, and it’s essential to be ready to welcome them. When you’ve taken care of your personal grooming before cooking, you’ll feel more relaxed and in control as you tackle the culinary tasks and be the best version of yourself when guests walk through the door.
Finish Cooking
- Begin roasting the turkey early. Allow plenty of time for cooking and resting to prevent delays or an undercooked turkey.
- Finish cooking side dishes, desserts, or appetizers that need to be freshly cooked or prepared.
Clean as You Go
Wash Dishes Right Away: As you finish using pots, pans, and utensils, give them a quick wash or load them into the dishwasher if applicable. This prevents a mountain of dirty dishes from piling up later.
Wipe Down Countertops: Keep a stack of cleaning cloths or paper towels handy to wipe down countertops and stovetops as you finish cooking. It’s much easier to tackle spills and splatters immediately.
Collect Trash: Have a designated area for trash and recycling, and empty it regularly. You can also keep a small trash bin near your workspace for convenience as you finish cooking.
Delegate a Helper: Assign your spouse or someone in your family to assist with dishes and cleaning tasks. Many hands make light work, and it will help keep things tidy.
2 hours before guests arrive
Manage household Odors
- Odor Check: Go through your home and identify any lingering odors. Common culprits include pet odors, trash cans, and musty areas. Address these issues. Keep a bottle of Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray in your powder room for your guests.
- Open Windows: If weather permits, crack open windows a bit during your preparations to allow fresh air to circulate and help remove any lingering smells.
- Address the Kitchen: Use an exhaust fan or open a window to vent cooking smells.
- Aromas: Out of consideration for guests with sensitivities, it’s best to steer clear of air fresheners and artificial scents. If you wish to eliminate any unwelcome odors, opt for a more natural approach by gently simmering a small saucepan of water with cinnamon powder and slices of citrus fruit. This method imparts a delightful, natural fragrance to the air without overwhelming anyone’s senses.
- Sweep or Vacuum: Do a quick sweep to catch any food bits that fell on the floor.
Start Music Playlist
- Begin playing your background music playlist to enhance the atmosphere and set the tone for the gathering.
- If you don’t have a playlist, use Pandora or a carefully curated list from Spotify or YouTube.
- See a great sample playlist here.
Turkey needs to Rest
- Tent the turkey with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
- Give it plenty of time to rest!
- Make your gravy if you’re using pan drippings.
1 hour before guests arrive
Set out Beverages & Appetizers
- Stock these stations with a variety of drinks and appetizers.
- Keep the beverages and appetizers ready for guests as they arrive.
Reheat Make-Ahead Dishes
- Reheat make-ahead dishes in the ovens.
- Keep dishes warm in ovens, chaffing dishes, slow cookers, and/or in an instant pot.
Guests Arrive
Enjoy Company
- Allow some time for socializing before the meal.
- As guests arrive, encourage them to start with appetizers and drinks.
- Arrange the guest dishes at the serving station as they arrive.
Serve Main Course Dishes
- After all guests arrive, carve the turkey. Arrange and uncover side dishes.
- Serve the meal buffet-style.
After Dinner
Enjoy Desserts
- Clear the table and enjoy desserts and beverages.
Entertainment
- Provide some entertainment options, especially for kids if they are present. Age appropriate games are great options.
Clean up
- Send leftovers home with guests or store leftovers in airtight containers.
- Wash dishes and clean the kitchen.
Summary
Hosting Friendsgiving can be a stress-free experience filled with delicious food, great company, and cherished memories. Remember that perfection isn't the goal; it's about coming together and celebrating friendship. With careful planning, a dash of creativity, and a lot of gratitude, your Friendsgiving will be a hit, setting the stage for many more to come. Cheers to creating lasting traditions with your friends!