Friendsgiving: How to Host the Ultimate Celebration of Friendship and Feast This Season!

Who needs family when you’ve got friends, food, and fun? See why Friendsgiving is taking over Thanksgiving this year! 🌐 #News #Lifestyle #Friendsgiving #Adulting

ST. PAUL, MN – As the crisp autumn air fills our small town in southern Minnesota, Jack and I get excited for one of our favorite traditions of the year—our annual Friendsgiving celebration. Living in a college town means we have a lot of friends who can’t make it home for Thanksgiving. Whether it’s students away from family or folks from church and our small news staff, we love opening our doors to everyone who needs a warm meal and a festive gathering. Friendsgiving has become a meaningful time for us to celebrate friendship, share laughter, and, of course, feast together.

The Origins of Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving isn’t a new concept, but it’s certainly grown in popularity over the years. The tradition, which started in the early 2000s, is all about celebrating Thanksgiving with your chosen family—your closest friends. It’s often less formal than the traditional family gathering, and the focus is on creating an inclusive, low-pressure environment for everyone involved.

For those of us who may not be able to make it home for the holidays, Friendsgiving offers a warm and welcoming alternative. It’s a reminder that Thanksgiving doesn’t just have to be about blood relations—it’s about the people who care for you, whether they’re family by blood or by choice.

How to Host a Memorable Friendsgiving

Hosting a Friendsgiving doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose a date and time that works for everyone. Since Friendsgiving often takes place before or after the traditional Thanksgiving day, you’ll want to find a slot where your guests can gather without feeling rushed or stressed.

The guest list can be as small or as large as you want. Since we live in a college town and have a diverse group of friends, we invite people from all over—students, neighbors, fellow church members, and our colleagues from work. We love making our home feel welcoming to all, especially those who might not have family nearby. If you’re hosting a small gathering, don’t hesitate to reach out to folks who are alone for the holidays.

Friendsgiving Feasts: What to Serve (and What Not to Serve!)

When it comes to the Friendsgiving feast, potluck-style is the way to go. This not only takes the pressure off the host, but it ensures a wide variety of dishes that everyone can enjoy. A classic turkey or ham is always a must, but why not mix things up with a few fun twists on traditional dishes?

We love incorporating both the familiar and the unexpected—sweet potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, of course, but also unique sides like mac and cheese or roasted brussels sprouts.

And let’s not forget dessert! Pumpkin pie, apple crisp, and maybe even a chocolate fondue fountain (because, why not?). If you’re a bit adventurous, consider making your own drink concoction—think cranberry spritzers or festive cocktails to get the party started.

Be sure to ask your guests about dietary restrictions or preferences. At our Friendsgiving, we make sure there’s something for everyone, whether it’s gluten-free stuffing, vegetarian dishes, or even vegan desserts.

Fun Activities to Elevate the Vibe

A Friendsgiving celebration isn’t complete without a few activities to keep things lively. We’ve had a lot of fun over the years with games like Friendsgiving trivia, where we quiz each other on Thanksgiving history or trivia about our friend group. For those who want something a little more reflective, we do a gratitude circle where everyone shares something they’re thankful for.

Create a playlist that keeps the mood fun and relaxed. A mix of fall favorites and holiday classics works well, and if you have musicians in the group (like we do with our old bluegrass band), a little live music always adds to the festive atmosphere.

The Spirit of Friendsgiving: Why It’s So Special

What truly makes Friendsgiving so special is the sense of community it fosters. It’s a chance to come together with those you care about and celebrate the blessings of the season. Whether it’s the people you’ve known for years or new faces, Friendsgiving reminds us that family isn’t just defined by blood—it’s about the bonds we share.

We cherish the opportunity to host this gathering because it brings people together in a way that’s unique to the holiday season. It’s about the laughter, the memories, and the connections that last long after the food is gone.

The Most Important Thing

As you plan your own Friendsgiving celebration, remember that it’s not about perfection—it’s about the people and the joy of being together. Whether it’s your first Friendsgiving or you’re a seasoned host like us, the most important thing is to create a space where everyone feels welcome and appreciated.

So gather your friends, break out the recipe book, and get ready to make memories that will last long after the last slice of pie has been served. Let the feast—and the fun—begin!

RELATED TOPICS: Thanksgiving | Christmas | Adulting

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