Friends are family, right? Celebrate the season with these come-as-you-are Friendsgiving ideas.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Simple and Fun Friendsgiving Ideas for a Laid-Back Party
Updated on Aug. 13, 2024
Thanksgiving is an American holiday that centers on food and spending time with loved ones. Although it’s traditionally commemorated with family, in the last few years, celebrating Friendsgiving has become a hallmark part of the holiday for many young people.
This new holiday lets you share a meal with friends in lieu of family, or as a supplement to the traditional Thanksgiving feast. Some folks celebrate it the week before Thanksgiving, some celebrate it the week after. Some people opt to host this holiday on Thanksgiving Day. It’s a great way to include international friends in the American holiday, too. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra pumpkin pie?
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time Thanksgiving host, we’ll show you how to plan the perfect Friendsgiving menu, set a casual holiday table and embrace the true meaning of the season.
How do I plan a Friendsgiving menu?
The key to a successful Friendsgiving party is two-fold: good food, and lots of it. Ideally, everyone will bring a dish or beverage to pass. But if you’re hosting, we suggest supplying the main dish and a few sides, then let your friends fill in the gaps. (Bookmark our turkey guide for everything you need to know about cooking your holiday bird to perfection.)
Editor’s Tip: Even if you love green bean casserole, you don’t want six dishes of it showing up at your Friendsgiving. Make sure to send around a potluck sign-up sheet before the big day so everyone knows what to bring. This way you’ll avoid duplicate dishes and make it easy to cater to dietary restrictions.
When planning what you’ll serve, aim for simple recipes that don’t require a ton of time in the kitchen. (Need inspo? These 30-minute Thanksgiving recipes are holiday lifesavers.) After all, you want to be able to enjoy your friends, not spend the whole party scrambling in the kitchen.
Opt for slow cooker or make-ahead dishes, and don’t be afraid to buy a few things pre-made, too. We’re particularly partial to this slow cooker turkey breast and a batch of easy-peasy biscuits. When combined, the duo makes a delicious sandwich!
Crunchy Bacon Blue Cheese Red Pepper Brussels SproutsThis is my family's absolute favorite dish on my holiday table. What's not to love with the mixed aroma of garlic, onions, bacon, and blue cheese floating through your home? —Jana Gooding, Carlsbad, California
Easy Peasy BiscuitsI love that I can make these biscuits and have enough left over to freeze for another meal. They're a healthier version of a classic American staple. —Amanda West, Shelbyville, Tennessee
Spiced Apple Cider Jelly ShotsThese spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set. — Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home
Love the look? Find this platter (and more!) here.
Butternut Squash Mac and CheeseDon't tell anyone, but this butternut squash mac and cheese recipe has a secret. It incorporates a nutritious vegetable and cuts out the butter, but it's still so rich!
Simple Lemon Parsley PotatoesFor a simply delicious side dish, I often prepare these potatoes. I like the fact that there are few ingredients and they take such little time to prepare.—Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Pumpkin Ice Cream SandwichesMy grandfather loves these pumpkin-flavored treats. They remind him of a cookie his mother made. They’re fun to eat no matter what your age. —Amber Wahl, Acampo, California
Spicy ApplesauceWe have an apple-picking party every year. It's a bushel of fun, and I always look forward to cooking a batch of this easy applesauce seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and allspice. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato BitesAfter making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Slow Cooker Bacon-Mushroom DressingMy favorite stuffing uses a slow cooker, which helps when your oven's busy. It goes with everything from turkey to game hens. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
Easy Orange and Red Onion SaladHere's an unusual salad that’s easy to prepare when holiday obligations have you short on time. The combination of red onions and oranges may seem unusual, but it's surprisingly delightful. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Funeral PotatoesDon't let the melancholy name fool you! Funeral potatoes are really just a cheesy potato casserole with cornflakes. The creamy texture, melty cheese and crunchy topping make this recipe the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Almond-Bacon Cheese CrostiniFor a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Green Bean CasseroleIf green bean casserole is your go-to Thanksgiving side dish, why not make it more often? The creamy, crunchy dish is an easy make-ahead recipe that goes well with a variety of meals.
Pecan Pie BarsCome for the pecan pie-like flavors, stay for the milk chocolate toffee bits. Our pecan pie bars might be tastier than their pie inspiration!
Slow-Cooker Creamy Cauliflower SoupI love indulgent cream soups but not the fat that goes along with them. In this healthier version, the soup's velvety texture makes it feel rich and the spicy kick warms you up in a flash. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Apple & Cheddar Mini SconesBecause cheese and sage go so well with apples, I decided to put them all in scones. These mini treats make a fall weekend brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Pie ShotsGrown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mini Teriyaki Turkey SandwichesPreparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a slow cooker. Serving them on lightly-toasted sweet dinner rolls is perfection made easy.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio
Sweet Potato StuffingMom likes to make sure there will be enough stuffing to satisfy our large family. For our holiday gatherings, she slow-cooks this tasty sweet potato dressing in addition to the traditional stuffing cooked inside the turkey. —Kelly Pollock, London, Ontario
How do I set a Friendsgiving table?
When setting the table, simplicity is key. Remember that you’re here to have a good time, not impress your mother-in-law. Stick to a fun color scheme—such as navy, orange and gray—and don’t be afraid to buy disposable dishware or cutlery.
As the host, lay this linen table runner for a simple decorative touch to your feast and put together a holiday cheeseboard on this serving board. Let guests do the rest! Keep the casual feel of the party going by serving the meal potluck-style. Guests can get up whenever they’re hungry or need a refill, and all you have to do is relax.
Whenever you opt for a buffet, it’s a good idea to label all of the dishes. Old wine corks and card stock make for pretty labels (plus, you now have an excuse to drink more wine). To make the labels, simply cut a groove in the cork with a utility knife, write the dish name and any allergens on the card and secure in place.
If you’re not up for a crafting project, find out where to buy pre-made place cards (and all of our other amazing Friendsgiving decor).
How to Give Thanks: Gratitude Board
It’s easy to forget how thankful we are for our friends. Set up a reminder with a gratitude board. All you need is a chalkboard and some chalk. As guests arrive, have them write down a few things that they’re grateful for. After the party, take a photo of the board and send it out in a group text message or email so that you can always remember the good times.
Find Your Thanksgiving Style for Even More Ideas
Transform your Thanksgiving table this holiday by planning your Thanksgiving feast around one of our fun (and delicious!) themes. Take our quiz to find the perfect menu, stunning tablescape decorations and more—all based off of your personality.
