Happy Friendsgiving: How To Celebrate Thanksgiving With Friends

Family and friends are the foundation of a fulfilling life, making time spent with loved ones truly invaluable. In recent years, Happy Friendsgiving has evolved from a fun trend into a cherished tradition, offering an opportunity for friends to come together, celebrate, and give thanks in a way that captures the spirit of modern holiday gatherings. This celebration not only strengthens friendships but also creates lasting memories, blending the warmth of Thanksgiving with a unique, personal twist.

Discover the perfect Happy Friendsgiving celebration guide! From trendy outfit ideas to Instagram-worthy decor and fun activities. Let’s make this year’s friendly feast unforgettable!

Friendsgiving 101: What’s It All About?

Friendsgiving offers a chance to bring friends together for a Thanksgiving-style feast, without the pressure of formality. It’s a casual, stress-free version of Thanksgiving that reflects modern values—friendship, inclusivity, and a sense of community. Here’s a look at how to embrace and celebrate this special day.

When To Celebrate Happy Friendsgiving

While Thanksgiving is officially celebrated on November 23 this year, Friendsgiving doesn’t have a fixed date. Many people opt for the weekend before or after Thanksgiving to avoid scheduling conflicts, allowing friends to travel or spend Thanksgiving Day with family. Choose a date that works for everyone and remember that Friendsgiving is all about fun, not rigid schedules.

Get Started With Planning A Happy Friendsgiving Feast

Unlike regular Thanksgiving, where the date is set in stone, Friendsgiving Feast is totally flexible.

Creating Your “Guest” List And Menu

The magic of Friendsgiving lies in its intimate nature. While it might be tempting to invite your entire social network, the most memorable celebrations typically happen with eight to twelve guests. This size creates the perfect atmosphere for meaningful conversations and ensures everyone feels involved.

Let’s talk about the star of the show – the FOOD. The food planning process for Friendsgiving differs significantly from traditional Thanksgiving. Instead of one person bearing the burden of preparing an entire feast, Friendsgiving embraces a collaborative approach. As the host, take charge of the main dish – typically the turkey or a vegetarian centerpiece – and coordinate with your guests for complementary dishes.

Potluck-Style Meal Planning

That is the formal manner that everyone can do it; does it sound boring? So why don’t we do it in a more fun and engaging way?

Friendsgiving works best with a potluck approach, where each guest brings a dish to share. This style adds variety and makes it easier for the host, too. You could assign dishes by category or let everyone bring their favorite recipe.

Drinks And Desserts To Savor

Dont forget the snacks! Add a drink station with warm and festive options like cider, hot chocolate, some mulled wine or signature cocktail. For desserts, keep it simple with classic treats like pumpkin pie, cookies, or brownies. You could even do a dessert-only potluck for a twist!

Vibes And Aesthetics: Making Your Space TikTok-Worthy

Time to transform your space from “regular apartment” to “fall aesthetic goals”. You don’t need to drop your entire paycheck at HomeGoods (though we’ve all been tempted). Get creative! Hit up the dollar store for some fairy lights, grab some mini pumpkins, and boom – instant autumn magic.

Decor Ideas For A Thanksgiving With Friends

Decor sets the tone for your Friendsgiving gathering. Here are some easy and affordable decor ideas that will transform your space:

• Table Decor: Start with a warm, autumn-themed tablecloth, and add small pumpkins, candles, and fall foliage. Scatter these along the table as a simple yet festive touch.
• Lighting: Soft lighting can make any room feel cozy. String lights, lanterns, or candles are great for creating a warm, inviting glow.
• Personal Touches: Consider adding a “gratitude wall” or board where friends can pin notes of what they’re thankful for this year. It’s a simple, engaging way to embrace the season.

Outfit Check!

Listen up, because this is important. Friendsgiving is all about that sweet spot between “looking like a snack” and “being able to eat all the snacks.” Our Thanksgiving collection has got you covered with pieces that are giving main character energy while still having room for that second (or fifth) helping of mac and cheese.

• Friendsgiving-Themed T-Shirts: A themed shirt with a Friendsgiving pun or design can be both comfy and playful.
• Layered Looks: Since Friendsgiving usually involves lounging and relaxing, opt for layered looks—think cozy sweaters, flannels, or cardigans over a Thanksgiving-themed tee.
• Matching Group Shirts: If you’re celebrating with a close-knit group, matching Friendsgiving shirts can add a fun, unified look for group photos.

Fun Activities To Make Friendsgiving Unforgettable

Friendsgiving is not just about the meal – it’s also a chance to create fun memories. Here are some activities that will make your Friendsgiving unforgettable.

Games For Friendsgiving Fun

Games are a great way to keep the energy high and ensure everyone has a blast. Try these simple yet entertaining ideas:

• Thanksgiving Bingo: Make your own Bingo cards with fun Friendsgiving-themed prompts or use a printable template for an easy, crowd-pleasing game.
• Gratitude Circle: Go around the table and ask everyone to share something they’re grateful for. This heartfelt activity adds a personal touch to the celebration.
• Friendsgiving Trivia: Prepare trivia questions about your friends or Thanksgiving facts. It’s a great way to add laughter and get everyone involved.

Setting Up A Friendsgiving Photo Station

Capture memories by setting up a photo station. A simple backdrop with some seasonal props can add a lot to your celebration, and it’s easy to put together:

• Backdrops and Props: Use a plain wall, decorate it with streamers or leaves, and add props like fake mustaches, pilgrim hats, and fall-themed signs.
• Selfie Station: Set up a ring light and phone stand so everyone can snap photos together.

Conclusion

Happy Friendsgiving is a time to celebrate friendship, gratitude, and all the little moments that make life special. Whether you’re planning decor, coordinating Friendsgiving-themed outfits, or setting up activities and games, Friendsgiving is all about enjoying the company of friends and making cherished memories. This holiday offers a unique way to give thanks in a more relaxed, friendship setting.

Ready to make this Friendsgiving one for the books? Explore our InkInAction collection of customized shirts to add a hilarious touch to your party!