How to throw the perfect ‘Friendsgiving’

Thanksgiving is just weeks away, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already started counting down the days until you can stuff your face with all of the turkey, potatoes, and pumpkin pie that is physically possible. The question is, why only do it once? “Friendsgiving,” as the name implies, is just like Thanksgiving, only it is celebrated with friends! Who says holidays need to be reserved for just relatives? Friends are your family by choice, and they should be celebrated too! Here are some things you need in order to throw the perfect Friendsgiving.

Food…obviously.

Although it can be great to get together with friends you haven’t seen in awhile, let’s face it: food is the most important thing. The beauty of Friendsgiving is that you don’t have to be limited to the classic turkey and stuffing Thanksgiving meal. When throwing a Friendsgiving celebration, let your friends bring whatever dish they want!

Although store bought food is great for a last-minute get together, attempting to cook can be a fun experience for you and your friends to enjoy together. Assign a different food to each of your friends, and share them potluck-style. Save the complicated dishes for your family, and instead try making a super simple recipe or a delicious dessert! The best part about Friendsgiving is that anything goes. If you want to bring just desserts? Why not! In the mood for a pizza? Go for it. Wanting to try some apple cider mimosas? Hell. Yes.

pumpkin bars >>>

Pinterest-y fall decor

Another way to throw the perfect Friendsgiving is with some Pinterest-esque fall decor. Even if you’re not the crafty type, there are tons of DIY decorations that require barely any effort! Whether it be decorating mason jars, painting pumpkins, or even just writing cute or creative place cards, this is the time to get artsy. It’s worth taking the extra time to decorate, because it’s not every day you get to be super fancy and festive with your friends.

Activities

Activities are the perfect way to get in the autumn spirit and celebrate Friendsgiving! One great idea is to have a DIY photo booth. Cover a blank wall with a banner and some fall-themed decor, and spend some time taking insta-worthy pics! A pick-up football game is also a classic Thanksgiving activity, and can help you burn off some of the many calories you’ll be consuming that day. Or, for those who get put in a food-coma after the meal, card games and board games may be more your speed. Cards Against Humanity holiday edition, anyone?

A chill autumn playlist

When you’re chowing down and catching up, you need to make sure you have some good tunes in the background. Play you’re favorite coffee-shop acoustic playlist to truly set the mood for a festive No-bad-vibes-vember. And no, it is never too early for some christmas music.

Enjoy the company!

With work, school, and the business of our daily lives, it’s easy for us to take our friendships for granted. Now’s the chance to truly show your closest friends how much they mean to you. For many of us, Thanksgiving break is one of the only times to catch up with old friends, so take advantage of it! Share your new experiences, reminisce about past memories, and most importantly, give thanks. Thank them for the countless laughs and inside jokes, the spontaneous dance parties, the support through hard times, and their unconditional love.

yes we wore matching pjs…don’t judge