How to Throw a Successful Friendsgiving

Even if your family lives close by and you’ll be spending Turkey Day with relatives, Thanksgiving season is the best excuse to gather your closest friends ‘round the table for good food and company. Friendsgiving can turn out to be as much work as a bonafide Thanksgiving Dinner, so we’ve got some tips to help you avoid a turkey-less, hangry group disaster and put on a meal that will leave everyone feeling festive!

 

 

Before

• Send invites at least one month prior. Whether you prefer snail mail or Facebook Events, don’t forget to give your guests ample time to RSVP to your Friendsgiving.

• Begin the buying process about 3-5 days in advance. Nobody wants to be the one who waits until the very last minute only to find that all the fresh cranberries are sold out and all you’re able to bring is canned cranberry sauce.

• Take into consideration dietary restrictions. If you have a vegetarian friend, don’t forget the tofurkey!

• Divvy up the dishes. Once the guest list is set, the host should assign attendees the responsibility of bringing sides, dessert, and drinks (assign your most reliable friends to bring the most important dishes) to Friendsgiving. Make sure everyone brings their food either pre-made or almost complete so as to avoid too many cooks in the kitchen.

 

 

Need cooking inspiration?

Sides:

Sweet and Savory Butternut Squash Fritters

Crisp-y Baked Mac and Cheese

Dessert:

Harvest Vegan Peach Crumble

Sweet and Salty Mini Apple Crisps

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Creamy Pumpkin Pie Bites

 

 

Day-of

• The host sets the table. You don’t need matching plates or utensils, but try your best to set a table of which you can be proud! You’d be surprised what you can pull off with a tablecloth, real napkins, and some candles.

• The host makes the turkey. This is a given—the host knows how many people to expect, therefore should provide the staple dish of Friendsgiving. It’s recommended that you should account for 1 ½ pounds per person, but the larger the bird, the more likely you are to have leftovers. ?

• Assign the person with the best music taste to play DJ. Need I say more? Make sure you have that Friendsgiving playlist locked down!

 

Shortly After

• Divvy up leftovers. Prepare doggy bags or tupperware (and acknowledge you might not get them back) in which guests can take home food.

• Sit back and relax. You deserve it!

 

Are you planning on hosting your own Friendsgiving? Let us know and follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter for more recipes, workouts, and everything #TeamEnlightened.