4 Friendsgiving Party Ideas to Kick Off the Holiday Season

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Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday filled with food, loved ones, and gratitude. What better way to celebrate than by hosting a “Friendsgiving” party with your best buds?

Gather your pals, prepare a unique holiday spread, and kick off the most wonderful time of the year in style. Here are four Friendsgiving party ideas to try out, with a few suggestions from our Thanksgiving catering menu!

Casual

If you and your friends are a laid-back group, plan a party that matches your energy. Celebrate in your sweats or PJs, watch holiday films, and make simple treats for your crowd!

First, ensure your home feels warm and welcoming. Hang some string lights, light some candles, and offer tons of pillows and blankets to lounge on while watching movies or playing card games. 

For the menu, think comfort food. Lay out a spread of simple yet delicious treats you can pick on throughout the night, like Meat and Potato and Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread cups. 

If your guests like to drink (and are of age, of course), you can plan a themed drinking game to get everyone mingling. Or, get a jump on the holiday season by having everyone choose a name out of a hat for a future Secret Santa gift exchange.

Formal

If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up, Friendsgiving can be the perfect occasion. Host a formal party with a fancy dress code and decorate your home for the occasion. Make a festive backdrop for photos, use your best plates and silverware, and offer wine glasses and mugs instead of plastic cups.

Your menu for this formal affair might consist of seasonal drinks (like mulled apple cider), classy appetizers like Pumpkin Soup Shooters and desserts like Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups. Once everyone is settled for dinner, have each person share one thing they’re thankful for.

If you really want to get fancy, have everyone bring a bottle of vino for a wine tasting. Set out some cheese and crackers, baked brie with fig jam, or any other bite-sized snacks that pair well with wine.

Pinterest-worthy DIY Friendsgiving

If you’re on Pinterest, you know that there’s a DIY craft for nearly every occasion and theme. A homespun Friendsgiving will be sure to impress your guests!

Browse Pinterest for unique Thanksgiving-themed dishes, like a fruit platter shaped like a turkey or sugar cookies decorated as pumpkins. You can add even more fall flavors to your table with our Pumpkin Truffle Mac & Cheese cups.

Then, get crafty by creating your own decor. You might even involve your guests in the fun with a DIY craft station with a wide arrangement of art supplies.

To close out the night, break out your Polaroid camera and having guests take photos to add to a scrapbook with quotes/messages. That way, you can cherish your memories and reminisce for years to come.

Potluck

Why do all the work when you can involve everyone in your Friendsgiving meal? When you send your invite, ask each person to bring their favorite Thanksgiving dish, from appetizers to desserts. If any Turkey Day classics are missing from your menu, we’ve got you covered with Mac and Cheese cups, Mom’s Cornbread, Savory Sausage Stuffing, and Mini Pumpkin Pies.

Before guests arrive, decorate a large table with a nice tablecloth and some small decor where you can lay out all the dishes, and label each with credit to whoever brought it. 

With these exciting party ideas, you’ll be sure to satisfy your crowd. And if you’re stumped on what dishes to make for your Friendsgiving celebration, sign up for The Cookie Cups Friendsgiving cooking class on November 10 for inspiration!