Friendsgiving Thanksgiving Celebration

If you’re hosting a Friendsgiving Thanksgiving Celebration this year, I hope you’ll be inspired by these ideas and images for a modern Fall setting.

I LOVE hosting Friendsgiving, although we haven’t done it in several years. We used to have a circle of friends who were all transplants with no family nearby, so we all got together on Thanksgiving day to celebrate together with our children.

Those are some of my fondest memories of any holidays over the years, but as seasons change so do the seasons of life. Our Friendsgiving celebrations died out as life changes took place {divorce, moves, etc} but I still love the idea of getting together with friends before the actual holiday, or on the holiday itself. Usually the host will cook the turkey and whatever else she chooses, while everyone else brings a side dish or dessert to share. You get to try new recipes that other’s hold dear, and there’s an amazing variety available.

TIP: Be prepared to share your recipes with the others so they can add it to their holiday menu repertoire. Print out a few copies beforehand so you can hand them out.

For this inspiration shoot I was drawn to the color combination of blue and orange, and our new patio was the perfect setting. If you’re in a warmer climate, an outdoor setting may be a good fit for you too. Check out how I created a simple but festive Friendsgiving party below, and for a more formal look check out my dining room for holiday entertaining.

Friendsgiving Thanksgiving Celebration:

TIP: DO coordinate your menu with your friends so you don’t have 3 mac n’ cheeses, and no pies! For the non-cooks we assigned dinner rolls, an easy appetizer, or wine.

• This table was super simple to pull together using an inexpensive burlap runner {from Hobby Lobby}, basic white dishes, and coordinating napkins and drink ware.
• For the centerpiece I wanted a showstopping flower arrangement but didn’t want it to get in the way of conversation across the table. I moved it to one end so it’s a focal point, and lined up candle sticks down the middle. Mini pumpkins on top of the candle sticks bring in a pop of color and whimsy to the setting.
• Mixed metallics are the “jewelry” of the table with the brass candlesticks, golden flatware, gold-painted lucky wishbones, and Moscow mule cups.
• Pine cones are a natural element that double as place card holders.

TIP: If you pick your pine cones from the wild, get rid of any lingering critters by following one of the techniques here.

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• The best part of Friendsgiving is that all the work has already been done so when you get together you can relax and have fun together. We used to sip cocktails, nibble on light appetizers, and play games all day while the turkey was cooking.
• I set up a lounge area on the patio with my hot Russian tea for sipping. Chairs and benches can be moved back and forth from the sitting area to the table when needed.
• Blankets and throws, and wood in the fire pit are there when needed if the temperature drops.
• At the end of the meal each guest can take their shot at pulling the “lucky wishbone” with a partner to see who’s wishes will come true!

TIP: Have some disposable containers on hand so guests can take home leftovers {besides their own}.

Hosting or attending Friendsgiving is a fantastic tradition that’s been gaining in popularity the last several years. If you have a close circle of friends I do hope you’ll give it a try. Here are some of my favorite recipes you could make and take:

Sides:

• Creamy Mac n’ Cheese
• Best Broccoli Casserole
• Marinated Green Bean Salad
• Corny Spoon bread
• Curried Pumpkin Soup with Stuffing Balls

Desserts:

• “Easy as pie” Pumpkin Pie
• 4-Layer Pumpkin Cake
• Kahlua Pecan Pie
• Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake
• Classic Chess Pie

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