It’s officially holiday-hosting season, and for the hostess with the mostest–this is your Super Bowl! We’re here to help you host the ultimate Friendsgiving this holiday season and ensure things are cozy, chaos-free, and full of gratitude. From setting the ambiance to hosting a potluck-style dinner and keeping the energy high all night long, we’ve got you covered.
The best part? You can find everything you need with just a few clicks, from Amazon to your favorite home retailers, so planning feels and is stress free!
Read on to make sure you’ve checked everything off your list for a night filled with laughter, great food, gratitude, and so much fun!
Set the Mood for Friendsgiving
Décor galore–and in our opinion, the best part! Decorating can be whatever you want it to be and whatever matches your aesthetic. Go for simple and minimalistic, choose a color scheme, or pick a theme like modern cozy fall or glam & grateful–the possibilities are endless.
Here are some must-have decor pieces we couldn’t host without:
- Tea lights or string lights to create a warm and cozy atmosphere
- Table runners and/or placemats that instantly elevate any table setting
- Reusable fall décor–think ceramic pumpkins, tapered candles, thematic cushions, etc. that you can reuse year after year
Light Bites & Drinks to Start the Evening
Every successful Friendsgiving starts with snacks and sips. From all the things you need to build a themed charcuterie board to sparkling cocktails/mocktails, the presentation and the smaller details make all the difference. You can always find stylish and budget-friendly options on Amazon, HomeGoods, Ross, TJ Maxx or Marshalls.
A few hosting must-haves to add to your cart:
- A charcuterie board set with cheese knives and serving trays
- Stemless wine glasses or copper mugs to match your theme or aesthetic
- A drink dispenser or beverage serveware carafe for batch cocktails or sangria/ponche
Entertainment That Keeps Gratitude Flowing
Once you’ve knocked out dinner, it’s time for games, laughs, and a little friendly competition to keep the festivities going. The possibilities are endless for options to keep guests entertained, so choose one or a few things that you know your guests will love.
A few ideas to keep the fun going:
- Grab a karaoke mic and burst into off-beat laughter
- Get a little competition going and start a game of Uno
- Try a tabletop game that sparks conversation like Tapple
Potluck Style Perfection
The host of the evening does a lot to ensure everything goes smoothly, so a great option to help ease the load is asking guests to bring a plate to share–potluck style. Keep things organized and stylish with:
- Serving utensils and disposable trays (eco-friendly if possible)
- Labeled buffet cards or chalkboard signs so everyone knows what’s what and to avoid any allergy mishaps
- Cute tableware sets that elevate the look of the presentation and are easy to clean up after
Must-Have Sweet Endings
A sweet-treat is the grand finale, and it deserves its own moment. Set up a dessert bar featuring pies, cookies, or Latin-inspired treats like flan, pastel de tres leches, or arroz con leche.
Make it picture perfect with:
- A tiered dessert stand or cake display tray
- Mini dessert plates for individual servings
- Cute to-go boxes so guests can take home a treat for later
Send Them Off with Love and Leftovers
It’s not a Friendsgiving without leftovers for recalentado the next day! Send your guests off with full belly’s and a little extra to spare while keeping your Tupperware safe with:
- Disposable to-go containers
- Recyclable brown bags and labels for a sweet and personalized touch
- Maybe even a mini party favor and/or a thank-you tag as a token of appreciation
A few of these items and a whole lot of gratitude are all you need to host the ultimate Friendsgiving this holiday season. Cozy vibes, good company, and maybe a little chaos–that’s what makes it truly special and unforgettable.
