23 Wildly Underrated Friendsgiving Ideas That Everyone Will Actually Enjoy
Want to throw the best Friendsgiving party? Here are 23 criminally good Friendsgiving ideas that you’ll want to steal for yourself.
Friendsgiving is such a fun tradition to start or keep going with your friends over the years! Arguably, it’s more enjoyable than regular Thanksgiving, and a lot more laid back.
So if you’re looking for ideas to spice up your annual Friendsgiving celebration, you’re in the right place! This post is all about the best Friendsgiving ideas that you can easily recreate.
Whether you want to go all out this year, or keep it more casual, these ideas will set you up for the perfect Friendsgiving that everyone will actually enjoy.
You’re going to learn about all of the best Friendsgiving ideas from Friendsgiving ideas decorations, Friendsgiving ideas food, Friendsgiving ideas games, and more.
Whether you need some inspiration to get you going, or you’re trying to throw together a last-minute celebration, I’ve got you covered!
And if you want to bring that same cozy, intentional feeling into the rest of your home, check out my complete home decor guide.
Friendsgiving Mistakes to Avoid:
Before we dive into the actual Friendsgiving ideas, here are a few mistakes to avoid that will save you from a stressful night!
Not accounting for seating
Friendsgiving crowds tend to run bigger than a typical dinner party, so don’t wait until the day of to figure out where everyone’s going to sit. Grab some extra floor cushions or fold-out chairs ahead of time.
Skipping the sign-up sheet
Without one, you’ll almost always end up with three people bringing desserts and nothing else. A simple Google Sheet takes five minutes to set up and saves you a headache. It also makes sure that the host doesn’t have to provide everything.
Overcomplicating the menu
You don’t need to cook a five-course meal to impress your friends. Simple, comforting dishes (and a potluck format) will always be less stressful and more enjoyable.
Forgetting a backup plan for downtime
Once dinner’s over, don’t leave your friends standing around wondering what’s next. Having a game or activity ready to go to keep the night from losing momentum (I have some great activities listed below!).
Not planning for leftovers
If you know there’s going to be a lot of food, have containers or small bento boxes ready (idea 15 spoiler 🤭) so guests can take some home instead of it going to waste. Not to mention, leftovers are the best part!
The Best Friendsgiving Ideas:
Friendsgiving Party Ideas
1. Everyone Bring Their Own Board
I’ve seen this idea everywhere, and Friendsgiving is the perfect time to bring it to life! The whole concept is adorable and it’s such a fun way to get people excited to bring food.
You can do different board themes (e.g. dessert, fast food, classic charcuterie, etc.) so that everyone is bringing something unique.
This is the perfect way to switch up the whole potluck thing and make things more interesting! Plus, people can get pretty creative with their boards, so it’s always fun to see what people show up with.
2. Autumn Coffee Shop
Friendsgiving doesn’t have to be a dinner situation. In fact, having a Friendsgiving brunch is the perfect way to steer away from all of the classic Thanksgiving food and do something unique!
Not that there is anything wrong with turkey and mashed potatoes, but I don’t think people will mind the change of pace. And let’s be honest, there is nothing better than brunch with the girls!
3. Drinksgiving
If you really want to change things up, you can just scrap the whole food concept and do drinksgiving! Honestly, this is a really cute idea and I don’t think it’ll be hard to get your friends on board with this one.
Think of it as a holiday happy hour with your friends. I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty perfect!
4. Potluck Chic
A potluck is always peoples favorite Friendsgiving idea! And it takes the stress off of one person to put everything together and make all of the food. It’s also a good way to make sure there’s a variety of different food that everyone will enjoy!
Just make sure you assign different people different items to bring. Depending on how big your group is, you can assign 1-2 people a dish. You can also be as specific, or vague as you want.
It’s always fun to give your friends some creative liberty, like telling them just to bring a dessert, and letting them do the rest. Or, if you think your group might need a little more guidance, you can always tell them to bring the classic Thanksgiving dishes.
5. Cozy Fall Movie Night
A cozy movie night is such an easy way to wind down after all that Friendsgiving food! Throw on a fall-themed movie (or just everyone’s comfort favorite), grab some blankets, and dim the lights for the ultimate cozy vibe.
It’s also a great way to keep the night going without anyone having to entertain. Sometimes the best part of hosting is just relaxing with your friends!
6. Outdoor Picnic
If the weather’s on your side, an outdoor Friendsgiving picnic is such a fun twist on the traditional indoor gathering! Lay out a big blanket, some low tables or trays, and let everyone spread out and enjoy the fresh air while they eat.
It’s also a great option if your space is on the smaller side, since you’re not trying to squeeze everyone around a small kitchen table.
7. Friendsgiving Photo Wall
A photo wall is such a fun way to capture memories from your Friendsgiving! Set up a simple backdrop (a plain wall, a fall-themed banner, or even just some string lights) and let your friends snap pictures throughout the night.
It’s also a great way to make everyone feel like they’re part of something special, and you’ll have the cutest photos to look back on after the party’s over!
8. Aesthetic Friendsgiving Banner
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A banner instantly makes any space feel more festive! Whether you DIY one or buy a ready-made option, hanging it somewhere central (like above your food table or fireplace) sets the tone the second your friends walk in.
It’s also such an easy way to add a personal touch without a ton of effort, just pick colors and a style that match your overall Friendsgiving vibe.
Looking for more cozy fall inspiration beyond the Friendsgiving setup? My fall home decor ideas post has 29 ways to bring that same warm, seasonal feeling into every room.
9. Personalized Paper Tablecloth
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A personalized paper tablecloth is such a sweet, easy way to make each guest feel special! Use a roll of kraft or butcher paper as your table runner, then hand-letter each guest’s name right where they’ll be sitting, along with a few little doodles to tie in the fall theme.
It’s also a great budget-friendly alternative to place cards, plus it doubles as a fun keepsake since your friends can take a photo with their spot before the food (and the wine) takes over the table.
Friendsgiving Food Ideas
10. Mini Charcuterie Boards
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Instead of one big charcuterie board, giving everyone their own mini version is such a fun and personal touch! It lets each guest customize their board with exactly what they like, no fighting over the last cracker.
It’s also a great appetizer option while everyone’s arriving and mingling before the main meal is ready. The mini pumpkin holders aren’t a must, but they definitely add to the fall theme!
11. Make Your Own Pizza Night
If you want to switch things up from the traditional Friendsgiving menu, a make-your-own-pizza night is always a hit! Set out dough, sauce, and a variety of toppings, and let everyone build their own personal pizza.
It’s also a great activity in itself, since everyone gets involved instead of just sitting around waiting for food.
12. Twist on Traditional
Friendsgiving isn’t your average Thanksgiving, so switching it up a little bit when it comes to the food couldn’t hurt. There are so many different recipes that still have that yummy and comforting Thanksgiving feel, but are a little more interesting!
Cranberry brie bites are always a fan favorite and get finished off by the end of the night!
13. Signature Cocktail
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Having a signature cocktail is such a fun way to make your Friendsgiving feel extra special! A cider sangria is the perfect fall drink, sweet, a little spiced, and easy to make in a big batch so you’re not stuck bartending all night.
Cider Sangria Recipe:
- 1 bottle of white wine
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Splash of club soda (optional, for serving)
Combine everything except the club soda in a large pitcher, and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors can mingle. Add a splash of club soda right before serving over ice!
It’s also easy to make a non-alcoholic version by swapping the wine and brandy for extra cider and sparkling water.
14. Dessert Bar
A dessert bar is basically a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Set out a few different options, pies, cookies, mini cheesecakes, and let everyone build their own little dessert plate.
It’s also a great way to lean into the potluck idea, ask a couple of friends to bring their favorite dessert and you’ll end up with the best variety.
15. Hot Chocolate Station
A hot chocolate station is such a cozy addition, especially if your Friendsgiving falls on a chillier night! Set out mugs, hot chocolate, and a bunch of fun toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and crushed peppermint.
It’s also a really sweet way to end the night, everyone can grab a mug and settle in for the movie or games portion of the evening.
16. Friendsgiving Leftovers Kit
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Sending your friends home with a little leftovers kit is such a thoughtful touch! Grab some to-go containers or small bento boxes ahead of time so guests can easily pack up extra food to take home.
It’s also a great way to make sure nothing goes to waste, because let’s be honest, there’s always way too much food at Friendsgiving! And let’s be honest, Thanksgiving leftovers are always better (I don’t make the rules).
Fun Friendsgiving Activities
17. Gratitude Table Cloth
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A gratitude table cloth is such a sweet, meaningful addition to your table! Use a plain fabric tablecloth and fabric markers, and have each guest write something they’re grateful for right on the table.
It’s also a really fun keepsake, you can pull it out every year and add to it, watching your gratitude notes grow over time.
Want even more ways to style your table for the occasion? My fall table decor ideas post has plenty of inspiration to take this further.
18. Pumpkin Painting
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Pumpkin painting is such a fun, low-mess alternative to carving! Set out a variety of paint colors and let everyone get creative with their own mini pumpkin to take home.
It’s also a great activity for guests of all ages (never gets old), no sharp tools required, just a fun, stress-free craft.
19. Paint Your Own Fall Doormat
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Painting your own doormat is such a fun (and useful!) activity to bring into your Friendsgiving lineup! Grab a plain doormat and some fabric or outdoor paint, and let everyone design their own to take home.
If you want a more detailed walkthrough for painting your own, check out my DIY doormat tutorial, it breaks down the whole process step by step and only takes about 20 minutes.
20. Paint Your Own Candlestick
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Painting your own taper candlesticks is such a cute, easy activity to add a personal touch to your table! Grab some plain wooden candlesticks and a few paint colors, and let everyone customize their own to bring home (or keep on your table as the perfect finishing touch).
Everyone loves an activity that allows them to bring home a li
21. Board Games & Cozy Movie
Sometimes the simplest activities are the best ones! Set out a few board games for guests who want to stay a little more active, and have a movie ready to go for anyone who’d rather relax on the couch.
It’s also a great way to give your friends options, not everyone wants to do the same thing after a big meal!
22. Dried Flower Pumpkins
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Dried flower pumpkins are such a beautiful, fall-themed craft for the gals! Simply hot glue dried flowers and stems onto a real or faux pumpkin for an instantly elegant centerpiece.
This craft is always a fan-favorite, and it’s so easy!
23. Canvas painting
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A canvas painting activity is such a fun, creative addition to your Friendsgiving! Set out canvases, paint, and brushes, and let everyone create their own mini masterpiece to take home.
It’s also a great way to slow down and connect with your friends, sometimes the best conversations happen while everyone’s hands are busy!
Host Tips for Smooth Planning
Happy Friendsgiving!
And there you have it, 23 Friendsgiving ideas that’ll make this year’s celebration one to remember! Whether you’re going all out with a themed photo wall and signature cocktail, or keeping it simple with a potluck and cozy movie night, the most important part of Friendsgiving is just getting your favorite people together.
So grab your friends, pick a few of these ideas that speak to you, and get ready for the coziest, most delicious night of the season.
Which of these ideas are you trying this year? I’d love to know in the comments!
This post is all about the best Friendsgiving ideas that will help you throw the best get-together without losing your mind.
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