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How to Throw a Fantastic Friendsgiving

2 Simple Secrets for a Successful, Stress-Free Gathering

Article by Taylor Lay

When you think of the holidays, what comes to mind? Beautiful dinner parties? Elaborate family dinners that take hours of preparation? Planning, cooking, serving and entertaining for guests? The holidays can be demanding—but they don’t have to be. 

One of my favorite holiday traditions is informal, centered on the people I love the most, has zero rules and can be thrown together in a day. 

Hello, Friendsgiving! <3

This mashup of friends and Thanksgiving is all about sharing an informal meal with your best buds—enjoying the best parts of the holiday with your chosen family, and without the stress.

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Anything Goes

If I haven’t said this enough, I’ll say it again—there are zero rules! From elaborate decorating to eating off paper plates—make it what you want. 

That goes for the menu as well. My fiance and I are more traditional so we always provide the classics: rolls, turkey and pie. Our guy friend, who is 100% a bachelor, always brings something random like Twinkies. Honestly, we look forward to seeing what he’ll come up with each year.

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The Essentials

1. Food + Drinks | Potluck Style

It’s not a gathering without food and booze. We prefer potluck-style so we don’t spend hours cooking in the kitchen. We’ll ask our friends to bring any kind of side or dessert. It doesn’t matter if it’s store bought or homemade. 

In addition, ask your friends to bring their favorite beer or wine to share with the rest of the party. It creates a mini bar experience with little effort! You may find your next go-to drink. 

RELATED: Amazing Apple Cider Cocktails for Fall | Fall Sangria

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2. Pick a Multiplayer Game

After the meal is wrapped up, head to your living room to play a game. Classic games like Heads Up or Jackbox Games are multiplayer and can be played using your cellphone. They’re also...hilarious! Who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh??  

That’s it! Very simple. 

One of my favorite pieces of advice from Jami Nato’s recent article, Cherishing Your Community in the Winter touches on the importance of creating spaces for people you cherish to come together and simply have a great time. Friendsgiving can create this experience. No rules, no expectations—just show up with a dish (homemade or store bought) and enjoy.

So what are you waiting for? Text your friends and organize a Friendsgiving this weekend.

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