Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to spend it than with friends? Friendsgiving should be an enjoyable time for everyone, but ending up as the host and planning it can be stressful. However, there are some must-do things that ease the process and lead to a successful holiday. These tips will lead to a memorable celebration for all.
To start, choose a date that works out for everybody invited. Vacations can often get in the way of Friendsgiving, a Thanksgiving themed dinner party celebrated with friends. Ask guests to RSVP so everyone knows how much food to bring. This will be helpful for the host as well, as they will be able to provide an adequate amount of space.
A huge component in making or breaking a Friendsgiving is the food. As it is nearly impossible for one person to make every dish, assign each person a specific dish to bring. This could include turkey, mashed potatoes, casseroles, drinks, and pies of every flavor. Getting the food out of the way is a great first step to planning an enjoyable holiday. To avoid repeats of the same dish, make it known who is bringing what, so that all the main food groups are covered. Stores like Costco and Vons have both pre-packaged food and fresh ingredients to help with the feast.
“I think everyone should bring a board with a type of food on it,” suggested freshman Ashley Zhang.
In addition, be sure the amount of utensils is sufficient. No one should be eating turkey with a spoon, so stocking up would prevent this. Themed utensils could also contribute to the cozy, fall vibe as well. Amazon, Walmart, and Target all have a variety of different designs to choose from to add to the overall experience, while still being budget friendly.
No Friendsgiving is complete without the autumnal decor. Fake maple leaves, orange and yellow lights, and miniature pumpkins easily turn a home from plain to Friendsgiving ready. Minimal decorations, such as posters and wreaths, can be placed outside, while everything else can be scattered indoors. Websites like Pinterest offer great inspiration for situations like these. Cheap bundle packages on Amazon will make decorating a whole lot easier.
“I think it’s best to have Friendsgiving with a smaller group of intimate friends so it’s less stressful to plan,” said junior Camila Ortega. “I think having friends help you plan the actual event would contribute to a better experience.”
Figuring out entertainment can be a daunting task, but there are some fun activities everybody is sure to enjoy. Friendsgiving charades, bingo, and creating scented candles are easy to set up and loved by everyone. Candle making requires only a few products: wax, wicks, essential oils, beeswax pellets, and small jars. Amazon provides all these supplies for an inexpensive price. Teens can make soy-based candles using crisp Thanksgiving scents that can be used as gifts or centerpieces.
“I’d invite everyone that I’d want to celebrate Friendsgiving with, and we would all decide what each person brings so it’s equal,” said freshman Hailie Ryu.
Friendsgiving is a time of celebration, gratitude, and togetherness, and everyone deserves to rejoice this special day with the ones they love most. By planning ahead and embracing a warm atmosphere, hosts can ensure that their gathering is stress-free. With some hard work and dedication, Friendsgiving will be an unforgettable experience.
Photo courtesy of FREEPIK.COM
