(without losing your sanity)

There’s Thanksgiving… and then there’s Friendsgiving - the unofficial holiday where the dress code is stretchy pants, the vibes are immaculate, and the only rule is no one leaves without leftovers. Whether your celebration is a full-blown dinner party or more of a “bring whatever you found at Trader Joe’s” situation (gosh I miss Trader Joe’s…), hosting Friendsgiving is all about good food, good laughs, and even better people.

To help you plan a gathering that’s equal parts cozy and chaotic (in the best way), we’ve rounded up our favorite ideas for invites, menu planning, décor, photo ops, and everything in between. I hope we can help make this the kind of night people won’t stop talking about...at least until the group chat disintegrates in January.

1. Set the Tone with a Clever Invite

Friendsgiving doesn’t need to be formal — but clarity is always appreciated when carbs are involved. Whether you’re going old-school with a group text or sending out something a little more official, the invitation sets the tone for the whole night. Here are some playful ideas to get your creativity flowing:

• Text Templates & Group Chat Announcements: Perfect for casual gatherings. A simple group message can set the tone if you add a witty twist. Try lines like:
  

  • “Come for the turkey, stay because we locked the door.”
    
  • “Friends who feast together stay together - BYO stretchy pants.”
    
  • “It’s Friendsgiving: where calories don’t count and carbs are a love language.”
    
    

• Canva Graphics or Paperless Post: Want to make it feel fancy without going overboard? Use a Canva template with cozy fall colors, cute pumpkins, or a cartoon turkey doing a little dance. Bonus points if you include a cheeky RSVP option like “Yes, I’ll bring my appetite” or “No, but I’ll judge your stuffing from afar.”

What to Include (beyond date & time)

• Is it potluck-style? Assign dishes or categories.
  
• Should guests dress cozy, festive, or “dressy from the waist up for photos”?
  
• Are significant others or “random new roommates” invited?
• Any dietary notes? You don’t want six casseroles and zero vegetables.

Set Expectations Lightly: A clever invite already tells everyone: this night is about laughter, good food, and zero pressure. And once the invites go out, start sprinkling the vibe in your group chat. Share menu sneak peeks, send oven-time sign-ups, or gently warn that whoever brings store-bought rolls must at least plate them nicely.

Pro Tip: The invite is also your first chance to hint at any quirky traditions or themes—like a pajama dress code, a board game showdown, or a pie contest.

2. Pick Your Party Vibe

Every Friendsgiving has a feeling - warm and cozy, chaotic and loud, or somewhere in between. The magic isn’t just in the food - it’s in the atmosphere. Choosing a loose theme gives your gathering personality without a ton of effort. Think of it like setting the soundtrack before pressing play on the night. Pick a vibe that feels fun for you and your crew, then let the little details do the heavy lifting.

"Cozy & Candlelit"

• Think warm, soft lighting, pumpkin-scented candles, and a table that screams “comfort food heaven.”
  
• Menu suggestions: traditional comfort foods - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with extra butter, and anything bubbling with cheese.
  
• Bonus touch: soft throw blankets and gentle background music for that extra “ahhhh” factor.

"Pajamas & Prosecco"

• PJs are required!!! (bonus points for: matching sets, slippers or silly socks)
  
• Menu suggestions: breakfast-for-dinner vibes, mini quiches, cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate, and spiked cider.
  
• Decor ideas: flannel table runners, fuzzy pillows, and fairy lights for that sleepover nostalgia.

"Potluck & Board Games"

• Nothing brings friends together like sharing food and friendly competition. Keep it casual - clutter is fine, just need lots of open table space for all the pieces, cards, and pawns!
  
• Menu suggestions: Finger foods + crockpot friendly mains. Think chili, sliders, dips, bite size desserts…
  
• Game ideas: Code Names, Jackbox, Catan (if you’re really hardcore), Pictionary, or classic board games that get everyone laughing.
  

"Outdoor Backyard Bash" (for warmer climates)

• Fire pits, cozy blankets, and twinkle lights are your BFFs.
  
• Menu suggestions: grilled veggies, foil-wrapped potatoes, or a big hearty stew that can sit warm over the fire. S’mores bar for dessert!!!
  
• Bonus tip: heat lamps or Solo Stoves make chilly nights feel like a magical autumn oasis.
  

Pro Tip: Pick your vibe first, then let it guide your menu, your decorations, and even your dress code. Your guests will immediately get the tone, and everything from the first bite to the last toast will feel intentional (without stress).

Bonus Theme Ideas:

• Flannels & Forks - everyone wears plaid
• Soup & Sweats - only soft pants and simmering things allowed
• Tiny Foods, Big Feelings - all appetizers and mini desserts
• Boards & Bites - charcuterie, dessert boards, baked potato bar, nacho station—if it fits on a board, it qualifies
• Leftovers Remix - everyone brings a Thanksgiving classic but reinvented (turkey sliders, stuffing waffles, cranberry cocktails)
• Global Thanksgiving - dishes inspired by different cultures/traditions

3. Divide & Conquer the Menu (Without Chaos)

Here’s the truth: Friendsgiving is fun… until everyone shows up with six different pumpkin pies and no green beans. Save yourself the chaos with a simple “divide and conquer” approach. Think of it like a game plan - everyone knows what they’re bringing, and no one is stuck wondering who’s on dessert duty.

Step 1: The Host Handles

• Main entrée is your responsibility: turkey, rotisserie chickens, or lasagna for the rebels. Keep it simple and stress-free - you’re already in charge of lots of other things!
  

Step 2: Guests Bring

• Assign dishes by category:
  

  • Sides
  • Apps
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
    

• To make life easier (and way more fun), include a list of suggested options for each category. Guests can pick what excites them—or link to one of your personal favorites for extra brownie points.

Sides:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted sweet potatoes with maple glaze
• Green bean almondine
• Stuffing (traditional or cornbread…do the cornbread)
• Cranberry relish
• Mac & cheese
• Mashed potatoes (extra garlic, extra butter!!!)
• Rolls - you can’t forget the rolls
  

Apps:

• Cheese & charcuterie board
• Spinach-artichoke dip
  
• Stuffed mushrooms
  
• Deviled eggs
  
• Mini sliders
  

Desserts:

• Pumpkin pie (classic or spice latte twist)
• Apple crisp
  
• Pecan bars
  
• Chocolate mousse cups
  
• The famous cheesecake someone’s aunt makes
  

Drinks:

• Spiked cider
• Fall sangria
  
• Pumpkin spice latte (boozy or not)
  
• Hot chocolate bar
  

Step 3: Add Fun Rules

• One dish must be something your family has forced you to eat since childhood.
  

• Bonus points for anything shaped like a turkey (even if it’s just a cheese ball).
  

• Encourage creativity—quirky dishes make memorable meals!
  

The Friendly Guidelines

• Label anything with allergens or “surprise bacon.”
  

• If you didn’t cook it, still plate it. (No shame in Costco, but at least lose the packaging.)
  

• Portions matter: Make enough to share — especially if you plan on doing leftover takeout boxes

Pro Tip: Create a shared Google Sheet or a dedicated group chat message to keep track of who’s bringing what. Not only does it prevent repeats, but it’s also a fun way to build excitement before the big day. Personally, we love using the Perfect Potluck website to keep track of who is bringing what. You can add notes, choose how many dishes in each category you’d like, and update really easily.

4. Friendsgiving Photo Ops 

Look, we’re not saying your Friendsgiving needs to be Instagrammable…but also, yes we are. You gathered your people, you lit the candles, you whipped sweet potatoes into submission - you deserve evidence. Here are a few easy photo ideas that don’t require renting a flower wall or learning how to use ring light settings:

DIY Photo Corner:

• Hang a cozy backdrop using a plaid thrifted tablecloth, a strand of faux leaves, or even a blanket you already own. Toss in a few pumpkins or a chair for posing and boom — instant fall photo booth.
  
  

“I’m Thankful For…” Mini Chalkboard Signs:

• Little chalkboards, kraft paper tags, or even sticky notes if you’re scrappy. Have everyone write something serious or ridiculous (“Taco Bell”, “Target runs”, “my fantasy football team”) and snap a portrait.
  

Polaroid Guestbook Wall:

• Set out a stack of instant film, a Sharpie, and a roll of tape. Guests take a pic, stick it on the wall or poster board, and leave a note. After the night, you’ll have a tangible collection of memories to treasure for years (and maybe laugh at for decades). A disposable camera works too! Develop the film just in time to celebrate next Friendsgiving.
  

Pro Tip: Don’t overthink it - candid moments are just as magical as posed ones. Encourage friends to snap funny, casual pics throughout the night, and you’ll end up with a gallery of genuine, cozy chaos.

5. Games, Gratitude & Lighthearted Chaos (optional, but highly recommend)

You could just eat, chat, and roll into food comas… but adding one tiny moment of chaos or tenderness (your choice) can take Friendsgiving from “fun dinner” to “legendary tradition.”

Here are a few easy options, depending on your group’s vibe:

Fun, Low-Pressure Game Ideas:

• “Who Made It?” Blind Taste Test:
  

  • Guests try mini bites of pies, sides, or appetizers while blindfolded.
    
  • Guessing correctly earns bragging rights - or the honor of taking a bite of the next mysterious dish.
    

• Friendsgiving Superlatives:
  

  • Think high school yearbook but for your feast:
    

    • “Most Likely to Drop a Roll”
      
    • “Best Mashed Potato Stirrer”
      
    • “Most Likely to Show Up With Store-Bought Mashed Potatoes in a Fancy Dish”
      
    • “Best Life Update”
      
    • “Most Dramatic Story of the Year”
      
    • “Most Relentless About Taking Leftovers Home”
  • Hand out plastic trophies or just clap dramatically - either works!
    
    

• Pass the Pumpkin Gratitude Moments:
  

  • Hold any round-ish object (pumpkin, bread roll, stress ball), and whoever has it shares one thing they’re grateful for this year — serious or funny. Keep it moving before anyone cries.

Bonus Tips for Success:

• Keep the games optional—some friends prefer chatting or sipping cider, and that’s totally fine.
  
• Rotate between games and food to keep the energy balanced.
  
• Don’t overplan! A few well-chosen games are more than enough to create laughs and memories.
  

6. Festive Decor on a Budget

You don’t need matching china or a tablescape worthy of Magnolia Journal to pull off Friendsgiving magic (although, Chip & Joanna, if you’re reading this and you ever want to drop by and casually redesign our living room - we’ll set an extra plate!). With a little creativity (and thrift store hunting skills), you can turn your space into a cozy autumn wonderland that’s totally Instagram-worthy - without stressing your wallet.

Thrift & Dollar Store Finds:

• Candlesticks, mini pumpkins, or rustic vases can be found for just a few dollars.
  

• Mix and match for charm - don’t stress about everything matching perfectly.
  

• Add greenery, faux leaves, or tiny gourds for that instant fall vibe.
  

DIY Table Touches:

• Kraft Paper Table Runner: Guests can write gratitude notes or doodles while they nibble—bonus: it doubles as entertainment!
  

• Mismatched Plates & Glasses: Quirky, fun, and cozy. Your table will feel lived-in and inviting, not like a showroom.
  

• Cozy Textures: Scarves, tea towels, or throw blankets can double as napkins, table accents, or cozy lap covers.
  

Little Details, Big Impact:

• String lights, mason jars with candles, or a small DIY centerpiece can instantly make your table feel festive.
  

• Sprinkle in some natural elements—pinecones, acorns, or colorful leaves—to keep things simple but seasonal.
  

Bonus Touches If You’re Feeling Extra:

• Tie napkins with twine and a sprig of rosemary
  
• Use mini pumpkins as name cards
  
• Fill empty wine bottles with taper candles and call it “artsy”

Pro Tip: Focus on a few statement pieces instead of decorating every inch. Your Friendsgiving will feel intentional, cozy, and fun without looking overstuffed—or causing you a pre-party panic.

7. Parting Gifts or Take-Home Treats

Just because the feast is over doesn’t mean the love (or fun) has to end. A little parting gift is the perfect way to thank your friends for showing up, sharing laughs, and stuffing themselves with you.

DIY or Simple Treats:

• Mini Leftover Boxes: Package up a slice of pie, a few rolls, or that extra serving of mac & cheese. Stick a cute tag on it like:
  

• “Thanks for stuffing yourself with us!”
  

• “Calories don’t count on Friendsgiving, but this is a little extra anyway.”
  
  

• Tasty Take-Home Treats: Cookies, caramel apples, or cider bottles always hit the sweet spot.
  
  

Our Fav Gift (of course!): Flying Cow Tallow & Lip Balm

• Give your friends a little piece of cozy self-care with a 1 oz jar of Flying Cow Tallow - perfect for dry hands after all that cooking and dishwashing. Pair it with a lip balm for a practical, thoughtful, and totally usable gift. Check out our Sampler Set
  

At the end of the day, Friendsgiving isn’t about perfect centerpieces or Michelin-star mac and cheese - it’s about gathering the people who feel like home, passing the mashed potatoes, and laughing until your face hurts. So don’t stress over the details. If this all feels too overwhelming, just pick a date, send the invite, assign the carbs, and let the magic happen.

Now grab your comfiest sweater and your famous dish (or… store-bought dessert, no judgment) - it’s time to make some core memories.

Author: Gaby Wilson

Gaby has been part of the Flying Cow family for almost four years now! She has a Bachelor's degree in Communication with a minor in Business Management from Curry College (in a tiny town in Massachusetts). She moved to Texas from California in 2021, planning to stay for about 6 months, but the Lord had other plans...she met her now husband! They’ve been married for 2.5 years & just had a sweet baby girl. Gaby is loving being a stay at home mama & juggling some remote work for us from time to time!

✨Friendsgiving Festive Giveaway✨ 

Comment below - What's your go-to dish to bring to Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving? Bonus entry if you share your secret ingredient ;) (kidding...kind of!)

Giveaway ends 10/30 - winner will be chosen 10/31 to receive $250 worth of Flying Cow products! Don't forget to check your emails after the giveaway ends! You'll receive an email from gaby@flyingcowtallow.com - so check your spam folders too!