I have a hot take on Friendsgiving…
5 ways to spice things up this year
It used to be that Friendsgiving was its own unique November party theme. Ah, yeah, simpler times. But, now that Friendsgiving is almost as popular of a celebration as Thanksgiving itself… I’ll say it… I think everyone’s Friendsgiving should have a theme.
Now, let me caveat with: I think “classic Thanksgiving” can be its own theme, and if that’s the vibe you’re going for this year, I’m all for it. But I also think… life’s short, why not make our parties more personal??
I’ll go out on a limb and guess that part of the reason you’re wanting to host a Friendsgiving in the first place is because you’re hoping to see your people a little more than your busy schedules have allowed. And to that I say — if this is going to be one of your group’s big get-togethers of the year, it arguably should be curated for your specific crew.
So, it’s time to let a future filled with themes on top of themes begin. Friendsgiving on its own is cool, but Friendsgiving inspired by your unique interests is, well, iconic.
Plus, Friendsgiving really is an incredible blank canvas to show your friends just how fabulous of a host you really are — having a particular theme to plan around not only makes it a fun experience for your guests, it also makes the curation easier for you because you have a set, clear direction!
So, this year, I vote we all think of Friendsgiving as a chance to get niche — you can plan yours around a specific food (still loving this “Dipsgiving” from last year), a favorite color, or even a beloved movie. Whatever it is, make it personal to you! I bet your guests will be grateful :)
I wouldn’t leave you without a little inspo. Here are 5 ideas for niche Friendsgiving themes to try this year.
1: Craftsgiving
My vibe this year is “home and hobbying”, so obviously the first place my mind goes is a communal crafting night!
Whether you set up a fun craft for everyone to try or you tell everyone to bring a project they’re working on (or a notebook to do some journaling for your art-averse friends), this is such a fun way to get your group together and, notably, away from your phones and screens.
I love the idea of having some element of the hosting setup be related to your hobby — whether you threw the ceramic dishes you’re eating off of, you crocheted placemats or coasters for the tablescape, or your hand-cut a DIY “Craftsgiving” pennant sign to set the scene for the evening.
This makes the planning of the party an activity in itself, and — trust me — you will feel majorly accomplished when the event is over and you’re being showered with compliments from your friends. Dare I say you could add “event planner” to your resume after this (HR might not agree with me but… we both know you are one in our hearts).
Overall, the vibe is a little bit Fancy Nancy, a little bit kraft paper tablecloth, and a lotta bit wholesome fun. We’re putting the art in party this season, if you know what I mean.
2: A French Fete
This one is merely an excuse to try out this adorable baguette centerpiece idea and I stand by it. Call it a “Frenchgiving” and there will be an absolutely adorable and freshly French spin on Friendsgiving afoot (say that ten times fast)!
The menu for this theme is maybe the most exciting part. A DIY macaron tower is a must, the opportunity to incorporate madeleine cookies into your place settings is just too good, and who doesn’t want a big pot of French onion soup in the fall??
3: Bakesgiving
Let’s be real. Thanksgiving… and Friendsgiving… and any dinner party, really… are about the dessert. The turkey might be center stage, but the final bites of the night are always what steal the show.
Here’s an idea… what if we created a Friendsgiving specifically around that part of the evening where everyone is deliriously content, sprawled around the table, and ready to dive into some delicious cake or pie? Enter: Bakesgiving. A theme for the sweet treat friends in our lives.
Let everyone know you’re having a baked goods potluck, and get ready for the most decadent night of your life.
4: Vintage Ralph Lauren
Plaid is the print of the season, and if New York Fashion Week told us anything, it’s that this trend is here to stay. If you’re looking to add a hint of chic to your Friendsgiving this year, channel all the Polo Bar vibes for a fashion-forward Friendsgiving, and encourage all your friends to dress to impress!
Sprinkle your event with Ralph classics like little teddy bear motifs, opt for low lighting and lots of candles, and think crisp navies, deep maroons, and rich forest greens for your color palette.
One of my favorite ways to get that “Ralph on a budget” look? Tie some plaid ribbon around cloth napkins that you already own.
5: Pie & Prosecco
If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands but you still want to host a special Friendsgiving, this one’s for you. Think of this as a casual happy hour of sorts. Friendsgiving doesn’t have to be a seated dinner—it can be simple to throw together and just an excuse to see friends. Pie & Prosecco is a chic but low-effort angle for someone who really wants to host but just has way too much on their to-do list already.
Grab a few bottles of champagne, pick up a pie or two from your favorite bakery (or don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring one), and you’ve got a party! You can jazz up this swanky Friendsgiving cocktail fete by getting some chrome cocktail glasses to sip from (I know these aren’t champagne glasses but they’re cute so it’s fine) or by adding a DIY wine glass charm station as an activity x party favor (every memorable party has a party favor).
If your friend group loves an excuse to get a little dolled up, make it an “I had nowhere to wear this” party, so everyone can finally show off the sequined jumpsuit or satin gown they bought for some unknown occasion.
Sweet ways to channel Friendsgiving — if you don’t have time for a full-on bash:
Mini gift baskets for neighbors — fill these with homemade cookies, a candle from the grocery store, or whatever feels right to you, and leave them on your neighbors’ doorsteps to spread some community cheer.
Send a card to a long-distance friend — a little more delightful than a text, and only costs you two bucks!
Make yourself your dream Thanksgiving spread — plan a night next week where you can either order or make *only* your faves (mashed potatoes and stuffing, for me)
This apple cider spray… just trust us
Light a candle and write out a gratitude list!
Grateful to you for reading this <3
The Holiday Helper