Friendsgiving: How to Start a New Tradition

It’s fall, and while we’re all gearing up for the holiday season, before we dive into wreaths, bows, and the holly jolly madness, let’s take a moment to pause. Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year, a time to stop, reflect, and give thanks. But along with Thanksgiving comes something equally special—Friendsgiving. If you’ve never hosted one, it’s time to consider it because it can become one of the most fun and cherished nights of the season.

Yes, it can be a lot of work—there’s planning, prepping, and managing—but I promise, the memories, the laughs, the games, the stories, and the late-night bonding with friends are well worth it.

Starting Your Friendsgiving Tradition

Hosting Friendsgiving is simpler than you might think. All you need to do is pick a day! For us, it was always the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It became an annual tradition that we kept for 10 years straight. Though life took some turns and our tradition ended, those Friendsgiving nights are still some of my favorite memories.

Why was Friendsgiving so special? Well, it was the one day where nothing else mattered—no competition, no obligations. It was just about good food, good people, and hours of fun. We borrowed tables and chairs, cooked from the heart, and spent the day laughing and connecting.

The Origins of Our Friendsgiving

Our first Friendsgiving happened the year we bought our house in Arizona. I was a bit of a control freak (I’ll admit it), so I cooked everything myself—traditional Thanksgiving dinner, my absolute favorite meal. It reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen, where I’d help her prep and cook the night before the big day.

That first Friendsgiving was simple and full of love. We had about 20 friends over, but over the years, that number grew. One year, we even had 62 people in our home! I eventually rented tables, chairs, and linens to accommodate everyone, but I never let go of my love for cooking. And as much as I loved sticking to the classic Thanksgiving menu, I knew I had to get creative with some dishes since everyone had already had their fill of turkey two days earlier.

Friendsgiving Is What You Make It

Here’s the thing about starting a Friendsgiving tradition: don’t overthink it. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and your gathering doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. My 10th year of hosting looked completely different from my first, and that’s okay. Your Friendsgiving will evolve based on what your friends need and what works for you.

But here’s the key takeaway—just start. Pick a date, let people know to save the day, and start planning. It doesn’t have to be flawless, and not everyone might make it the first year, but once people know this is something they can count on annually, they’ll come.

Friendsgiving Tips to Get You Started

1. Pick Your Day: Decide what day works best for you. For us, the Saturday after Thanksgiving was perfect, but choose what works for your schedule.

2. Make a Plan: Are you cooking everything yourself or making it a potluck? Are you renting tables and chairs, or making do with what you have? Indoors or outdoors? It’s your call.

3. Prep in Advance: If you’re doing all the cooking, see if you can prep and freeze some dishes ahead of time. Lighten the load so you’re not overwhelmed on the big day.

4. Enjoy the Process: Hosting can be stressful, but make sure you take time to enjoy the process. Don’t overbook yourself—if you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving on Thursday, maybe wait until Saturday for Friendsgiving.

5. Lean on Your Friends: Friendsgiving is about celebrating the people you love, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all alone!

In Conclusion: It’s All About the Love

Friendsgiving doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about bringing your people together, sharing good food, and creating memories. Whether you’re hosting a small group or a house full of friends, what matters most is the love and joy shared in your home.

So, get started! Pick your date, send out your invites, and enjoy the journey of creating something special for your people.