Friendsgiving Trends Surge: Tips to Host Your Best Celebration

UPDATE: As Thanksgiving approaches, the trend of hosting Friendsgiving celebrations is surging, with many young adults planning festive gatherings to celebrate with friends rather than family. This growing movement emphasizes the importance of friendship during the holiday season, making it more relevant than ever in 2023.

New reports confirm that many people are opting for Friendsgiving events, especially those unable to travel home for the holidays. If you’re among those planning a gathering, here are essential tips to ensure your Friendsgiving is both memorable and enjoyable.

Know Your Guests: Before diving into meal planning, it’s crucial to understand your friends’ preferences and dietary restrictions. Unlike family, who you’ve likely dined with for years, friends may have different tastes. No one wants to be stuck with a plate of food they cannot eat. Reach out and ask about allergies and favorite dishes to avoid awkward mealtime moments.

Divide Responsibilities: An effective Friendsgiving requires teamwork. Ensure everyone contributes by assigning dishes—appetizers, sides, and desserts. Encourage guests to bring essentials like plates and cutlery, especially if you choose disposable options. For those less kitchen-savvy, consider assigning them to decoration duties or cleanup responsibilities. Planning together makes the event smoother and more collaborative.

Order Pre-Made: With hectic schedules, many friends may not have time to cook. Consider pooling funds to order catering from a local restaurant. This allows you to focus on enjoying the celebration rather than stressing over meal preparation.

Make It Shareable: In the age of social media, Friendsgiving gatherings are perfect opportunities for sharing fun moments online. Create a unique hashtag for your event or design a custom Snapchat filter to capture the spirit of the occasion. Set up a photo booth with props to encourage guests to take selfies and share their experiences.

Ice Breakers Are Key: To foster connections among guests, plan activities that encourage mingling. Simple icebreakers or after-dinner games can facilitate conversations. Consider asking attendees what they are grateful for, a classic Thanksgiving tradition that can help break down barriers and promote bonding.

Don’t Hoard Leftovers: Avoid the post-Friendsgiving fridge overflow! Remind guests to bring containers for leftovers. Sharing food helps ensure everyone leaves with something to enjoy later and prevents waste.

Inclusivity Matters: Friendsgiving is an opportunity to include those who may not be able to celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving. Reach out to friends who might be alone during the holidays and invite them to join. A simple invitation can create lasting memories and connections.

This year, as you prepare for your Friendsgiving, remember these vital tips to create a joyful and inclusive atmosphere. With the holiday spirit in the air, make your gathering a celebration of friendship, gratitude, and community.

For more updates on holiday trends and celebrations, stay tuned as we provide ongoing coverage of how people are redefining traditions this season.