Friendsgiving 2025: Your Complete Guide to Hosting with Ease, Style, and Zero Stress
- Christianne Klein
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Friendsgiving has quickly become a beloved holiday tradition. Designed to be a warm, joyful gathering where friends come together to celebrate gratitude, great food, and chosen family. And with Thanksgiving just a week away, this weekend is a big one for Friendsgiving gatherings. We’re headed to a potluck-style Friendsgiving in a few days, but learn from our mistakes. Everyone decided to cook their favorite dishes, but we only shared the menu recently, which has led to an incredible sounding array of carb-heavy side dishes and… absolutely no protein (and now a fun last-minute scramble to add in some entrees. Oopsy!)
Whether you’re the host who plans months in advance or the one who sends a “Friendsgiving tonight?” text an hour before guests arrive, creating a memorable celebration is easier than you think. Here’s how to design the perfect Friendsgiving for every type of planner, plus ideas to make this year’s gathering your best yet.
First… What Is Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving is a modern twist on the classic Thanksgiving holiday - a gathering with friends instead of (or in addition to) family. It’s usually more relaxed, more creative, and more flexible than the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Think potluck dishes, mismatched plates, cozy décor, and a lot of laughter. It has become especially popular among young families, travelers, and people who want a second celebration without the full pressure of Thanksgiving Day.
The Perfect Friendsgiving 2025 - Tailored to Your Planning Style
1. The Overachiever Host
You’ve had a Pinterest board for this since summer, and you (probably) started thinking about this year's theme the day after Friendsgiving last year.
Your Friendsgiving Plan:
Choose a simple but elegant theme such as “Harvest Chic,” “Global Feast,” or “All the Sides.”
Create a shared Google Sheet assigning dishes.
Offer a signature cocktail such as a cranberry spritz, apple cider sangria, or a non-alcoholic rosemary fizz.
Use natural décor like greenery, candles, pumpkins, and a simple table runner.
Why it works:
Your guests feel cared for, the table looks beautiful, and you won’t have multiple people showing up with the same side dish.
2. The Last-Minute Planner
It’s one week out and you just decided you wanted to invite friends over for Friendsgiving.
Your Friendsgiving Plan:
Make it a potluck with purpose. Ask everyone to bring one dish they love or a recipe from their family.
Buy a pre-seasoned turkey breast or a rotisserie chicken as the centerpiece.
Pick up bakery pies and add fresh whipped cream to elevate them.
Use blankets, candles you already have, and simple string lights for décor.
Why it works:
You get a warm, cozy gathering without the pressure, and guests appreciate the relaxed energy.
3. The “I Don’t Cook” Host
You’re here for the people, not the oven.
Your Friendsgiving Plan:
Turn it into a store-bought glow-up meal.
Assign categories like “something cheesy,” “something green,” “something sweet,” or “something crunchy.”
Plate everything on nice platters and add herbs for instant elevation.
Provide drinks and dessert so the meal still feels balanced.
Why it works:
Zero stress, maximum fun, and everything still feels special and intentional.
4. The Travel Lover
You turn every dinner into a global adventure.
Your Friendsgiving Plan:
Make Friendsgiving a destination dinner inspired by a favorite region, country, or countries.
Italy example: Tuscan herb turkey breast, roasted garlic potatoes, cannoli bites.
France example: baguette and pâté bar, haricots verts, mini pastries.
Japan example: miso mashed potatoes, sesame green beans, mochi ice cream.
Ask guests to bring something tied to their travels or heritage.
Why it works:
It’s unique, simple to organize, and full of great conversation starters.
5. The Host With Kids
You want the adults to enjoy themselves while keeping the kids happy and included.
Your Friendsgiving Plan:
Create a mini kids’ tasting flight with rolls, sauces, and mini pies.
Cover the kids’ table in kraft paper and provide crayons.
Include at least one kid-friendly dish such as mac and cheese, roasted carrots, or soft rolls.
Let each child help by placing name cards or adding greenery to the table.
Why it works:
Kids stay entertained, parents relax, and the celebration feels smoother for everyone.
Bonus Ideas to Make Your Friendsgiving Memorable
Have each guest share one thing they’re grateful for from the past year. This is a must in my book.
Create a simple playlist: something upbeat for the beginning and mellow tunes later in the evening.
Add a few short games such as “Two Truths and a Turkey” or a blind pie tasting.
Send guests home with small leftover boxes, even if it’s just dessert.
Don't shy away from your own Friendsgiving. It’s relaxed, festive, and gives everyone a chance to enjoy good food and good company before the holiday rush begins. Whether you plan every detail or pull it together in an afternoon, the heart of Friendsgiving is always the same: community, gratitude, and sharing a meal with the people who feel like family.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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