It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and warm beverages are the best way to stay warm on a cool autumn day. It’s also the beginning of the holiday season and depending on who you are that could either be a very good thing, or a thing you wish you could fast forward through.
Not everyone spends the holidays with family, but that doesn’t mean you need to skip them all together. Why not contact a few friends and discuss the idea of having a “friendsgiving”. Friendsgiving is for a group of friends who consider each other extended family or are close enough to enjoy breaking bread with each other. Just a few friends over, potluck style to enjoy the day together. Below are a few tips to make the next holiday up, one to remember:
1. Where are We Doing This Thing?
Reach out to a few friends and decided who would be willing to host the event. The home should be large enough to accommodate the number of guests and in an area that is easily accessible to everyone. Also be sure to pick a time that works for everyone. If you know any of your guests are habitually late, be sure to tell them that dinner is 30 minutes to an hour earlier that is really is. Sadly, it’s the only way to get them there in time.
2. Who Made the Potato Salad? (i.e. Menu Planning)
Once the location has been decided, create a menu and divvy it up between everyone. Be sure to keep everyone’s dietary restrictions in mind as you plan your menu. There’s nothing worse than going to dinner with a group and not being able to get a plate of various foods you can eat.
Now, I have to interject and say if you aren’t that great of a cook please but your dish. Most grocery stores have pre-made dishes available for purchase and they specialize in a wide variety of certain dishes during the holiday. Play up to your strengths my friends. I usually decorate, mix the cocktails, and bring the wine. I know my lane and am more than happy to stay in it!
3. Cheers!
Did I say wine? Oh yes! Be sure to assign someone to play host. As people arrive, direct them where they should place their coats, where to drop their dish, and hand them a glass of their wine of choice. Be sure to have a variety available. I’m always sure to have reds, whites and sparkling on hand. Also, make sure to have a nice festive holiday punch available for those who aren’t keen on the adult beverages. The key to a successful event is to keep all your guests in mind.
4. Welcome to My Humble Abode
When guests arrive, make sure that they are entering a clean, cozy, and welcoming environment. Have some nice background music playing and a few light hors d'oeuvres/appetizers out for people to nosh on while they wait for the main event to begin.
If you choose to level up your event, there are plenty of stores out there who are currently selling Thanksgiving themed décor. Pick up a few pieces to give the space a nice holiday touch. However; don’t do too much. You don’t want it to look like an episode of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Less is most certainly more in this case.
5. Family Bonding
Not everyone will want to do this, but my friends and I like to cook the main dishes in advance, but also save a few dishes to cook together are we sip wine and chat. Usually, it’s the salad, deviled eggs, or something that can be made fairly quickly. I have to admit that cooking as a group is my favorite part of the evening.
6. Giving Thanks
Once all the food has been put out, and everyone is around the table, before you start eating be sure to say a prayer of thanks (IF that’s your thing. If not, skip to the next part.) Once the prayer is done, go around the table and have each person share what they are most grateful about for this year and for this “friendsgiving.” You may also give a toast to great things to come.
After the tears stop falling… bon appétit!
7. After Dinner Shenanigans
Now, these days some people will shoot out the door to get an early start on Black Friday shopping, BUT if you are not into that kind of thing after dinner activities can make for a quite enjoyable evening. In my circle, we like to make a few special holiday-themed cocktails, play Christmas music (Motown Christmas anyone?), and trim the tree. Other fun activities are board games, guessing games, and just hanging and enjoying each other’s company.
No matter what you decide to do this Thanksgiving, I hope you have a great one, and that your holiday season is one to remember! Happy Thanksgiving!
AG
