14 Tips for Hosting a Relaxed Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving is all about good food, great company, and creating lasting memories. It does not need to be a formal event to be meaningful. Focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Simple touches, like cozy seating and a stress-free menu, can make a huge difference. Whether this is your first time hosting or you have done it before, these tips can help make the day unforgettable.

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Keep the Menu Simple

Creating a simple menu will take the pressure off you as a host. Focus on dishes that can be prepared in advance or easily assembled. This allows you to spend more time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Choose crowd-pleasing favorites that everyone can enjoy, such as mashed potatoes, salad, and a variety of side dishes.

For dessert, consider offering a few easy options like pies or cookies. No need for a complicated, multi-course meal, and keep it casual. If your guests want to contribute, encourage them to bring a dish they enjoy making. This way, the menu feels collaborative and stress-free.

Set a Relaxed Atmosphere

A laid-back vibe is essential for a Friendsgiving. Use soft lighting, candles, and comfy seating to create a cozy atmosphere. You do not need extravagant decorations, as simple touches like pumpkins, fall leaves, or even a few fairy lights will do the trick. Ensure your space is comfortable for guests to move around and settle in.

Music is a great addition to help set the mood, but keep it low enough to allow for conversation. Avoid loud or upbeat tunes that may overshadow the conversations. The goal is for everyone to feel at ease and enjoy each other’s company. When everyone feels relaxed, the event will naturally flow.

Make It Potluck-Style

A potluck-style Friendsgiving is a wonderful way to involve your guests and reduce your workload. Ask your friends to bring their favorite dish or a family recipe. Not only does this make your job easier, but it also gives everyone a chance to share something personal. Be sure to coordinate so that there is a balance of appetizers, sides, and desserts.

By having guests contribute, you create a sense of community and inclusion. If someone has dietary restrictions, ask them to bring an option that caters to their needs. Potluck-style gatherings also allow for variety, ensuring there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Prepare Food Ahead of Time

Take advantage of the days leading up to Friendsgiving by preparing as much food as possible in advance. Dishes like casseroles or pies can be made the night before and simply reheated. This will give you time to focus on other details the day of. It also allows you to avoid last-minute rushing in the kitchen.

Having food prepared in advance means you can greet your guests with a warm, welcoming atmosphere instead of stressing over the stove. Many dishes, such as soups or roasted vegetables, actually taste better after a day of marinating. This will help keep the flavors fresh without needing constant attention on the day of the event.

Don’t Overdo It with Drinks

Offering a variety of drinks is important, but it is best to keep things simple. Offer a few options such as wine, beer, and a non-alcoholic beverage like sparkling water or a cider. If you feel up to it, you can create a signature cocktail, but do not go overboard with too many choices.

Ensure that guests can help themselves to drinks as needed. Set up a self-serve bar or have a dedicated spot for beverages. By keeping things simple, you will avoid spending too much time behind the bar and instead be able to focus on enjoying the celebration with your friends.

Choose Comfortable Seating

Comfortable seating is key to a relaxed Friendsgiving. Make sure there is enough seating for everyone, but it does not need to be fancy. You can use floor cushions, throw blankets, or even bean bags for a laid-back atmosphere. Create small, cozy groupings that encourage conversation and connection.

If you do not have enough chairs, ask your guests to bring one along. You could also consider renting additional seating if you have a larger guest list. Just be sure everyone has a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the meal. This way, no one will be left standing or feeling uncomfortable during the event.

Keep the Activities Low-Key

While activities can be fun, keep them simple and optional. If your group enjoys games, opt for casual board games or card games that everyone can join in. You do not need elaborate plans or ice-breaker games. Instead, let the conversation flow naturally, with music and food as the focus of the day.

If you want something a little more structured, a simple gratitude circle can be a meaningful activity. Everyone takes turns sharing something they are thankful for, and it brings a sense of connection to the event. Keep it light and easygoing to avoid adding any pressure to the gathering.

Embrace a Laid-Back Dress Code

Let your guests know that casual attire is perfectly acceptable. Friendsgiving is about comfort, so there is no need for formal dress codes or fancy outfits. Encourage everyone to wear what makes them feel relaxed and at ease. A cozy sweater or a flannel shirt is all you need to match the vibe of the gathering.

If you want to make it fun, you can suggest themed outfits, such as flannel or autumn colors, but keep it voluntary. Friendsgiving should be stress-free, so making the dress code simple helps everyone feel more comfortable. This allows your friends to focus on enjoying the time together, rather than worrying about what to wear.

Offer Multiple Dessert Options

Dessert is always a highlight of Friendsgiving, but you do not need to go overboard. Offer a few classic options like pie, cookies, or cake. Keep things simple by providing both traditional flavors like apple pie and more unique choices like pumpkin bars or brownies.

If you want to give your dessert table a little more variety, try having a build-your-own sundae bar or a s’mores station. Keep the setup easy by having everything prepared and ready for your guests to serve themselves. This approach takes the pressure off you and adds a fun, interactive element to the dessert course.

Have a Plan for Leftovers

Make sure to plan for leftovers, as Friendsgiving typically results in a lot of food. Have containers ready for guests to take home leftovers, especially if you have a large crowd. You can also encourage people to bring their own Tupperware or bags to take food home.

Labeling containers can help keep track of what’s left, and it can be a fun way to send your guests home with a little something to enjoy later. It is important to remind guests to only take what they can eat so that food does not go to waste. This helps wrap up the event on a positive note, knowing that everyone gets to enjoy the meal again at home.

Set Up a Simple Playlist

A simple, well-chosen playlist can really add to the ambiance of the event. Keep the music low enough so that it does not overpower conversation. Consider creating a playlist ahead of time with a mix of relaxing tunes, feel-good songs, and lighthearted hits.

You do not need to be the DJ all night, and let your guests contribute to the playlist as well. This way, the music feels more personal and inclusive. A carefully selected playlist can add warmth to the evening without becoming a focal point or distraction.

Keep the Focus on Conversation

Friendsgiving is the perfect time to catch up and connect with friends. Keep the focus on conversation by avoiding activities that require too much attention or preparation. Let people relax, chat, and enjoy the meal without the distraction of constantly having to entertain.

Create a space where people feel comfortable sharing stories or memories, or just talking about their week. You can encourage meaningful conversations by keeping the mood light and open. The best part of Friendsgiving is the time spent together, not how much you can organize.

Send Guests Home with a Thoughtful Favor

A small, thoughtful favor can leave a lasting impression. It does not need to be expensive or elaborate. A homemade treat, a small plant, or a thank-you note are great options. Favors serve as a nice gesture to show appreciation for your friends’ time and contributions.

If you had a potluck, sending guests home with a little extra of their dish or a container of leftovers is a practical and appreciated idea. It does not have to be grand since something that reflects the spirit of the day is enough. These small details will remind your guests of the warmth and gratitude they felt during the gathering.

Make Sure to Enjoy Yourself

As the host, it is easy to get caught up in making everything perfect. But remember, Friendsgiving is about enjoying yourself just as much as your guests. Take time to relax and participate in the fun, whether that means enjoying a drink or chatting with friends.

If something does not go as planned, let it go and focus on the positive. Your friends are there to spend time with you, not to judge the food or decorations. When you are relaxed, your guests will feel more comfortable too, creating an even better atmosphere for everyone involved.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.