Friendsgiving is all about gathering with friends to share food, laughter, and gratitude—minus the family drama! To help you throw the ultimate Friendsgiving, here are some tips, tricks, and two festive drink recipes that can be enjoyed with or without alcohol. Follow these steps, and you’ll be hosting a Friendsgiving that’ll go down in friend group history!
1. Plan the Menu and Delegate Dishes
Friendsgiving is the perfect time for a potluck! Decide on the main course and ask each guest to bring a dish to share. This keeps the workload light and makes sure there’s a fun variety on the table. You can create a shared list (Google Docs works great!) so everyone can see what others are bringing and avoid duplicates.
⭐️ Pro Tip: Encourage friends to bring dishes that can be made ahead and served at room temperature to avoid oven traffic jams.
2. Create a Cozy Atmosphere with Decorations
Bring on the cozy, autumn vibes! A few simple decorations can transform your space and make it feel extra inviting. Think pumpkins, candles, and a warm color scheme. Use what you have or pick up a few inexpensive items to set the mood. String lights and a playlist with everyone’s favorite tunes will add a welcoming touch.
⭐️ Pro Tip: Have some blankets handy if it’s chilly, and consider outdoor seating if your space is tight inside!
3. Set Up a Drink Station with Alcohol-Free Options
A DIY drink station lets everyone serve themselves while you relax and mingle. Offer a few mixers and ingredients that can be enjoyed with or without alcohol. Here are two drink recipes to get you started!
Apple Cider Spritzer
Ingredients:
- 4 oz apple cider
- 2 oz sparkling water
- 1/2 oz ginger syrup (optional for spice)
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
- 1 ml Soberish Drops (optional)
Mix the apple cider, sparkling water, and ginger syrup. Pour over ice, add a cinnamon stick, and enjoy! This can be served as-is, with a splash of rum or vodka, or with Soberish Drops for a buzz without the booze.
Cranberry Orange Fizz
Ingredients:
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz orange juice
- 2 oz sparkling water
- Orange slice for garnish
- 1 ml Soberish Drops (optional)
Combine the cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling water. Add ice and an orange slice for a festive touch! Guests can add a splash of gin, vodka, or a dose of Soberish Drops for a soberish twist.
4. Add Fun and Simple Games (Including a Drinking Game)
Friendsgiving is all about fun, and what better way to get everyone laughing than a few party games? Try charades, trivia, or the classic Ring of Fire drinking game. Ring of Fire is a fun and unpredictable game that involves drawing cards, each with its own action (think “Never Have I Ever” or “Make a Rule”). It’s a great way to mix things up and keep everyone engaged. Check out the rules here for more details.
⭐️ Pro Tip: Have some non-alcoholic options ready for anyone who wants to join the game without drinking, or let them use Soberish Drops for a buzz without the booze.
5. Set Up a Gratitude Jar
Encourage each guest to write down something they’re grateful for and put it in a gratitude jar. When everyone’s done, take turns reading them aloud (anonymously, if people prefer). It’s a simple but meaningful way to reflect on the year and connect with each other.
6. Keep the Food Warm and Ready
Have extra warming trays or slow cookers handy to keep dishes warm. This will keep things simple and allow guests to eat at their own pace without feeling rushed.
⭐️ Pro Tip: Make use of your oven’s warming drawer if you have one. It’s a game-changer for keeping food warm without drying it out.
7. Prepare for Leftovers with Take-Home Containers
Leftovers are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving, so make sure everyone can take a little home! Pick up some disposable containers so guests can take their favorites home without worrying about returning dishes.
⭐️ Pro Tip: Label dishes with people’s names so you don’t end up with mystery leftovers at the end of the night.
8. Pass the Playlist
Instead of a pre-set playlist, try the “Pass the Playlist” game! Start with a blank playlist and pass a phone around the group. Each guest gets to add one song when the phone comes to them, creating a playlist on the spot that reflects everyone’s unique vibe. It’s a great way to make sure everyone hears a song they love, and it can lead to some unexpected and hilarious song choices.
⭐️ Pro Tip: Use a music streaming app that allows for collaborative playlists so everyone can keep the playlist as a fun memory of the night!
9. Snap Some Pics!
Designate a spot as the “photo booth” area, complete with fun props or a cute backdrop. Encourage everyone to snap some photos to remember the night. Plus, it’s always fun to look back at all the laughs and silly moments later on.
10. End the Night with a Toast (and a Soberish Twist)
Wrap up the night by raising a glass to friendship, memories, and all the good things to come. Give a toast and let everyone share a few words if they’d like. With your signature drinks (and Soberish Drops on hand for those who want a little buzz without alcohol), everyone can participate in this Friendsgiving finale.
With these tips, you’ll be hosting a Friendsgiving that everyone will remember—and not just for the food! Gather your friends, prep those delicious drinks, and get ready for a night filled with laughter, gratitude, and plenty of holiday cheer. Cheers to an epic Friendsgiving!
