Friendsgiving Ideas + Free Printable Thanksgiving Charades Game

Here are 5 easy Friendsgiving ideas to help you have the best party with your friends + free thanksgiving charades for you to download!

With November nearly here, now is the perfect time to talk about Thanksgiving, and more specifically, Friendsgiving dinners. Read on for tips on how to make your Friendsgiving celebration run seamlessly this year!

There is nothing I like more than gathering around the dinner table and taking stock of what I am grateful for with my loved ones. That is probably why Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays! Now I, of course, love celebrating this special day with my family, but I also like to honor the other loves of my life, my friends.

Without my village, I could not have made it to where I am today, so any time I can bring them together for a festive Friendsgiving celebration, I am more than thrilled!

And I bet I’m not the only girl who appreciates a nice Friendsgiving dinner. That is why I’m sharing five super simple Friendsgiving tips with you today. It is never too early to start planning. (As a matter of fact, here is a free Thanksgiving planner for you to use!) Plus, if you are hosting both Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving events this year, preparation will be your best friend!

Easy Friendsgiving Ideas

Make it a potluck. One thing I love about my friend group is that we are all so different. We come from so many different backgrounds and cultures, I think it would be super fun to ask each person to bring a dish that is special to their family! Plus, it cuts down on cooking time for the hostess! 

Create serve yourself stations. Friendsgiving is not stuffy. Friendsgiving is easy like Sunday morning. Haha! Set up a bar area with beverages like chilled champs, sparkling water etc., so your guests can grab a drink as they need.

Count your blessings. Create a thankful jar by giving your friends little slips of paper that they can write their blessings on and drop into the jar throughout the day. Then read them aloud at dinner. Gratitude never gets old! Here is a fantastic gratitude games and plus

Charcuterie board for the win. You don’t need a ton of appetizers. Just create one large meat, cheese, fruit and nuts situation and let your friends dig in. Trust me. Nobody turns down a charcuterie board. It’s so easy to make one that looks impressive, yet took minimal effort. Plus it’s a great way to keep things healthy for the holiday.

Have games on hand. Forget about any difficult family dynamics you may have at your traditional Thanksgiving and just have fun with your friends at Friendsgiving. You can’t beat good old fashioned games!  I’ve got some fun thanksgiving charades for you to download below!

Now who else is crazy excited about sending out those Friendsgiving evites? That is right. This informal affair does not need paper invitations. In fact, send a group text if you wish. I know I would love to receive one as much I love sending them.

Tips for a Memorable Friendsgiving – Easy Friendsgiving Ideas

Friendsgiving is a modern twist on the traditional Thanksgiving holiday – a day dedicated to celebrating the family we choose: our friends. Planning a Friendsgiving requires a mix of tradition and personal flair. Here are some tips to ensure your Friendsgiving is memorable, enjoyable, and full of gratitude:

1. Choose the Right Date

Remember, not everyone might be available on Thanksgiving Day, as they may have family commitments. Consider choosing a date before or after the actual holiday so more friends can attend.

2. Delegate Dishes

The potluck-style meal takes the pressure off one person and allows everyone to contribute. When guests RSVP, ask them to specify what they’ll bring to ensure a variety of dishes and avoid duplicates.

3. Accommodate Dietary Restrictions

With a diverse group of friends, you might have varied dietary needs. Make sure there are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other specialized dishes available if needed.

4. Set the Mood

Ambiance is key. Consider making a Friendsgiving playlist, using warm lighting, candles, and even creating a centerpiece for the table. Casual and cozy is the way to go, but a touch of festivity elevates the experience.

5. Have Enough Seating

Not everyone needs to be at one big table, but everyone should have a place to sit. Think about renting or borrowing extra chairs if needed. Picnic blankets and floor cushions can also create a laid-back, bohemian vibe.

6. Remember the Beverages

While food is the star, drinks play a pivotal role. Stock up on non-alcoholic drinks, wines, ciders, and perhaps a signature cocktail. Remember to have options for non-drinkers.

7. Create a Gratitude Activity

The essence of the holiday is gratitude. Consider having a small activity where everyone writes what they’re thankful for on a paper “leaf” and hangs it on a “gratitude tree” or shares it aloud.

8. Plan Some Games

After everyone’s full and settling into conversations, games can be a fun way to keep the energy up. Board games, charades, or even a friendly card game can spark laughter and new memories.

9. Set Up a Photo Station

Create a corner with props and good lighting where everyone can take photos. It’s a fun way to capture memories and get some Instagram-worthy shots.

10. Send Guests Home with Leftovers

Chances are, you’ll have more food than you can eat in one sitting. Prepare by having some takeaway boxes or containers handy. Sending guests home with leftovers ensures nothing goes to waste and extends the Friendsgiving joy.

11. Thank Your Friends

Whether it’s a small token of appreciation, a heartfelt note, or just a warm hug, make sure your friends know you’re grateful for their presence and contributions.

12. Stay Flexible

Things might not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. The focus is on coming together and cherishing the moments with your friends. Stay adaptable and enjoy the ride.

Remember, Friendsgiving is about celebrating connections, creating new traditions, and enjoying the warmth of good company. With a little planning and a lot of love, it’s sure to be an event everyone looks forward to year after year.

Free Thanksgiving Charades

I’ve got a really fun thanksgiving themed icebreaker for you! Download this fun Thanksgiving Charades that you can play with your friends and/or family during the holidays! Just cut the words out, drop them in a bag, pick out a topic and have a blast!

Click here to download Thanksgiving Charades

I mean they are our friends for a reason. Why wouldn’t we want to celebrate a holiday that is all about gratitude with them?! Now take these easy Friendsgiving ideas with you and go forth and plan those epic celebrations that I know are in you!

What are some other great thanksgiving printables to check out?

• Kids Thanksgiving Activity Pack Free Printable
• Thanksgiving Placemat Activities For Kids (Free Printable)
• Free Printable Thanksgiving Gratitude Game For Your Family

Have you ever had a friendsgiving? What easy friendsgiving ideas do you have to share?

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