Celebrating FRIENDSGIVING & FRIENDSMAS: Tips for Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings

And just like that the holidays ARE HERE! Are you ready? It’s time to gather your friends and celebrate. FRIENDSGIVING and FRIENDSMAS are perfect opportunities to create lasting memories with your close friends. Whether you’re hosting a cozy Friendsgiving dinner or a festive Friendsmas “girls’ night”, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable celebration filled with delicious food, fun games, and festive drinks.

Hosting a Fabulous Friendsgiving

1. Set the Date and Guest List

• Choose a date that works for most of your friends, ideally a week before Thanksgiving. Create a guest list and send out invitations—consider using fun e-vites or even physical invitations for a personal touch.

2. Theme and Decorations

• Autumnal Vibes: Use warm colors like oranges, reds, and browns. Decorate with pumpkins, gourds, and fall leaves.
• Table Setting: Create a beautiful table setting with seasonal tablecloths, candles, and personalized place cards.
• Photo Booth: Set up a corner with props for fun photos to capture the memories. Pictures are a MUST!

3. Food Planning

• Encourage guests to bring their favorite dishes potluck-style. You can provide the main dish (like turkey or other options) while others bring sides and desserts.
• Don’t forget to accommodate dietary restrictions!

Fun Activities and Games

• Thankfulness Round: Go around the table and have each guest share something they are thankful for this year.
• Board Games or Card Games: Bring out classic games that fits your groups personality.
• Head, Shoulders, Knee’s, Toes, Cup: Look it up and thank us later!

Festive Holiday Drinks

To keep the spirits high, here are three delightful holiday cocktails to serve at your gathering:

1. Cranberry Moscow Mule
   • Ingredients: Vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, lime juice, fresh cranberries, and mint for garnish.
   • Instructions: In a copper mug, combine vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with cranberries and mint.
2. Spiced Apple Cider Sangria
   • Ingredients: Apple cider, white wine (like Pinot Grigio), brandy, sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
   • Instructions: In a large pitcher, mix apple cider, wine, brandy, and spices. Let it chill for at least an hour before serving over ice.
3. Peppermint White Russian
   • Ingredients: Vodka, coffee liqueur, heavy cream, peppermint extract, crushed candy canes for garnish.
   • Instructions: In a glass filled with ice, combine vodka and coffee liqueur. Add cream on top and stir gently. Garnish with crushed candy canes.

Celebrating FRIENDSMAS

Once December rolls around, it’s time to transition into FRIENDSMAS! This celebration is all about festive cheer and holiday spirit.

1. Festive Decorations

• Go all out with Christmas lights, ornaments, wreaths, and garlands. A Christmas tree is essential—whether real or artificial—decorated with personal touches from your friends.

2. Gift Exchange Ideas

• Organize a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange to add excitement to the evening. Set a price limit to keep it budget-friendly.

3. Holiday Music Playlist

• Create a playlist of holiday songs to keep the festive spirit alive throughout the gathering.

Conclusion

FRIENDSGIVING and FRIENDSMAS are wonderful opportunities to celebrate friendship and gratitude during the holiday season. With thoughtful planning around themes, decorations, games, and delicious drinks, your gatherings will surely be memorable experiences for everyone involved. So gather your friends, embrace the joy of the season, and make this holiday one to remember!

xoxo