A Guide To Friendsgiving
The last year or so I have really learned the real meaning of "Adulting" and boy is it a struggle. Paying bills on time, working a 9-5, buying my own toilet paper, the list goes on. The one thing I can always count on, is tradition. My family loves Thanksgiving; the food, the wine, and more importantly the company. On a day like this, what better way than to celebrate twice! Friendsgiving is a perfect way to get all your friends together before turkey day with your family, and be thankful for the people around you.
Planning a large event, where food is involved, is ALWAYS stressful. Do you do a potluck? Do you just cook everything, because you are a control freak (me)? Do you provide alcohol (by the way the answer is always yes)? How much alcohol do you provide? How many people are actually coming vs. How many people said they were coming on Facebook? The questions are endless; I am here to help.
FOOD:
I am a HUGE fan of the Potluck Dinner idea, and I think it makes a friendsgiving more enjoyable. It takes the stress off your back of having to cook for a large group of people, and gives everyone the opportunity to cook their favorite meals. Make yourself a list of food items, and let people select what they want to bring - this helps make sure that all 10 people don't bring dessert (although that would be best case scenario in my book!) Keep in mind that the list will vary depending on how many people you are having at your party. This list below is meant for a party of about 15-20 people, and also allows the option of two people bringing a couple different variations of their favorite dish. Each person should make portions that feed about 7-10 people, and remember, Thanksgiving leftovers are the absolute best.
DISH
Appetizers
Salad
Salad
Stuffing
Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Turkey
Mashed Potatoes
Rolls
Veggie Side
Wild Card Side
Wild Card Side
Pie
Dessert
Drinks:
Even though most people usually think of Food when they think Potluck, you cant forget to include drinks in the list. Wine, Booze and Non-Alcoholic Drinks are important to have, but you shouldn't feel totally responsible for all drinks. As a host I would have a variety of soft drinks, and delegate someone to bring a few bottles of wine, or your alcohol of choice. Make yourself a signature cocktail, and you will be relaxing the whole night. The idea of not having to have a bartender, or manage the bar to make sure you have enough drinks is delightful.
Wine Count
4 people 1-2 bottles
8 people 2-3 bottles
12 people 4-5 bottles
16+ people 6-7+ bottles
Cocktail Ideas:
Decorations/Table Settings:
The decorations and table setting just might be my favorite part of the whole adventure. If you are good at DIY projects, this is the time to get your hands a little dirty and head to your local Michaels store and craft craft craft. For the table, a table runner In fall colors is a good start. If you have some pumpkins, you can hollow out the center, put some dirt in them and add some succulents. These make great center pieces for the table, and also adds a nice decorative touch. Candles, pumpkin spice candles also seem like a great idea - best to make sure all your guest feel at home, and that it feels like fall all around!
For decoration, you can hang a couple cute banners by your entry and the best thing is to have some sort of photo wall. Orange streamers, some sunflowers or pumpkins and some cute little sayings/mustaches and props makes for a fun time for everyone. This way, it gives your guest something to do, and also gives your guest lots of fun photos to take home! If you are techy enough, make your own geo-tag or even your own hashtag so that you can all share your photos in the same place!
EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT:
Some fun little extras, and things to remember. Remember to find a long enough table, or at least enough table and chairs for everyone to sit in the same room as possible. Make it as cozy as possible, add some pillows and blankets and make sure all your guests are comfy!
Have some fun games ready for everyone to play.
If you can, grab some Tupper wear containers or plastic containers for everyone to bring leftovers home!
Don't forget to leave someone in charge of the music! Make a playlist, and make sure you have good speakers for the event.