Tips for Friendsgiving

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Gather’s Friendsgiving event where they gave me ideas and tips on how to throw my very own get together.

Now, the thought of throwing my own Friendsgiving used to scare me…probably because there’s that added pressure of living up to Thanksgiving.  But I think with friends, you can have a more relaxed party by making it your own.

Here are some tips that stood out to me at the event:

Create Cute Place Cards.

Genius idea especially with my friends who are makeup lovers like myself, but it doesn’t have to stop there!  It could be chocolate or even a handwritten place card to make your friends feel extra special.

(currently addicted to the Burt’s Bees Lip Balms)

Make a Signature Cocktail.

One of my favorite things to have at any holiday soiree is a festive cocktail.  At my house, we make mulled wine, but the options are endless this season.  At this event, the bartender from Derby Cocktail Co made artisan cocktails using pumpkin liqueur and cranberry bitters.  Little details like adding striped straws to your drinks can make all the difference!

Don’t forget to have water on-hand too.  Keep water interesting by having garnishes your friends can add (cucumber, lemon, etc) and stay eco-friendly by using a water filter system like Brita instead of buying jugs of water.

Set Up a Gluten-Free Hors D’Oeuvres Zone.

I know it’s easy to get caught up in all the traditional Thanksgiving food, but sometimes it’s good to have some healthy mixed in there.  Honestly, when I’m stuffing my face full of rich food all day, it’s nice to have something fresh to balance it all out.

Laying out fresh veggies with Hidden Valley Ranch dressing or a greek yogurt dip is such a classic that everyone will love.

Focus on Bite-Size Appetizers and Sides.

When you’re chatting away and drinking cocktails, I love munching on bite-size appetizers.  Your friends will devour appetizers like these (that pumpkin mousse was sooo good).

Give Your Guests Succulent Favors.

In addition to leftovers (I use plastic containers like Glad Ware), I love the idea of giving succulents to take home.  These plants are so trendy right now and would look good in almost any space.  I definitely do not have a green thumb, but even I can keep a succulent alive!

Give Everyone a Job.

I think this is my favorite tip of all.  When everyone arrives, they can pick a random popsicle stick with a job at the end so that everyone can help with the hosting and clean up.  Personally, I love being involved with parties and I feel bad when the host is stuck with the late night clean up!

 

There are plenty more Friendsgiving tips that Gather provided and I also think these tips would be useful with your family too (ahem, give everyone a job).

Do any of you celebrate Friendsgiving?  Do you have any holiday traditions you like to celebrate with your friends?

SHOP FRIENDSGIVING ESSENTIALS

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SHOP FRIENDSGIVING DECOR

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Thanks to Gather for sponsoring this post.