As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us look forward to gathering with family to express gratitude and enjoy a feast. However, for those living away from family or wanting to expand the celebration, Friendsgiving has become an increasingly popular tradition. Friendsgiving is an opportunity to bring chosen family and friends together to share a meal and create lasting memories. In this week’s “Ten-to-Win,” Kim shares ten ways to make your Friendsgiving extra special this year, consider these 10 creative and thoughtful ideas:
- Themed Potluck Feast: Encourage your friends to embrace creativity by assigning a theme to the potluck. Whether it’s a specific cuisine, a cultural twist, or even a color scheme, a themed Friendsgiving adds an element of excitement to the menu.
- Memory Lane Table Setting: Share the journey of your friendship by creating a table setting that reflects your collective memories. Incorporate photos, mementos, and inside jokes into the decorations to evoke nostalgia and celebrate the unique bonds among your friends.
- DIY Friendsgiving Decor: Get crafty with DIY decorations that reflect the warmth and gratitude of the season. From handmade centerpieces to personalized place cards, adding a touch of creativity will make your gathering feel uniquely special.
- Gratitude Jar: Set up a gratitude jar where guests can write down what they’re thankful for throughout the evening. Read the notes aloud before dessert to foster a sense of appreciation and connection among friends.
- Cooking or Mixology Class: Turn Friendsgiving into a learning experience by organizing a cooking or mixology class. Choose a signature dish or cocktail to make together, fostering teamwork and creating a shared achievement.
- Outdoor Gathering: If weather permits, take your Friendsgiving celebration outdoors. Host a picnic-style feast in a local park or set up a cozy bonfire in your backyard. Fresh air and a change of scenery can add a delightful twist to the traditional gathering.
- Friendsgiving Games: Introduce some friendly competition with games that cater to all ages. From board games to outdoor activities like cornhole or a scavenger hunt, adding games can elevate the fun factor and break the ice for newer friendships
- DIY Friendsgiving Photo Booth: Set up a DIY photo booth with props and backdrops that reflect the spirit of your friendship. Capture candid moments and create a fun photo album to commemorate the special day.
- Friendsgiving Playlist: Curate a playlist that combines everyone’s favorite tunes. Music has a magical way of setting the mood, and a diverse playlist will cater to the varied tastes of your friend group.
- Giving Back Together: Embrace the spirit of giving by organizing a group volunteer activity or charity drive leading up to Friendsgiving. Sharing the experience of giving back can deepen your connections and make the celebration even more meaningful.
Friendsgiving is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude for the friendships that enrich our lives. By incorporating these creative ideas, you can make this year’s celebration memorable, reinforcing the bonds that make your chosen family so special. Cheers to good friends, good food, and creating lasting memories this Friendsgiving!
