The idea of hosting Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving can sound like quite a daunting task. It can quickly become overwhelming.
But, it doesn’t have to be. There are a few things you can do to keep it manageable and still create a memorable meal for you and your friends.
This post is all about how to plan a stress-free Friendsgiving.
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Plan Ahead
The first thing you can do to make things easier on yourself is to plan ahead. Planning ahead will ensure that you will actually get to enjoy your time as well as your guests. Remember the saying “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
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Invitations:
Starting with your invitations, they can be as simple as a text to friends or a professionally printed invitation sent through the mail.
Determine the number of guests you’d like to invite and create a guest list. Consider the space available in your home, seating arrangements, and the type of atmosphere you want to foster. Friendsgiving is all about creating a cozy and intimate setting, so choose your guest list accordingly.
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Food:
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When planning your menu remember to keep it simple. While the food is an important part of the Friendsgiving, the most important thing is that you are relaxed and able to enjoy yourself and time with your friends.
Try to choose foods that can be prepared ahead of time to eliminate a little of your stress on the day of the Friendsgiving.
To take a page from the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garden, I typically try to have 1 item that I can make ahead, one item that I can buy, and one item that I can assemble quickly just before the meal.
You can also make it a potluck if you want to share the load with your guests. And who doesn’t love making their favorite recipe to share with friends?
It really is a win-win.
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Delegate Responsibilities
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Friendsgiving is a communal event, and your friends will likely be more than willing to contribute. Delegate tasks such as bringing side dishes, desserts, or drinks. This not only lightens your workload but also adds variety to the menu.
Drinks:
Plan your drinks so that guests can serve themselves. Pitchers of water and bottles of wine on the table.
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Look for drink recipes that you can make in a batch.
And maybe a decanter of lemonade, sangria, or hot cider.
This way you have a variety of options and your guests can help themselves instead of you running around making sure everyone has a drink.
Prepare a Timeline
Create a detailed timeline for the day of Friendsgiving. Include when you’ll start cooking, when guests should arrive, and any planned activities or games. Having a schedule will help you stay organized and reduce stress on the day of the event.
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Set the Atmosphere
Enhance the ambiance by decorating your space. You don’t have to go overboard – simple, autumn-themed decorations like candles, pumpkins, and tablecloths can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider playing background music to add to the festive mood.
Stock up on Essentials
Make a list of all the essentials you’ll need for the celebration, including food ingredients, beverages, and any disposable plates or utensils. Having everything on hand ahead of time will prevent last-minute dashes to the store.
Embrace Imperfection
Remember that Friendsgiving is about enjoying each other’s company, not achieving perfection. Don’t stress over minor details; embrace the imperfections and focus on the joy of being together.
And last of all, don’t worry about the things you didn’t get done. No one will know!!!
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By planning ahead, delegating responsibilities, and fostering a relaxed atmosphere, you can host a stress-free Friendsgiving that allows everyone to savor the spirit of gratitude and friendship. With good food, great company, and a well-thought-out plan, your Friendsgiving celebration is sure to be memorable and enjoyable
