LIFE

Friendsgiving szn is officially here, and we’re *so* ready for all the cozy vibes (and the food!). This season we’re serving up your must-know do’s and don’ts to keep things fun and drama-free—like planning a potluck (don’t be that friend who shows up empty-handed!) and cleaning-up etiquette. Follow these tips, and your Friendsgiving will be one for the books—full of laughs, leftovers and total bestie goals.

Do: Plan the menu

@caboodleweddings

Potluck style FTW! Get a sign-up sheet going so your friends can claim what they’re bringing (nobody wants three sweet potato casseroles and no dessert). Don’t be afraid to take charge and organize it yourself—make sure to get the host’s approval first, ofc.

Plus, it keeps everything balanced, so you get a little bit of everything on your plate and every chef gets to show off their signature dish! Pro tip: If you’re stuck on what to make, bring a classic crowd-pleaser like mac ‘n’ cheese or a charcuterie board—they’re always a hit!

Don’t: Show up empty-handed

@itsgretawilson

We get it, sometimes life gets busy and you forget to whip up a dish—but showing up empty-handed is a Friendsgiving faux pas. Even if your host insists that you don’t need to bring a thing, it’s always a good idea to come prepared with a little gift.

Think of something small but thoughtful: a cute candle or a box of fancy chocolates (your host will *love* you for this). If you want to go the extra mile, offer to bring fun drinks for the night, like apple cider or a DIY hot chocolate bar. It’s a sweet way to say “thanks,” and your friends will love the thoughtful touch.

Do: Keep allergies in mind

@sierrainthecity

If you've got a friend who’s gluten-free or can’t do nuts, remember that food allergies are no joke! Nothing ruins the Friendsgiving mood faster than an allergic reaction—so make sure you’re in the loop on any dietary restrictions or allergies ahead of time. Check in with the group chat and ask if anyone has food preferences you should know about.

Trust us, a little extra consideration goes a long way. If you’re cooking, label your dish with any common allergens so your friends can make informed choices. You don’t have to revamp your whole dish, but consider leaving the bacon out of the green beans or making a side that's allergy-friendly. Being mindful = major hosting points. If you’re the one with allergies, bring a dish that you *know* you can eat and share with the group. This way, everyone feels included and gets to enjoy the night without worrying what’s on their plate.

Don’t: Hold back on the compliments 

@itsgretawilson

Let’s be real: the best part of Friendsgiving (besides the food) is hyping up your friends’ cooking skills. So don’t hold back when you love a dish! Whether you’re asking for a recipe or just saying how much you love their pumpkin pie, let them know—compliments are *always* appreciated! Cue the chorus of: “OMG, these potatoes are heaven!”, “Wait, I *need* that recipe, stat!” and “Your brownie bites are literally life.”

Do: Help out with clean-up

This isn’t a restaurant, bestie—lend a hand! Your host spent time and effort making the night special, don’t let them handle the clean-up solo. Pitching in is part of being a good guest so as soon as the meal wraps up, hop up and offer to clear plates, rinse dishes or pack up leftovers. Plus, the faster everyone pitches in, the quicker you can get back to chilling with your friends and taking cute pics for the ‘gram. 

Don’t: Feel pressured to stick to traditional Thanksgiving foods

@chloe.rahal

Not feeling turkey round two? No problem! Friendsgiving is all about celebrating with your crew, so ditch the traditional menu and have fun with it. If turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce aren't your vibe, try something like sushi, a taco bar, or breakfast-for-dinner (hello, pancakes!).

The key is to make it personal—tailor the meal to what your squad loves. Whether it's pizza, pasta or something else, there are no rules—just good food and great vibes. Ultimately, it’s all about spending time together and enjoying the meal, no matter what’s on the table.

Do: Show your gratitude

@deeplyplantedinhim 

The most important Friendsgiving rule? Be thankful!

While stuffing your face with food is definitely a perk, Friendsgiving is really about showing appreciation for the friends who've had your back all year. Take a moment to toast your host, say thank you, and let your friends know how lucky you are to have them around the table. Whether you express your gratitude with a sweet card, a heartfelt speech, or a follow-up text, a little thanks goes a long way in making the night unforgettable. And hey, don’t be afraid to get a little sappy—this night is all about celebrating friendship.

So throw on your coziest sweater and get ready for a night full of great memories and even better food (just make sure you show up hungry). Bon appétit and happy Friendsgiving!

Feeling all the Thanksgiving love? We've got you covered:
🍁 Prepare to fall for our ultimate autumn playlist
🍁 Thanksgiving DIYs that are *actually* cute
🍁 The perfect sweaters for any autumn outing

Putting a Friendsgiving on the books? Tag us in your pics on IG @girlslifemag!

Slider image: @chloe.rahal
Top image: @maddierose95_

by Maggie Zhang | 11/14/2024