I love hosting during the holidays, and I’m excited to share my best tips for hosting Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving! It’s one of my favorite holidays, right up there with Christmas. Last year, I hosted Friendsgiving twice and a family Thanksgiving on the actual day. Hosting is my thing, and I’ve got plenty of advice to help make your event easier and more special for your guests—recipes, a food prep schedule, game ideas, and more!
Being from an exceptionally large family, I have fond memories of the excitement surrounding a Thanksgiving spent with my siblings and their children coming into town, the smell of homemade rolls and pies baking in the oven, and the joyful chaos of a packed house. I want to create the same kind of nostalgia with our family’s holiday tradition that my Thanksgiving-loving mother did.
What’s a Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving without the food? I’ve gathered my favorite family recipes that will not only taste amazing but also make a beautiful spread.
Let’s start with the classics that everyone expects when you’re hosting Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving.
A turkey is a must, and if you’ve never cooked one, don’t worry—I’ve got a foolproof recipe for a juicy, tender turkey that will wow your guests. I’ve also included step-by-step instructions and a video to help you, whether it’s your first time or you’re just looking for a new twist.
And let’s not forget the debate: are you team cranberry sauce or gravy with your turkey? Either way, I’ve got the perfect recipes to pair with your main dish.
Do you call it stuffing or dressing in your house? Even though I don’t “stuff” my turkey I still call it stuffing, and I have the most delicious, from scratch stuffing recipe that you’ll love. And everyone loves mashed potatoes, but especially these yummy garlic mashed potatoes.
Alongside those must-have Thanksgiving staples, when I’m hosting Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving, I love throwing in some fun, unexpected side dishes! Just choose a couple from my list to round out your main course. You can also make things easier by asking guests to bring their favorite side or dessert!
This Brussels sprouts recipe converted me from a skeptic to a fan – bacon is involved, so you know it’s good! Pair it with a simple green bean dish, and you’ve got veggie options that will impress.
On the left is a picture of a delicious pomegranate salad. It looks and tastes more like a dessert, but we always eat it on our plates with the rest of the dinner dishes. And if you’re not usually a sweet potato fan, like me, you might still love this sweet potato casserole – it’s surprisingly delicious!
With so many time-intensive dishes to cook when you’re hosting Friendsgiving, it’s nice to have something simple to add, and that’s where this carrot recipe comes in. And if you’re intimidated by baking rolls from scratch like I was, you’ll have to try this dinner roll recipe. They are so easy and so yummy.
While we don’t serve alcohol, I still like to offer special drinks when hosting Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving. Martinelli’s sparkling cider is always a hit, but I also make a homemade version that’s more budget-friendly for big groups. My sister Lolly’s ‘gold drink’ is another favorite—if you love pineapple, you’ve got to try it!
For dessert, mix things up with a fun raspberry pretzel pie that your guests probably haven’t had before. If you prefer something classic, an apple crisp served warm with ice cream is always a winner when you’re hosting Friendsgiving.
Okay, last thing—I’ve got this pumpkin cake you have to try. Now, don’t come for me, but I’m not the biggest pumpkin fan. I know it’s everywhere this time of year, but it’s just not my thing. That said, I make an exception for this cake. Even my husband, who’s super anti-pumpkin, LOVES it!
Planning and prepping ahead is one of my best strategies for hosting Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving events (and keeping my sanity intact). I’ve laid out a prep schedule to keep things organized and help you avoid last-minute stress.
One of my favorite things about hosting Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving is setting a beautiful table. It doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant, but creating a thoughtful tablescape adds a special touch to the meal. I’ve put together a simple guide on how to set a stunning Thanksgiving table.
Here’s a YouTube Video of me making the centerpieces for my Thanksgiving tablescape.
For some of you, hosting Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving is all about the food, but if you’re looking to add a little extra fun, I’ve got some great ideas to keep your guests entertained. They’re great for before, during, or after dinner when everyone’s in their turkey coma. I crowdsourced these ideas from my Instagram followers, so if you try any or have other fun traditions, comment below—I’d love to hear about it!
The most important tip I can give you for hosting Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving is that the day doesn’t need to be perfect. Truly, the only two requirements for a wonderful gathering are the company and the food.
Last year, I ended up hosting Friendsgiving twice—one for our church crew and another for some of my husband’s fellow residents. And on top of that, we also had a family Thanksgiving! What stood out the most wasn’t the food (though it was delicious!), but the wonderful people and the fun memories we made.
If you’ve found things in this post that aren’t an option for you based on budget, priorities, or interest, that’s okay! Hosting Friendsgiving is something I’m passionate about and I’m currently in a situation and season where I have the freedom to go all out! For those who can’t, or just don’t want to, pare down my suggestions and create a more simple and streamlined gathering. No matter how you end up celebrating the holiday, I hope you find joy in it!
Baste it regularly and let it rest before carving.
Use mini pumpkins, candles, or fall leaves for a festive look without much hassle.
Try a “Gratitude Jar” where guests can add notes about what they’re thankful for.