Lets Plan & Host the Perfect Friendsgiving 

Thanksgiving isn’t just for family—Friendsgiving is your chance to gather with your besties, eat all the food, and make memories you’ll laugh about for years. Whether you live in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, or anywhere else in the Midwest, here’s how to pull it off without stressing (or breaking the bank).

Step 1: Pick the Spot

• Basements & living rooms: Classic hangout spots, especially if your parents are cool with it.
  
  

• Garages: If it’s a little chilly, throw in space heaters and string up some lights—it screams Midwest fall feels. If you are lucky - it may still be nice outside and you can use your backyard! The lights & the heaters would be such a vibe!
  
  

• School gyms, church rec centers or park event areas: If you need a bigger space, these can sometimes be reserved for free or super cheap. You can also probably put up some fun lights and decor here - just ask and make sure first! &&& CLEAN UP!
  
  

Step 2: Send the Invites

• Group chats are your BFF. Just drop the details in Snapchat, Insta DMs, or even a group text. A cute Canva invite would be a nice little touch!
  
  

• Make it clear: date, time, location and if it’s potluck style, which is typically normal for a Friendsgiving. Then send a simple reminder so that it pops back up in everyone's mind!
  
  

Step 3: Plan the Food (aka the star of Friendsgiving)

Friendsgiving isn’t about one person cooking a full turkey dinner—it’s about everyone bringing something to share. 

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Main dish: Whoever’s house it is might take this on, to make life a little easier for everyone. Grab a few rotisserie chickens from Costco or Honey Baked Ham if your group isn't big on turkey or if making a full turkey is just too much. 

• Sides: Mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole (Midwest classic!), corn, rolls. A fun twist to the event: The Side Bringers, bring their  favorite thing! It can be a traditional thanksgiving style dish or just your favorite thing in general! Those are always fun to share! 

• Desserts: Pumpkin pie, cookies, or even Little Debbie snacks dressed up on a platter. A Dessert Board would be a cute touch! A little bit of everything is always a crowd pleaser!
  
  

• Drinks: Apple cider, Sprite, or fancy fall mocktails in plastic cups. Extra! Extra! Toss some editable glitter into those drinks and you are getting the party started!
  
  

Bonus tip: Make a Google Doc or use the Notes app to share so people can claim dishes. That way you don’t end up with 12 bags of chips and no mac & cheese.

Step 4: Decor on a Budget

• Grab some mini pumpkins or a selection of those crazy looking gourds from the grocery store, they are usually pretty inexpensive. Burlap or fun table runners will jazz up any table as well. Arrange those along the middle of the table and you are all set!
  
  

• String lights instantly make any space feel cozy. Add some candles to the table scape and you have a mood fit for a fall evening!
  
  

• Paper plates, napkins & disposable silverware in fun fall colors = instant vibe without extra work. 

Bonus: Have one of your friends sign up to handle the decor! We all have that one friend who wont cook but has a beautiful eye for design!

Step 5: Add Fun & Memories

• Games + Activities:: Uno, charades, Phase 10 or even a Mario Kart tournament. My girlfriends and I traditionally enjoy doing a fun craft after dinner!! Discuss this in advance so that everyone brings the right things or have someone sign up to be in charge of games and or crafts!
  
  

• Photo Wall: Hang a sheet or backdrop and let everyone take fall-themed group pics. Grab some funky / silly props & you are all set! Set up a tripod & remote so that everyone can easily get in together!
  
  

• Gratitude Jar: Everyone writes something they’re thankful for and tosses it in. Read them aloud before dessert—it’s cheesy but fun. Add a polaroid camera to the photo station and make a scrapbook with the photos & gratitude notes! Then add to it every year!
  
  

Step 6: Midwest Weather Reality Check

It might be freezing, or it might randomly be 65° and sunny. Have a backup plan for where people will hang out if it’s too cold outside. Blankets and hoodies are basically Friendsgiving uniforms anyway. The dress code should be “Cozy” anyways!!

Step 7: End on a Sweet Note

When the food’s gone and everyone is stuffed, end the night with a movie marathon. Think cozy, nostalgic movies like Elf or The Santa Clause - because let’s be real, Christmas season starts the second Thanksgiving ends. 

Maybe grab a few disposable containers so that people can bring home some left overs and enjoy those the next day! 

Extra Thoughts

Friendsgiving doesn’t need to be fancy—it’s about having a good time with your friends and creating your own traditions. Keep it simple, drama free and fun! Don’t stress about perfection! The mashed potatoes might be lumpy, someone will forget the rolls, something will be burnt and someone will spill cider on the carpet—but that’s exactly what makes it memorable.

Tell us about your Friendsgiving Plans & lets us share in your gratitude!