Hosting a Friendsgiving? Here's What to Know About the Tradition

As fall kicks off the holiday season and families brainstorm their Thanksgiving dinner menus, a new type of celebratory invite might land in your mailbox: Friendsgiving! The event has all the fixings of a typical Turkey Day gathering like pumpkin pie spice everything, cozy Thanksgiving outfits, and sharing gratitude for our loved ones. But what is Friendsgiving all about?

What began as a makeshift gathering for those who couldn't join their family for the holiday has become a popular trend focused on friends and chosen family. (The Drummonds know a thing or two about bringing bonus family into the fold!) As a celebration full of such love and connection, you may want to consider hosting a Friendsgiving yourself! Here, learn what it's all about and how to celebrate it.

What's the definition of Friendsgiving?

The TV show Friends isn't credited with inventing the celebration, but it did air Thanksgiving episodes that may have inspired future Friendsgivings to come. Merriam-Webster dictionary officially added the term "Friendsgiving" in January 2020 and the term blends the words "Friends" and "Thanksgiving." As you probably can infer, Friendsgiving is a casual meal enjoyed with friends during the Thanksgiving season. Plan it for Thanksgiving Day where you invite all your closest pals; otherwise, it can occur another fall day in the month of November, so you get to enjoy both!

What happens at a Friendsgiving?

Friendsgiving traditions are entirely up to the host! Everyone has their own take, but having friends at the table is, of course, a must. Food is also an integral part of the day, whether that means eating at the table or on the living room floor! You can choose to send out cute invitations in the weeks leading up with funny Thanksgiving puns or jokes. If you have time, you can throw a complete fall party with elegant centerpieces on the table or have a crafting area for guests to make decorations to take home. Hosts can also share their family's Thanksgiving traditions with guests, from watching classic holiday movies to playing cute Thanksgiving games with any kids in attendance! No matter how you celebrate, chances are guests will still take a moment to express gratitude for their good company.

What is the difference between Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving?

The main distinction is that Friendsgiving gatherings tend to be a bit more informal and are specifically focused on your closest friends. For some young adults, it's a chance to try their hand at throwing a cute dinner party (especially if they don't have the resources or kitchen space to host their extended family's official event). Folks who host Friendsgiving may use it as an opportunity to bring together neighbors and friends for a more casual dinner before planning ramps up for the real deal. Friendsgiving encourages family members to join, just as some families welcome friends at their Thanksgiving table.

So, what's on the menu?

The spread often resembles your typical Thanksgiving table with a few creative additions. Since dinner tends to be a bit more casual, hosts might ask guests to participate in the meal by bringing their favorite Thanksgiving potluck dishes—sides of creamy mashed potatoes and tasty fall cocktails are always welcome. A potluck lets everyone share their own family's recipes with friends, and it can be a chance to bring less "traditional" dishes into the mix. You might find a table laden with turkey and pies, or you might find boxes of your favorite takeout dishes!