Hosting a Friendsgiving is way more laid-back than the traditional Turkey Day with family. While the Thanksgiving-themed celebration includes many of the same classic dishes, there are no official rules when it comes to how one should partake in the big celebration.
When it comes to the food, you could suggest a potluck-style gathering or assign various dishes over a casual group chat. If you’re a big Friends fan, you may recall how the bulk of the cooking always seemed to fall on Monica, while Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey piled on requests for three different kinds of mashed potatoes or forgot their dishes altogether.
Or worse, remember Rachel’s English trifle? Everything was going fine… until two recipe book pages get stuck together…. so the whole group ate her combination of trifle and shepherd’s pie that tasted like feet.
If you’re wondering what this story has to do with anything, the lesson is: ask your friends who can’t cook to bring napkins, a cheese board, or wine. Anything, really!
Tackling both a Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving so close together requires making advance plans. If you’ve never hosted Friendsgiving before, the idea of prepping for a party and family obligations can feel like a lot of pressure.
But, don’t worry about a thing. We’ve got your Friendsgiving ideas covered.
See below for all the Friendsgiving must-haves to make your party absolutely fabulous!
1. Friendsgiving Balloon Banner
There’s nothing better than a balloon banner. Reuniting with your friends is a special occasion, one that is bound to be heavily documented. Try hanging or sticking this up on the wall or along the hallway, and it’ll be the backdrop to all your Instagram pictures.
Buy here for $12.99.
2. Pumpkin Chai Diffuser
Nothing beats walking into a home with something baking in the oven.
This pumpkin chai diffuser, however, is changing the game. Now, your guests can step into your home and enjoy the delicious scents of wild pumpkin, spicy masala chai, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon while snacking on the cookies you bought from the store.
Just another thing we’re grateful for this year.
Buy here for $48.00.
3. Pumpkin Succulent Pots
These pumpkins will never go bad! While you could definitely mix in some real ones next to these succulent pots, this combination is so chic and requires little to no care in maintaining the plant. This planter is perfect for extremely warm climates, where succulents tend to thrive.
Buy here for $16.99.
4. Fall Harvest Party Favors Crackers
Every family and friend group has traditions. Grabbing these festive trinkets and adorning the table with them on holidays was a staple part of my upbringing. Who doesn’t like a little confetti, small toy, or joke after you crack them open?
Buy here for $22.95.
5. Thanksgiving Fall Kitchen Dish Towels
Since this holiday is all about food, you’re putting your kitchen on full display. A funny towel over the oven, like these, will show off your commitment to the holiday… and get some laughs.
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6. Fall Decorating Kit
While you could collect leaves and pine cones outside, getting all these cute fall embellishments in one package makes life a whole lot easier. Use these cute vibrant pumpkins, gourds, berries, and acorns to create a master centerpiece or DIY wreath for your door.
Buy here for $25.99.
7. Pumpkin Patch
While Friendsgiving is a joyful time because you’re around friends who consider you like family, sometimes it means you couldn’t afford a flight home to see your relatives. If that’s the case, or you still have fond memories of going to pumpkin patches as a kid, this lemon and nutmeg candle is perfect for you. If you’re attending a party, this is a perfect gift to give your host.
Buy here for $29.95.
8. Grapevine Wreath
First impressions are everything. Let your door shine with this elegant wreath, which greets your incoming guests with a hello. You could also place it above your fireplace or a blank wall for an extra touch of warmth.
Buy here for .
9. Pillow Cover
Thanksgiving is quite literally the time to give thanks. After you and your friends gorge on all the delicious food and treats, this adorable pillow will be a great accessory for your couch. Maybe let this pillow be a reminder to practice gratitude?
Buy here for $9.99.
10. Thanksgiving Dinner Straws
Are you grateful for the beautiful planet you live on? Why not use some festive paper straws, perfect for iced tea, smoothies, and lemonade. The best part about these straws is how they’re both durable and biodegradable.
While some paper straws have a bad reputation for getting soggy, these last for hours in liquid, so no need to fret.
Buy here for $5.43.
11. Nuts Holiday Gift Basket
When you’re hosting, or if you want to be a superstar guest, there are some key elements to prepping a successful evening. Having enough to drink is a given. Having enough snacks and filler foods, like nuts, is also a must. A tray, like this, comes with six selections, and is a wholesome option for some of your more health-conscious guests.
Buy here for .
12. Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera
On special nights when all your best friends are around, it’s easy to forget to take a few pictures. What we love about a Polaroid camera is that you immediately get a printed copy and nobody is looking at their phone — even for a few seconds. Nothing breaks up a good time more than a friend who can’t stop texting their boyfriend about something that can easily wait.
Buy here for .
13. Oster Roaster Oven with Self-Basting Lid
This self-basting lid continually recirculates moisture, so you don’t have to keep a close eye on that turkey. It can also bake, slow-cook, and roast. The impressive roaster oven is a fan-favorite on Amazon for its easy-to-remove roasting pan and rack.
Buy here for .
14. Friendsgiving Thanksgiving Party Bingo Game
You know what we love? Activities. Even if you spend the entire game talking or dropping it altogether, the option is so much better than awkward silence.
Buy here for $14.99.
15. Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Guests need a variety of snacks to keep them happy. A cheese plate is not only a beautiful addition to a table, but a great appetizer to much on before the main event while you’re waiting for your final friends to arrive. While you can’t wait for everyone, it’s not polite to start cutting turkey with only half the party in attendance.
Buy here for .
16. Novelty Crew Socks
Use these adorable socks to pay your final respects to pumpkin spice season, since it’s going to be all about eggnog, peppermint, and gingerbread very soon.
Buy here for $9.99.
17. Meal Prep Containers
These will make you go down in history as one of the greatest hosts to have ever lived. Send your guests home with leftovers in these meal prep containers, which will also ensure your fridge isn’t overwhelmed with treats you really don’t want.
Buy here for $12.70.
18. White Quartz Coasters
Once you move into your own place for the first time, you’ll become obsessed with coasters. Maybe you’ve never had a friend spill on your counter or had to look an annoying ring stain on wood, but it’s way easier to play the offensive with drinks.
Buy here for $28.98.
19. Funny Thanksgiving Apron
Keeping calm when preparing a turkey isn’t realistic. Of course, being in charge of the main course is stressful! But, wearing a humorous apron can lighten the mood. At the end of the day, shouldn’t we just keep calm and gooble gobble all the time.
Buy here for
20. Gold Plastic Silverware and Disposable Plastic Plates
The number one rule of hosting a large gathering are using disposable dishes. Doing just your dishes can feel like a drag, so anything over six would be a personal nightmare.
Buy here for $37.99.
21. Questions to Start Great Conversations
These are so fun. Fun conversation starters can get you to learn or ask things you never thought to of your best friends. There are a ton of games like this out there, especially ones that involve alcohol, but these are ~Oprah-approved~ and that’s why we’re including them.
Buy here for $25.00.
22. Thanksgiving Turkey Hat
Remember the Friends episode when Joey got a turkey stuck on his head? Or how about when Monica puts the turkey on her head to make Chandler smile, which results in him telling her he’s in love. This hat has some television history behind it, but for non-Friends fans, it’s also just a silly hat.
Buy here for
23. Biscotti Cookie Gift Basket
You and your friends will enjoy the unique flavors of these festive biscotti snacks for days. They are simultaneously crispy and chewy, and visually stunning. These are a good treat to replace some more traditional holiday candy and show your people just how much you love them.
Buy here for .
24. Hey Friends Floor Mat
Between this and the super-inviting wreath, at this point, you know we love a little outdoor décor. This doormat is just too cute and perfect for a fall Instagram picture.
Buy here for $26.99.
25. Basket Liner and Warmer
As you have to anticipate with large gatherings, people come at different times. If you want everyone to have a warm meal, it’s important to think of solutions, like a bread warmer, for dishes and sides that can’t be microwaved.
Buy here for $26.00.
26. White and Gold Pumpkin Centerpieces
Look how cute these pumpkin centerpieces would be on your table? We love how they’re a nod to three of the most amazing parts of the holidays. Nothing beats fall days spent with family.
Buy here for .
27. Portable Speaker
If you want to create an ambiance, you can’t forget the importance of music. Depending on what group of friends you’re with you can make the most epic playlist, or enjoy one of the thousands on Apple Music, Spotify, or Pandora. We love this speaker because it’s wireless, so you don’t need to directly plug it in to your iPhone.
Buy here for $39.99.
28. Friendsgiving Pie Topper
This little extra touch on an apple pie or cake is another level of thoughtful. People love feeling special and details like this show you’ve been thinking about having your friends over for awhile and wanted to make it a magical time.
Buy here for
29. Thanksgiving Butter Dish
The “more is butter” when it comes to people and food. We’re still laughing at the knife’s special message: “Butter My Buns.” As if we needed another reason to love butter more. Just be thankful we already know it’s the secret to turning any good dish to a great one.
Buy here for .
30. Artificial Sunflower Bouquet
These sunflowers will add a little extra color anywhere you put them. These flowers signify happiness, joy, and strong bonds between friends, so we couldn’t think of a better addition to your table.
Buy here for $17.99.
31. Electric Knife
An electric knife can easily carves through everything from ham, turkey, to bread. You’re going to need something strong like this to serve your turkey in an effortless way. This one is made specifically to have a lightweight design to make it easier to hold while carving large quantities
Buy here for $22.66.
32. Napkin Rings
The tiniest of details can make a big impact on the look of your table on such a special get-together. These napkin rings can be used meal after meal, holiday or not. If you’re still looking for something a little more Thanksgiving specific, we’ve found some adorable turkey napkin holders below!
Buy here for
33. Let’s Get Basted Banner
You know your friends. This hilarious “Let’s Get Basted” banner is for a fun crowd. It’s funny and pairs perfectly with a nice buzz. Because, aren’t you suppose to get a little wine drunk with your friends on your days off?
Buy here for $8.99.
34.The Friendsgiving Handbook
This is a short and stress-free guide to celebrating Thanksgiving with your friends. We love that it’s limited to 25 dishes, because flipping through hundreds of pages of recipes or endless ideas on Pinterest is beyond overwhelming.
Buy here for $17.
35. Pumpkin Pie KitKats
This pumpkin pie flavored KitKats are made for pumpkin spice latte lovers. If you love fall-flavored treats, you’ve got to join in on this fun and compare the limited-edition flavor to the original.
Buy here for .
36. Pumpkin Resin Cheese Spreader
It’s all about the details. Imagine how much this would elevate your cheeseboard. It would also be smart to put these next to the butter, so nobody is ever searching for a knife.
Buy here for
37. Easy Pour Gravy Boat
Remind yourself and your guests, you’re all blessed to be in each other’s lives and have people who love you. While a gravy boat is something we think you should have for hosting, it’s another item that could work even better as a hostess gift. Bonus points if you remember to include a nice thank you care about how blessed you are for your host’s friendship and hospitality.
Buy here for .
38. Stainless Steel Potato Masher
Just in case. Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving without potatoes, so if your friend somehow forget her one job to bring them, you’ll want to be prepared. This masher will allow you to do that in any situation.
Buy here for .
39. Friendsgiving Hershey’s Kisses
These are too adorable and so easy to scatter on the table for extra decor. It’s all about the details and this will just make your friends so happy, they’ll probably slip a few in their bag.
Buy here for
40. Friendsgiving Hedgehogs Kitchen Towels
We HAD to include these extra adorable kitchen towels, which quite literally melted our hearts. “Give thanks, give hugs,” is only our life motto, so we’re thankful to be able to use it as a decor piece.
Buy here for .
41. Milk Chocolate Covered Oreo Cookies
The only thing better than Oreo cookies are chocolate covered Oreo cookies. These have turkeys on them, so they’re extra festive and perfect for your guests to indulge themselves with during dessert. These are great to put out next to that cheese platter we mentioned earlier, before the meal. A little sugar rush tends to make people happier.
Buy here for .
42. Thanksgiving Turkey Cookie Cutter
Wouldn’t it be fun to bake some cookies with your friends that were turkey shaped. If you don’t want to worry about cleaning up during the party, or just want to make your friends’ lives easier, bake the cookies ahead of time and just focus on decorating them together. Get some fun sprinkles and icing, so everyone feels they contributed.
Buy here for
43. Friendsgiving Party Game
You’re with your friends, so crack out the drinking games! From the looks of this one, you’re going to get drunk pretty fast. Make sure to be responsible, especially if you’re driving.
Buy here for .
44. Give Thanks Paper Straw Decor
Ok, we’ve given you two paper straw suggestions that are beyond fabulous, so you better be skipping the plastic ones this year. The detailing on these black and white straws with acorn and maple leaf designs would look perfect in any cocktail.
Buy here for
45. Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Rings
Do you love a theme? Crazy about Thanksgiving? Or just think these turkey napkin holders are the missing piece on your table? We’ve got you covered and found the cutest ones. There’s something refined about these.
Buy here for $34.88.
46. Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte Candle
Do marshmallow pumpkin lattes exist? The candle version most definitely does! We’re living for these scents combining and just want to wrap ourselves in a furry blanket and read a good book after lighting this candle.
Buy here for .
47. Pumpkin Harvest Hand Soap
Don’t forget the pumpkin hand soap! This way everything and everyone will smell sweet like pumpkin spice at all times.
Buy here for
48. Thanksgiving Kitchen Apron
While aprons are super cute, they also serve a purpose. Protect your ensemble with a beautiful one, which is totally in the spirit of Thanksgiving. This one has pockets and says, “Gather Together.”
Buy here for .
49. 3 Tier Server Set
A lot of people, a lot of dishes, but limited table space? Here’s the solution! These collapsible metal stand and stackable porcelain bowls allows for different dips and snacks without taking too much table space.
Buy here for
50. Turkey Decor Door Hanger
Since November is all about Turkey Day, we suggest hanging this up at the start of the month, or Thanksgiving week to show your spirit!
Buy here for $9.29.
51. Ready-to-Decorate Gingerbread House
Let’s be real, once Thanksgiving is over, it’s all about the next best holiday, so we’ll leave you with this incredible easy to assemble gingerbread house. Our favorite part about this, versus basking cookies, is you don’t have to wait for anything to come out of the oven… and no dirty dishes.
Buy here for $34.99.
Have a great Friendsgiving, may your heart be as full as your plate!
William Arthur once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” Be loud about your gratitude!”
