This year, my husband and I decided to host our very first Friendsgiving dinner. As new parents, we’ve been on a journey to create meaningful connections with other parents. Hosting this event was the perfect opportunity to foster community, share advice, and enjoy a night of laughter and great food. Let me walk you through our experience, from the inspiration to the details, and share tips for hosting your own Friendsgiving celebration.
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Why We Hosted Friendsgiving
Parenting can feel isolating at times, especially when you’re new to the journey. We wanted to create a space to bond with other parents, exchange advice, and build friendships while also enjoying a relaxed, festive evening. Friendsgiving felt like the perfect occasion to bring people together over delicious food and meaningful conversation.
Planning the Menu
The heart of any gathering is the food, and we wanted a simple yet comforting menu that would appeal to everyone. Here’s what we served:
- Appetizers: Tomato soup with fresh bread
- Sides: Cornbread (baked by yours truly!), creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey mac and cheese (my first time making it—and it was a hit!)
- Main Dish: Juicy turkey legs, roasted to perfection
- Dessert: A variety of sweet treats brought by our guests
Having the right kitchen tools made cooking a breeze. I used the Beautiful 12pc Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set in Sage Green by Drew Barrymore, which not only performed beautifully but also added a chic touch to our kitchen. For baking, the Beautiful 5.3 Qt Stand Mixer in White Icing by Drew Barrymore was a game-changer, making the cornbread preparation so much easier.
Setting the Scene
Creating an inviting and cohesive tablescape was important to us. Here’s what we used to set the table:
- Dining Table: The Better Homes & Gardens Juliet Expandable Dining Table in a black wood finish offered plenty of room for our guests.
- Chairs: The Nrizc French Country Dining Chairs Set of 6, with their elegant round button backs and solid wood legs, added a farmhouse charm.
- Plates: The Karaca Globe 24-Piece Dinnerware Set in white with black triangle accents gave a modern, chic vibe.
- Cutlery: The golden Michelangelo 40-Piece Flatware Set brought a touch of luxury.
- Glassware: For drinks, we used a mix of 4 Pcs Ribbed Coupe Glasses and Set of 2 Fluted Coupe Glasses, perfect for both cocktails and mocktails.
- Candles: Vintage finds from Goodwill and the Candlestick Holders Set of 12 Clear Glass Taper Candle Holders added warmth and sophistication.
A thoughtful centerpiece of sunflowers tied it all together. Sunflowers symbolize friendship, and we felt it was the perfect nod to the connections we were building.
Shop all the furniture & cutlery featured in this post directly on my LTK storefront!
What I Wore
As the host, I wanted to feel both comfortable and stylish. The Women’s Long Sleeve Maxi Sweater Dress from Target was my outfit of choice. It was cozy, flattering, and ideal for a long evening of hosting and mingling.
The Entertainment
To keep the evening fun and engaging, we played {THE AND} Friends Edition, a conversation-starter game that sparked laughter, heartfelt moments, and even a few tears. It’s perfect for breaking the ice and getting guests to connect on a deeper level.
Shop The Game on my LTK storefront and elevate your hosting game!!
Advice for Hosting Your Own Friendsgiving
- Plan Your Menu Early: Stick to comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes, and use high-quality cookware to make meal prep easier.
- Set the Tone with Décor: Invest in versatile dinnerware and a few statement pieces like candles or flowers to elevate your tablescape.
- Make It Personal: Incorporate small, meaningful touches—like our sunflower centerpiece—to reflect your theme or story.
- Have Fun with Entertainment: Choose a game or activity that encourages interaction and laughter among guests.
- Enjoy the Moment: Hosting can be overwhelming, but remember to pause, engage with your guests, and savor the experience.
Our first Friendsgiving was everything we hoped for—great food, new friendships, and unforgettable memories. Hosting doesn’t have to be intimidating; with a bit of planning and the right tools, it can be a joyful and rewarding experience. So, if you’ve been thinking about hosting your own Friendsgiving, go for it! It’s a wonderful way to connect with your community and celebrate the season of gratitude. Check out my Friendsgiving Vlog!
Happy hosting! 🎉 I hope you enjoyed reading this blog as much as I enjoyed writing it for you, till next time
