How To Make Your Friendsgiving Special

Friendsgiving is the perfect time to celebrate your chosen family and share the spirit of gratitude with close friends. While it's a great excuse to enjoy amazing food and make memories, with a few creative touches, you can elevate your gathering to a memorable evening. Here are some unique ways to make your Friendsgiving extra special, with activities, fun food ideas, and a cozy, festive ambiance that will have everyone feeling the love.

Add a Thankful Activity

One beautiful tradition to add to your Friendsgiving is a thankful poster. Set up a large, blank poster or chalkboard where everyone can write down something they’re grateful for. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, share a moment of reflection, and create a little keepsake of all the reasons your group has to celebrate.

Another creative way to bring everyone together is a record swap. Have each guest bring a favorite vinyl record to share, creating a unique playlist for the evening. It’s a nostalgic and personal way to enjoy a mix of music styles, share a bit of everyone’s personality, and make for some great conversation.

If you want to get crafty, consider setting up a floral wearable station. Provide fresh blooms, greenery, floral tape, and wire, and let your friends create wearable flower accessories like flower crowns, boutonnieres, or corsages. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that adds a festive touch to the night—and doubles as a memorable party favor!

Dawn Derbyshire Photography

Dawn Derbyshire Photography

Create a Laid-Back, Shareable Menu

Friendsgiving food should be delicious and satisfying, but also relaxed and easy to enjoy. Instead of a traditional Thanksgiving feast, try bite-sized versions of the classics—think mini hand pies, stuffing muffins, or bite-sized pumpkin tarts. This approach keeps things less formal and makes it easier for everyone to mingle and sample different flavors.

To learn more about creating a Friendsgiving menu that’s as laid-back as it is tasty, check out our guest post on Rent.com, where we share tips on how to bring a fun twist to the food. You’ll find ideas to make your spread festive without any of the fuss.

Dawn Derbyshire Photography

For a signature drink, consider a simple autumn cocktail, like a spiced cider bourbon or a sparkling cranberry mocktail. Pre-batch it for easy serving, and let guests garnish their glasses with cinnamon sticks, cranberries, or dried orange slices.

Dawn Derbyshire Photography

Set the Ambiance with Flowers

One of the easiest ways to elevate the atmosphere for Friendsgiving is with thoughtful floral decor. Even if it’s a casual gathering, fresh flowers can make the space feel extra special. Keep the arrangement cozy and autumnal—think warm, earthy tones like amber, burgundy, and cream, with dried elements like pampas grass and bunny tails for a touch of texture.

Dawn Derbyshire 

Consider a simple, low arrangement for the dining table or, if space allows, a floral garland that can weave through serving platters or decorate the drink station. Candlelight add a cozy glow, making everything feel just a bit more magical.

Dawn Derbyshire

By combining these little touches—a fun activity, shareable food, and a beautiful ambiance—you can make this Friendsgiving a heartfelt celebration that everyone will remember!! If you’re looking for a venue to host an intimate Friendsgiving or Holiday gathering, come to The Flower Cottage!

Happy Friendsgiving!