FRIENDSGIVING: LIVE, LAUGH, GATHER

Older friendships, like fine wine, become richer and more meaningful with time. The wisdom and support you’ve gained from your friends are invaluable, and Friendsgiving is the ideal moment to honor these connections.

Friendsgiving is not just about the turkey and stuffing; it’s about enveloping yourself in the laughter, love, and warmth that comes from a gathering of friends who’ve been there through the ups and downs. 

Here are some ideas of ways to honor your friendships and create a memorable Friendsgiving:

POTLUCK IDEAS

The heart of any Friendsgiving celebration is the communal potluck feast. Encourage your guests to share their culinary talents and cultural traditions. To make the planning easier, consider using online platforms such as SignUpGenius, where attendees can sign up for dishes they’d like to bring. 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Global Flavors Buffet: Encourage your friends to bring dishes that represent their cultural heritage or that they’ve discovered during their travels. A diverse array of flavors will not only satisfy taste buds but also spark conversations about each dish’s origin.
• Harvest Garden: A Vegetarian Feast: Go all out with a farm-to-table theme by requesting plant-based dishes, showcasing the bounty of the season. From hearty salads to roasted vegetables, a vegetarian menu can be both delicious and nutritious.
• Homemade Comfort Food: Some of the most cherished recipes are those passed down through generations. Invite your friends to bring their favorite comfort food dishes, from macaroni and cheese to meatloaf, and share the stories behind them.
• Pie Extravaganza: Sweet or savory, pies are a quintessential part of any Thanksgiving celebration. Ask your guests to bring their favorite pie, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert spread that everyone can enjoy.

ACTIVITIES TO FORTIFY FRIENDSHIP BONDS

Creating meaningful memories goes beyond the table. Engage your guests with activities that deepen your connection and provide a fun, shared experience. Here are some ideas:

• Gratitude Circle: Start your gathering with a gratitude circle. Each guest can express what they’re thankful for, whether it’s a cherished friendship, a recent accomplishment, or the little joys in life. Sharing gratitude sets a positive tone for the event.
• Memory Sharing: Set up a cozy corner with photos, scrapbooks, or mementos from your shared history. Encourage your friends to share their favorite memories related to these items. This trip down memory lane is a beautiful way to reinforce your bonds.
• Friendship Time Capsule: Prepare a box with small cards, on which each guest can write a message to their future selves or their friends. Seal the box and plan to open it at the next Friendsgiving, creating a tradition that carries your connection into the future.
• Crafting Corner: Provide a crafting station with supplies for creating friendship bracelets or personalized keepsakes. This hands-on activity can serve as a reminder of your gathering long after it’s over.

SMALL TOUCHES IN DECOR AND KEEPSAKES

To make your Friendsgiving gathering truly special, add some personal and meaningful touches to your decor and keepsakes. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Personalized Place Cards: Create personalized place cards for each guest. Include a heartfelt message or a cherished memory to let your friends know how much they mean to you. You can find inspiration for place cards on sites like Etsy.
• Friendship Table Runner: Instead of a traditional tablecloth, consider using a roll of kraft paper as a table runner. Encourage guests to write messages, share drawings, or jot down what they’re grateful for throughout the gathering.
• Photobook of Memories: Compile a photobook of shared memories, capturing moments from past gatherings and adventures. Websites like Shutterfly or Mixbook offer user-friendly tools for creating beautiful photo books.
• Keepsake Ornaments: Provide ornaments that guests can decorate with their own personal touch. These ornaments can serve as a yearly reminder of your cherished friendships and gatherings.

RESOURCES:

• SignUpGenius (Sign-up Sheet Generator)
• Etsy (Custom Place Cards and Decor)
• https://www.shutterfly.com/
• Mixbook (Custom Photo Albums)
• Mel Robbins Podcast (Adult Friendships episode) 

A Friendsgiving gathering can be a meaningful and enriching experience when you focus on strengthening the bonds of friendship and celebrating the unique journeys that have brought you together. 

From the potluck feast that showcases the diverse culinary talents of your friends to activities that deepen your connection and personalized keepsakes that serve as lasting reminders, there are many ways to make your Friendsgiving unforgettable. 

Let this year’s celebration be a testament to the beauty of lasting friendships and the power of gratitude.