If Thanksgiving is a cook’s holiday, then Friendsgiving is for the hosts. It’s a gathering centered around community and offers every guest the chance to contribute, whether it’s a dish or a drink, a centerpiece or a playlist. Here, we’ve gathered the best of our kitchen wisdom to answer your pressing alt–Turkey Day questions, shared decor picks fit for a feast, and, of course, put together a menu that delivers on classic flavors while leaving elbow room for potluck dishes too. It’s a dinner party everyone will be grateful for.
The Menu
Setting the Scene
Putting as much thought into the vibes as you do the food ensures your guests—friends, family, and plus-ones alike—all feel welcome at your table. —Emily Farris, senior commerce writer
For the regular holiday host, folding chairs are the most sensible solution for flexing to fit as many guests as you want to invite, and great news, the options are sturdier, and more stylish, than ever. Chairs with solid wood frames like Crate & Barrel’s Petrie Folding Chair and All Modern’s Dan Rattan Folding Chair cost more than metal or plastic, but they’re practical investment pieces you’ll pull out for dinner parties and game nights for years to come.
Practically speaking, assigned seating guarantees you have a clear path to the kitchen. But the real magic comes from strategically arranging guests to spark conversations. Plus, what’s more welcoming than cozying up to a spot that’s been set just for you? Decorative place card holders like The Object Enthusiast’s Arch Name Holders paired with luxe Golden Hour Place Cards from Dear Annabelle are an easy way to make your holiday table feel more festive, but a simple folded paper tent works too. Either way, if you’re hoping to turn strangers into friends, do everyone a favor and write names on both sides of the card.
Nothing sets—or ruins—dinner party ambiance quite like lighting, and if you want your home to feel more like a cozy wine bar than a Wendy’s, you’re going to need to step away from the light switch. Instead, layer a few softer light sources throughout your space, like West Elm’s Ribbed Amber Glass Table Lamp and some taper candles. If you absolutely must use the ceiling light, swap out standard bulbs for smart LEDs you can program to various colors and tones. To easily switch between clear task lighting and glowy dinner party lighting, try Ecosmart’s Clear Color Changing Smart Bulbs, which allow you to adjust the temperature and brightness with an app or your smart home device.
The Test Kitchen Hotline: Friendsgiving Edition
Q: I can’t wait to throw Friendsgiving for the first time this year. Any words of wisdom to share?
A: It might seem like a lot, but you really can pull off a festive and fun gathering, I promise. The thing that people want the most is to hang out with each other, and as long as you’re creating a space for that to happen, the food is kind of secondary. —Kendra Vaculin
Have two kinds of water, like still and sparkling water, because nothing floors guests more than when you offer them a choice. It already feels fancy. —Shilpa Uskokovic
Q: I’m the guest this year, and while I’m known for splashy dishes when I host, I now need something that can survive a trip on public transport. Hot casseroles or anything that needs refrigeration is out. What should I take?
A: I have an answer for you that you could even take through airport security: buttery homemade bread, like our Golden Sweet Potato Rolls. And I think whether you take them in a beautiful serving dish or simply wrapped in foil, good bread is always a welcome addition to the table. —Kate Kassin
Q: I’m hosting solo this year. How do I scale back the spread in a way that still seems special but is doable to cook by myself?
A: Think about your plate and divide it up based on the four flavors and textures that you feel like you must hit. I need one vegetable or fruit that’s crunchy and has a fun addition, like our Asian Pear Salad. I need a mashed moment like a potato or squash. I need something bready. Think about your own boxes to tick and narrow it down to one star dish that fills each quadrant of your dream plate. —K.V.
Q: We have a truly tiny kitchen. How do we possibly accommodate everything we’re cooking and keep all of the dishes our friends are contributing at a nice serving temperature?
A: I don’t think you need to resort to any kind of theatrics or heroics. Have the group do a little inventory of what appliances are available to lend to the gathering. Is there an insulated cooler that can keep a casserole warm (if not piping hot)? A toaster oven, a slow cooker, or an air fryer? There’s lots of different tools that could be used, and it could even be fun for some of the reheating to happen on a grill. —Maggie Hoffman
As a guest, you’re bringing a complete dish and you’re taking it (and its mess) away. That’s part of the true meaning of Friendsgiving, right? So as the hosts, you just need to provide access to your stove and have a reheating triage system for the dishes that truly need to be served warm. Anything that can be served at room temperature should be. —Chris Morocco