Let’s face it – the holiday season is stressful. We’re embarking on a month of non-stop holiday adventures and family gatherings, and the last thing we want on our plate (other than a tenth scoop of mashed potatoes) is another party to plan, right? Still, in a time when we have the MOST to do, it’s nice to sit down and relax, preferably with friends who totally get what you’re feeling. That’s why we’re huge fans of Thanksgiving’s BFF, Friendsgiving. Friendsgiving is great because there’s no pressure to make every detail perfect – you can play with your decor & food and still throw a beautiful gathering for your closest pals (who, honestly, are like a second family).

In the spirit of giving thanks for all of the people who we can spill our deepest, darkest secrets to & who make us laugh uncontrollably, we’re showing you how to host an easy Friendsgiving dinner. Preparation for this get together doesn’t need to be difficult; a few DIY decorations really set the mood. Send out invites to your friends (we recommend a potluck dinner to keep things as simple as possible) & get the party started. Check out our Friendsgiving Guide below for our favorite tips, tricks & an easy dessert recipe to complete your Friendsgiving menu.

Set The Table

• For a quick & festive tablecloth you already have on-hand, drape large blanket scarves over the table. Any spills can be removed in the wash! We like this one: Plaid Blanket Scarf.
• Don’t be afraid to mix & match dishes. Check out your nearest thrift store to find pieces that are mismatched but still work together. Stick to a similar color family.
• Cut brown paper down for DIY placemats for a no-hassle cleanup & a rustic feel. You can even use brown paper bags!

Remember Why You’re Gathering

• Yes, one of Friendsgiving’s main pros is the amazing food & drink spread, but take a minute to remember the real reason you’re hanging out around the table. On each placemat, prompt guests to write down what they’re thankful for & talk about it before digging in.

Pumpkin Serving Bowl

• Find a huge pumpkin and a bowl that is just a bit smaller in size.
• Cut the top off the pumpkin & scoop out the insides.
• Place the large bowl inside the pumpkin to serve drinks, mocktails & more.

Gourd-geous Votive Candles

1. Choose different sizes and colors of gourds or small pumpkins.
2. Using a pumpkin carving knife, cut small circles out of the tops of each.
3. Scoop out the insides.
4. Put votive candles of varying sizes in each pumpkin.

Simple Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkin “Pie”

Ingredients

• 3 TBSP butter
• 1 package marshmallows (10.5 oz)
• 1 box Rice Krispie cereal (18 oz), with 2 c set aside
• 1/2 c pumpkin
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Directions

1. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the better.
2. Add marshmallows and melt, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the marshmallow mixture is melted, combine 2/3 c of marshmallow with 2 c cereal and mix together.
4. Add 1/2 c pumpkin & pumpkin spice to remaining marshmallow mixture in the pan and combine.
5. Press the cereal/marshamallow mixture around the outside of a springform pan to create the “crust”.
6. Remove the pumpkin/marshmallow mixture from heat and, after a few moments, mix in the rest of the cereal in the box.
7. Press pumpkin/marshmallow/cereal mixture into the center of the “pie”.
8. Cover & let cool completely before cutting.

Do you have any tips for throwing a Friendsgiving party? Let us know in the comments & show us how you’re celebrating on Instagram.

Tags: DIY, Freindsgiving, Holiday, How To, Thanskgiving