By Marjory Pilley
Friendsgiving is a fun, flexible way to gather with friends before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. But with the rising food prices, not to mention other holiday expenses, hosting can seem out of reach. Discover simple, budget-friendly hacks, from affordable menu ideas to DIY decor, to help throw an unforgettable Friendsgiving without breaking the bank.
Friendsgiving explained
Friendsgiving is a twist on the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, when friends, rather than family, come together to share a holiday meal, typically in the weeks before or after Thanksgiving Day. It has come to represent a sense of community and connection, emphasizing shared experiences rather than the formality of a traditional family holiday.
According to Merriam-Webster, Friendsgiving first appeared around 2007 in posts on the internet to describe an informal gathering of friends during the Thanksgiving season. It gained momentum in the late 2000s with lifestyle articles and a 2011 Bailey’s Irish Cream ad campaign. By 2020, Merriam-Webster added the word to their dictionary, defining it as “a celebration or meal shared among friends on or near Thanksgiving Day.”
Smart planning
Planning is key to hosting a memorable Friendsgiving without overspending. Set financial boundaries, organize ahead of time and encourage guests to contribute. With a little preparation, you can create a festive, enjoyable gathering that everyone will remember.
Budgeting 101
The key to hosting a cost-effective Friendsgiving is setting a sensible budget and tracking your spending. These simple actions keep expenses in check and prevent overspending. Use a simple spreadsheet or incorporate the event into a budgeting app like EveryDollar. These tools help you organize expenses, plan your shopping list and avoid last-minute splurges.
Potluck power
A potluck-style Friendsgiving is the ultimate budget hack. By asking guests to contribute dishes can cut your hosting costs significantly. Assign categories, such as appetizers, sides, desserts or drinks, to ensure a well-rounded meal. This approach not only saves money but adds variety to the table. Plus, it fosters a sense of community when everyone contributes their favorite dishes to the feast.
Digital invites
Send digital invitations through platforms like Evite or Meta Events Manager to save on paper and postage. Often you can manage RSVPs and coordinate dishes all in one place for free. Choose a design that will set the theme for the celebration, whether it’s a cozy fall vibe or a quirky potluck feast.
Affordable menu ideas
Food is at the heart of any Friendsgiving celebration. Luckily, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to the menu. Whether you prefer a simple main dish or a table full of sides, creating a feast that matches your style and budget is easy.
One main dish
It is common for the host to take charge of the main course, but that does not mean it has to be a whole turkey. Aim for one main course rather than a variety of choices. Also, consider budget-friendly options, such as herb-crusted chicken or a hearty vegetarian dish. These choices are satisfying, yet easier on your wallet.
Crowd-pleasing sides
Plan a variety of side dishes to round out the meal. Using seasonal produce will keep the costs down and add fall flair. From your grandma’s viral casseroles on TikTok to maple dijon carrots, side dishes are easy on the wallet and often the highlight of the meal. You may even want to serve only sides and make it an everything-but-the-turkey meal!
BYOB beverages
Alcohol can be one of the most expensive parts of Friendsgiving hosting. Bella Bucchiotti, a foodie at xoxoBella, says, “Consider setting up a DIY drink station with a few signature cocktails or mocktails to keep things lively and give everyone a chance to get creative.” You can also make it a BYOB affair, encouraging guests to bring their favorite drinks.
Make-ahead desserts
Desserts do not need to be extravagant to be delicious, and making them ahead of time allows you to buy ingredients on sale. Add fall sprinkles to simple, low-cost treats like peanut butter blossoms or brownies. You can also make dessert part of a potluck sign-up.
Decor on a dime
When decorating, keeping to a consistent theme will have the biggest impact on your Friendsgiving celebration. Coordinate your decor with the tone of the invitations and food selections to create a seamless, inviting atmosphere.
DIY table decorations
When it comes to decor, think rustic and homemade. Gather natural items like pumpkins, pinecones and fall leaves from your yard to create a festive tablescape. Add a few candles for a cozy vibe, or repurpose mason jars and string lights to elevate the ambiance. These inexpensive DIY decorations give your gathering a personal, handcrafted touch.
Thrift store finds
Are you short on plates or serving dishes? Your local thrift store or dollar store has budget-friendly options. Mismatched plates and cutlery can add a charming, eclectic feel to your table. Plus, you can find inexpensive seasonal items like tablecloths and napkins to bring the look together without spending a fortune.
Cozy outdoor lounge
If you’re hosting outdoors or have extra space, set up a cozy lounge area with blankets, pillows and string lights. Use old blankets or inexpensive throws to drape over chairs, and bring out pillows from inside to make the space comfortable. Add a few lanterns or candles for soft lighting, and if you have a fire pit, light it up to create a warm, inviting spot where guests can gather after dinner.
Budget-friendly fun
Friendsgiving is a chance to focus on what your friend group loves and values to create a shared experience. Whether it’s a game night full of laughs, a meaningful gratitude circle or a DIY photo booth, these budget-friendly activities are the perfect way to celebrate and make lasting memories together.
Friendsgiving game night
Add a playful touch to your gathering by including a game night. Bring out classic board or card games that everyone can enjoy, from charades to Pictionary. You can quickly create Friendsgiving-themed trivia games using free artificial intelligence tools with questions about Thanksgiving traditions, food or funny memories.
Gratitude circle
For a heartfelt Friendsgiving tradition, have each guest share something they are thankful for. Provide small cards for guests to write their gratitude statements, which can be read aloud or exchanged during the meal. This simple yet meaningful activity is a low-cost way to remind everyone of the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Photo booth
Creating a photo booth is a free way to capture the joy of the night and gives everyone a keepsake to remember the gathering. Assemble a simple backdrop using fall-themed items like plaid blankets, string lights, pumpkins or autumn leaves. Print themed signs with catchy phrases like “gobble, gobble” or “feast time.” Guests can snap photos throughout the night with their phones.
Celebrate with heart
Friendsgiving is about celebrating friendship and gratitude, not how much you spend. With a little planning and creativity, you can host a budget-friendly, festive and fun Friendsgiving. After all, the best part of Friendsgiving is spending quality time with the people you care about and sharing food and laughter.
Marjory Pilley owned two make-ahead meal assembly stores that helped busy families prepare healthy dinners with less stress. Since 2013, she has been sharing popular dishes from her stores and other easy recipes on her blog Dinner-Mom.