How to host a fabulous Friendsgiving

P = Party planning

First, decide on the date (typically, one or two weekends before Thanksgiving), who you want to invite, and how many people you can comfortably host in your home. Create an invitation for free online (Canva is one user-friendly site) and snail mail, e-mail, or text it. Don’t forget to add a RSVP!

Next, assess your dining room space. Move furniture from other rooms to create cozy spots for dining and dishing. A buffet or bar cart make stylish spots to serve drinks and desserts. Layer on the throws and put out pillows and poufs for people to relax and get comfy before and after the meal. Decorate your hearth for fall and start a crackling fire to add warmth and ambiance.

I = Involve your guests

For the food, ask everyone to bring a dish to pass. Go with a trimmed-down traditional Thanksgiving menu or think outside the turkey and host a breakfast, brunch, indoor picnic, or dessert-themed event. Style your dining room table by incorporating the colors of the season alongside runners, candles, cloth napkins, twinkling lights, and festive dishes. Bring in a touch of the outdoors with branches, greenery, acorns, pumpkins, and pinecones.

Encourage your guests to dress casually. If you really want to go all out, host a sleepover themed event where everyone wears plaid or fleece pjs!

E = Elevate the evening

Gather on comfy sofas or sectionals and cue up a Thanksgiving classic or rom-com. Coffee tables and end tables make great spots to place that after-dinner dessert, coffee, or cocktail.

Bonus tip: Leave guests grateful and gobbling for more by giving them a thank you bag of treats as they head out the door. After all, it would not be Friendsgiving without leftovers!