The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Cozy Friendsgiving Dinner
I am hosting Friendsgiving this year and I had the wonderful idea to create a complete guide to come back to host the most perfect, warm, and cozy Friendsgiving gathering. Whether you’ve had a long year, bad year, or good year, Friendsgiving is the perfect excuse to get all your friends together and have a wonderful evening full of laughter and coziness with those who have been there for you throughout the year. Like many of us, my husband and I usually spend the actual Thanksgiving holiday with our family. While I love cooking all day with my mother-in-law, watching the Macy’s parade, and spending uninterrupted quality time with our family, I always feel like friend time takes a backseat this time-a-year. Sooo Friendsgiving is the perfect opportunity to relax with those we care about in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Unlike traditional Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving has a more laid-back vibe—it’s a chance to enjoy good food, laughter, and shared memories without the formality. In this guide, you’ll find all the tips you need to host a cozy Friendsgiving, from planning to ambiance and delicious recipes. Let’s dive into creating a Friendsgiving your friends will remember for years to come.
1. Planning Ahead
Guest List
Creating the right guest list is the foundation of a cozy Friendsgiving. Consider your space and how many people you can comfortably host. Once you’ve decided, send out invitations at least two weeks in advance. For a personal touch, send out handwritten invites or go for beautiful digital invites. I created my invites on Canva and sent them to all my friends via text.
Make sure to include a date, time, what kind of party it’ll be (potluck or hosted dinner), a theme if you have one, and a RSVP date. Here is my invite for inspiration:
Theme Ideas
Picking a theme helps give your gathering a distinct vibe. For Friendsgiving, consider cozy themes like “Rustic Harvest,” “Autumn’s Bounty,” or a simple “Warm & Cozy” theme. This will guide your choices for decor, colors, and table settings, keeping everything cohesive. Obviously, my theme is Warm & Cozy because that is my theme for everything! Whatever it is make your mood board and enjoy the planning process. Here is my mood board for inspiration:
Potluck vs. Hosted Dinner
A potluck-style Friendsgiving can make things easier and more collaborative, especially if each guest brings a dish. This is the option I decided to go to because we are hosting a large group and I am going for a more casual vibe rather than a formal seated dinner. You can assign dishes ahead of time so that everything from appetizers to desserts is covered, or curate a menu where each guest contributes a key element. You can also set up a sign up cheat so that everyone can sign up to bring a dish and let you know ahead of time. I personally want everyone to bring whatever they want and I don’t really mind duplicates so I am just letting each guest bring whatever they feel like unless they ask me. This takes a little bit more work since I am providing one dish from each category but it also goes into the relax and casual atmosphere I want to bring to the event.
2. Setting the Table for Cozy Vibes
Table Settings
A cozy fall color palette (think rich greens, deep oranges, and browns) works wonders. Add small seasonal touches, like mini pumpkins at each place setting or a sprinkle of autumn leaves on the table. If you have the space, consider adding a small table runner in a warm hue to bring the look together.
I am hosting a big group this year so instead of setting my main dining room table, which only seats about eight, I am going to create a few different seating areas outside and inside so that everyone can sit and chitchat together in small groups.
Tableware & Linens
Cozy tableware and linens add that welcoming touch. Think natural materials—like wood, stoneware, or woven fabrics. Linen napkins, simple ceramic plates, and earthy-toned placemats help create a rustic yet elegant feel.
I am using butcher paper instead of tablecloths for a rustic casual vibe. Our event is kid-friendly so I will have crayons available so the kids (and the grownups) can draw on the butcher paper. I am also using disposable dishware because we have a large group, so I am planning to set things in wicker baskets for a cute casual effect.
Centerpieces
A simple, charming centerpiece can set the tone for the evening. Arrange small candles, pinecones, mini pumpkins, and sprigs of greenery down the center of the table, or go for a DIY floral arrangement with seasonal blooms like dahlias, mums, and eucalyptus. Keep it low-profile so guests can easily see and chat with each other.
3. Creating Ambiance with Lighting
Soft Lighting
Lighting is essential for setting a cozy mood. Use soft, warm lights instead of bright overheads. You can layer in pillar candles or tea lights around the room for a gentle glow, but make sure they’re safe and stable, especially if there’s limited table space.
Fireplace or Fire Pit
If you have a fireplace, make it a focal point by lighting it up for the evening. No fireplace? Try a tabletop fire bowl or even an outdoor fire pit. You can also put on a fireplace video on your TV for a cozy effect. Weather permitting, I am planning on having our fire pit out for everyone to enjoy. The warmth from a fire brings people together and adds an intimate touch.
Music Playlist
A curated playlist of calm, autumn-inspired tunes can be the perfect background. Choose instrumental tracks or mellow songs to keep things relaxed. Spotify and Apple Music have pre-made playlists with fall vibes that can add just the right ambiance. Here are some of my favorites:
4. Crafting a Cozy Fall-Inspired Menu
Appetizers
Kick off Friendsgiving with shareable, warm appetizers. Baked brie topped with honey and nuts is a favorite, or create a charcuterie board with seasonal items like spiced nuts, dried fruits, and cranberry compote.
I am planning on doing a charcuterie board with some cheese and meats. This is the inspiration:
Main Dishes
Depending on your preference, you can serve a traditional roast turkey or get creative with other cozy options, like stuffed acorn squash or roasted chicken with herbs. These dishes fill the room with delicious scents and are easy to serve family-style. I am going to be making Ina Garten’s true and tested Chicken Marbella. It’s yummy and feeds a big crowd!
Side Dishes
Side dishes can be just as comforting and cozy as the main. Try sweet potato casserole, honey-glazed carrots, or roasted Brussels sprouts with pecans. For a heartier side, whip up a creamy mushroom risotto or a warm kale salad with cranberries.
I am making cornbread (As my idol Ina would say “store-bought is fine” on this one), potatoes au gratin, and roasted carrots and zucchini.
Desserts
End with a sweet touch. Classic fall desserts like apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake, or spiced cookies will be a hit. Offer a dessert that can be enjoyed with a warm beverage for extra coziness.
This year I’m making pumpkin cream cheese sheet cake for dessert!
Drinks
Fall-inspired drinks bring another layer of warmth to Friendsgiving. Serve hot mulled cider, spiced wine, or signature cocktails like a maple bourbon old-fashioned. For non-alcoholic options, a warm chai latte or pumpkin-spiced tea can be just as delightful.
For this Friendsgiving, I’ll have the bar essentials so people can make their own drinks, a few bottles of wine, and then I’m making an Apple Cider Sangria batch drink and serving plain apple cider for a nonalcoholic option since we have kids, some pregnant ladies, and some trying to get pregnant ladies! I think having a few batch drinks available takes a lot of the hosting work out of it and you have a welcome drink ready as soon as your guests arrive!
5. Cozy Decor Tips
Cozy Seating Areas
Arrange seating so that everyone feels comfortable and close. You could create small cozy corners, especially if your gathering flows into multiple rooms. Add soft seating options like floor cushions or benches with blankets for an informal touch.
Blankets and Pillows
Keep throw blankets and pillows nearby in case guests get chilly. Choose textures like knit or fleece in warm, earthy tones. Draping these over chairs or couches adds a homely look and invites guests to snuggle up.
Seasonal Décor
Incorporate seasonal elements like pumpkins, gourds, and autumn leaves. You could also add touches of eucalyptus or dried corn husks for a rustic fall look. These small details add visual interest without overpowering the space.
6. Fun Activities & Traditions
Thankfulness Activity
Since Friendsgiving is all about gratitude, create a moment for each guest to share what they’re thankful for. I am doing this by providing markers and letting the guests write what they are thankful for on the butcher paper tablecloth! You could also set up a gratitude wall where everyone writes down something they’re grateful for, or have a toast where each person shares a few words.
Polaroid or Photo Booth
Capture memories by setting up a small photo booth with fall-themed props like scarves, hats, and mini pumpkins. Polaroid cameras are great for instant keepsakes that guests can take home.
Games
Add a fun element by including a few simple games like charades, Thanksgiving trivia, or even a round of Pictionary. These games are interactive and help everyone feel involved in the evening.
7. Practical Tips for a Smooth Friendsgiving
Create a Timeline
Start early! From roasting the turkey to setting up the tables, having a timeline makes the day flow smoothly. Prep what you can the night before, like chopping veggies or setting the table, so you have time to relax before guests arrive.
Pre-Party Checklist
On the morning of Friendsgiving, go through a quick checklist. Light candles, set out your pre-prepared appetizers, and make sure drinks are easily accessible. A final sweep of your cozy setup ensures everything is ready for a relaxing evening.
Clean-Up Tips
If clean-up is a concern, consider using disposable plates and cups or designating a few friends to help wash dishes. Another option is to create a “dishwashing team” rotation to keep clean-up manageable without feeling like a burden.
Friendsgiving is all about creating a warm, memorable experience with friends who feel like family. Hosting doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s the small touches—the warmth of a candle, the coziness of a soft throw, and the laughter shared—that make this gathering truly special. As you wrap up the evening, take a moment to enjoy the ambiance you’ve created and the friendships that enrich your life.
I hope this guide makes hosting Friendsgiving a joyful and meaningful tradition for years to come!
