15 Practical Do’s and Don’ts for Hosting Friendsgiving Dinner

When we first heard of Friendsgiving, we were immediately all in. After all, the pros in the Wesson Kitchen love any excuse to host a party. We love that Friendsgiving doesn’t have any solid expectations around it- it’s a gathering in the month of November with close friends. It could either be a traditional turkey dinner, a casual potluck, or a night of appetizers. There’s plenty of flexibility with Friendsgiving to suit yourself and your group of besties. If you’re planning on hosting a Friendsgiving celebration this month, you’ll want to read ahead for our 15 Practical Friendsgiving Dinner Dos and Don’ts.

The Wesson Kitchen’s 15 Friendsgiving Dinner Dos and Don’ts

1. DO aim to host a casual event. There’s no set rules for hosting Friendsgiving, so why not keep things cozy and low-key? A casual, low pressure, relaxed evening with your nearest and dearest will be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays
2. DO send out invites. These need not be printed invites. A text, email, or old fashioned phone call will suffice. Follow up with friends who haven’t responded by the RSVP date to nail down the exact number of guests to plan for.
3. DON’T forget to ask guests about their food allergies or restrictions. You don’t have to plan the entire meal around your one vegan and gluten-free pal, but you can easily accommodate a couple items on the menu that will work for them.
4. DON’T say no when guests offer to bring a side dish, dessert, or wine. Nobody likes to show up to dinner empty handed, and this will help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time indulging in conversation.
5. DO plan to serve one or two main dishes, plus a vegetable or salad, if every guest offers to bring a side dish or desert. Serving two main dishes and a salad will guarantee every guest will leave feeling satisfied, even if a guest or two forgets to bring a dish they’ve offered to bring.
6. DON’T feel obligated to stick to Thanksgiving foods for Friendsgiving. Two turkey dinners in one month might be overkill for some. Pizza and pasta, paella, or a taco bar are some fun options for a dinner with friends. Find mealtime inspiration on our From The Wesson Kitchen board.
7. DON’T attempt to make a complex dish with ingredients you aren’t familiar with, on the day of the party. If you must try a new recipe, do a practice run a week ahead to ensure success.
8. DO embrace make-ahead dishes. There are many recipes that can be made ahead of time, and reheated before serving.
9. DO write a list of ingredients you need for each dish, check stock in your pantry, and shop a few days ahead of the party to ensure you have what you need. This will avoid last minute headaches, and last minute trips to the grocery store.
10. DO take inventory of plates, bowls, napkins, cutlery, and serving dishes. Consider borrowing extra from a friend or family member if you’re short, or going with disposable if that’s not an option. 
11. DON’T forget to stock up on ice. The ice machine on your refrigerator may not be able to keep up, so it’s worth it to have extra ice on hand.
12. DON’T forget to provide some non-alcoholic drink options for your guests. A well-stocked bar is great, but adding a few mocktail and sparkling water options is even better.
13. DO dress the table with festive décor. A few candles and small vases of flowers requires little effort, but looks lovely and really sets the mood. For Thanksgiving table décor ideas, check out our Thanksgiving Inspo Board.