Introduction
Thanksgiving has been the fan-favorite fall holiday since its origins, but it can’t stay like that forever. There’s a new holiday in town, and it’s bound to stir the pot. Meet Friendsgiving. It’s a simple twist on the Thanksgiving tradition–celebrating with friends instead of family. And, not to make this a contest, but everyone wants their Friendsgiving to be the best, so here’s how you can win this tradition competition.
Decorations
Although Thanksgiving is centered around eating, it’s not the only thing to consider during your planning. Decorations add that little extra touch that makes a celebration even more special. A successful event should involve all the senses, including smell (don’t worry, we’ll get to music later). Consider placing fall-scented candles on the table (did someone say pumpkin spice) or other options such as apple cinnamon and chai. To add extra festivity, hang a banner above the doorway with the classic “Give Thanks” or “Happy Friendsgiving” (yes, there are banners that say “Happy Friendsgiving”). Table runners and faux fall foliage also add to the autumnal atmosphere.
Food
While it is true that food is food, some dishes simply enhance Friendsgiving more than others. My Friendsgiving favorites are mac and cheese, stuffing, and potatoes. Here’s my advice: everyone likes sides better, so have an abundance. There are numerous ways to go about providing your dinner, but some options include a buffet-style meal and Bring A Board Night.
As seen on the right, the social media-popularized Board Night has attendees bring a range of boards, from sushi to dessert and, of course, the classic Charcuterie. Having everyone contribute makes for an eclectic feast while reducing the host’s workload.
Vibes
Picture this: friends have arrived with boards in hand, a pumpkin aroma fills the air, and Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” eases everyone into the Friendsgiving mood. To construct your playlist, pull songs from fall shows like Gilmore Girls or stop into your local coffee shop and see what’s playing. Inspiration is everywhere, so keep an eye out. If you’re unsure of how to assemble a Friendsgiving playlist, don’t worry; Spotify already has them for you. Search Friendsgiving, find one that looks good, and hit play. Your guests will appreciate it, making the experience more festive overall.
If you’re seeking out a specific Fall playlist recommendation, check out one made by Mountaineer writers Ethan Wu (’27) & William Berei (’27). Click HERE to listen!
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