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Whether you’re celebrating Friendsgiving because you’re far from family, in addition to a family Thanksgiving or after the holiday feast (to get rid of some of those leftovers), it can feel like a big task.
The funny thing is, that’s the complete opposite of what Friendsgiving is supposed to be about. This should be a less stressful holiday meal. Put the turkey in the oven, kick back and have a good time!
Easier said than done, right?
We talked to event planners, etiquette coaches, chefs and even turkey experts to get the inside scoop on what you need to know before hosting a Friendsgiving dinner. Their tips might put you at ease and make this Friendsgiving thing feel like a breeze.
Invite Who You Want
One of the most stressful parts of any party or gathering is determining the guest list, but it doesn’t have to be. Try not to overthink it.
Robin Wilson, owner and event planner at Curtsy and Bow Events, points out that Friendsgiving is a chance to celebrate with another kind of family, “This is your chance to celebrate the holidays with the ‘family you choose’ so invite whomever you have meaningful relationships with.”
If you have guests coming from different areas of your life – for example, co-workers, friends from college and neighbors – it can get a little uncomfortable for guests trying to navigate all these groups. “If some of our guests don’t know each other, the polite way is for them to be introduced by us as the host,” says Maryanne Parker, founder of Manor of Manners.
Parker points out that this shouldn’t feel like a networking event. Make some quick introductions so guests can get to know one another without any awkwardness.
Make the Entrée
In most cases, the entrée is going to be a turkey. “It makes the most sense for the host to provide the turkey if that’s on your menu because of the length of cook time,” says Wilson, “I usually include my stuffing and gravy under that category as well.”
Not a fan of turkey? That’s okay. This is your Friendsgiving – you can make whatever you want! Some common substitutes for turkey are pork loin or roasted chicken. For a vegetarian Friendsgiving, try something seasonal and filling, like a harvest vegetable lasagna, stuffed acorn squash or a meat-free pot pie.
Have Guests Bring the Sides
If you’re making the entrée, unless you really love to cook, you don’t have to provide the sides. This is the less stressful holiday meal, remember?
Nicole Johnson, the co-director of Butterball’s Turkey Talk-Line, says, “The best guest is one who comes in bringing a dish to pass! After all, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about – family, friends and sharing! Don’t be afraid to host like a boss this Thanksgiving and delegate your side dishes, desserts and others needs to friends and family!”
They’ll feel more included, getting to bring something and help you out. Plus, they can show off grandma’s fantastic sweet potato soufflé recipe.
If you’re concerned that you’ll have too many pumpkin pies but no cranberry sauce, you can keep track of what your guests will be bringing. “We keep a list of what is being brought, so we make sure to hit all the food groups we need,” says Wilson.
Keep a running list of the sides you’ll have, and if someone says they can bring something that’s already on the list, politely suggest something else that might take similar effort but could diversify your menu.
Ask About Dietary Restrictions
Wait, isn’t that rude? Nope! Not according to Parker.
She says, “In modern day manners, it is perfectly acceptable for the host to ask a question regarding any restrictions they might need to know about.”
Restrictions like gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegetarian or vegan diets and some religious restrictions could make it hard for some guests to eat what is traditionally on a Thanksgiving table. It’s thoughtful to consider your guests’ individual needs while you make your menu.
Have Fun with the Drinks
Image: The Chef and The Dish
You can’t go wrong with wine or apple cider, but if you want to have a little fun with your cocktails, this is the perfect time!
Gason Nelson, a New Orleans chef with The Chef and The Dish, “You want to make sure the evening is filled with treats throughout, starting with festive cocktails to kick off your night of amazing eating. That means rosemary, cranberries, pumpkin and sweet potato cocktails.”
For garnishes, opt for seasonal items like dried apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cinnamon sugar rimes and rosemary sprigs.
Set the Table
Decor is a fun addition to your celebration, but if you need to cut back somewhere, we’d suggest cutting back here.
“I am a firm believer in decorating, but that’s because I love to do it! I think the whole point of Friendsgiving is to take the stress that can sometimes be associated with family holiday celebrations away. So, if you like to decorate, then decorate! If you are daunted by that idea, skip it,” suggests Wilson.
When setting your Friendsgiving table, keep it simple. “There’s a ton of food that’s going out on the table, so stray away from a traditional centerpiece and let the food speak for itself,” says Wilson.
Place the main dish in the center of the table, place a few candles and some bud vases with seasonal flowers scattered around, but leave room for the sides.
Use nicer plates and glassware to make the place settings feel special. If you don’t want to deal with the dishes, opt for pretty disposable tableware. You can find palm leaf plates on Amazon that are eco-friendly and have a rustic feel that’s perfect for fall.
Send Home Leftovers
If you don’t want to be eating turkey for the next few days, you can send some home with your guests!
“When it comes to hosting, you can never have enough food, especially turkey. Everyone loves to take leftovers home – we call it their ‘party gift,’” says Johnson. “Make sure to stock up on disposable containers or gallon-sized bags so you can send your guests home with those cherished leftovers!”
Johnson does warn that you should eat refrigerated turkey and stuffing within three days. For longer storage, you can freeze your turkey, and it should be good for two months.
Have Fun!
No matter what you decide to cook, who you invite or how you decorate (or don’t decorate) Friendsgiving should be a fairly stress-free celebration! Hopefully these tips and help you tackle your hosting duties with ease.
If you have other Friendsgiving tips and tricks, share them in the comment section.
The post 7 Things You Need to Know Before Hosting Friendsgiving appeared first on ZING Blog by Quicken Loans.
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