Why You Should Throw A Friendsgiving

You read correctly. The ultimate food-friend complex filled with cheesy games and aesthetically pleasing side dishes is here again. Gather round all, foodies and pepsi-chicken lovers, as Friendsgiving allows for a time for everyone to settle down their political swords for a split-second to just enjoy each-other’s creativity and company. For both sides of the political spectrum, this has definitely been a tense time in history, so Affinity is encouraging you to invite everyone you love and have an open home for the sake of the food.

How to Host:

1. Guest List. Have an open mind and mash together any and every friend group (within reason, of course.) You will be surprised on how fast unconventional friendships mend together over apple-pie and Pictionary. For organizational purposes, I suggest writing everyone down and using GroupMe’s event planner to keep track of confirmations and any date/time changes you might make in the future.
2. Seating. 10+ people should be “sit anywhere”/bring-your-own-chair. Trust me, it seems a little embarrassing, but everyone will understand once they’re all there. Chances are everyone will be standing and talking regardless. Seating placements seem like a good idea, but remember how this is supposed to be as stress-free as possible! If you have under 10 people, try a more traditional sit-down dinner.
3. Food. You cook the turkey/buy a large chicken. Everyone brings a side/dessert. You should assign the most important dishes (mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, veggies, etc.) to your more creative friends. The others can do anything from cutlery to sodas. (Sparkling cider is a crowd pleaser.) Regardless, assign dishes to everyone, so everyone is included. Try not to stick to a set menu and be open to ideas.
   • Tip: Need ideas on what to ask? Try Pinterest. Mom-ish, I know, but cool ideas. Go as crazy as a Brie dish or just have a pizza party and have everyone bring in a half-pie of their favorite.
4. Decorate. Come on, be festive! Make some paper turkeys as an activity or cut out some paper leaves. If you’re really in the mood/budget, visit Home Goods or your nearest craft store to find some cute plates/fake leaves to just sprinkle around your house.
5. Games. Pin-the-tail-on-the-candidate was a real winner this year. Be creative and ask your friends. (Cough, Pinterest, Cough.) You can even get super soppy and give everyone a number, pick three randomly, and spend a half hour having everyone in the room say why they’re thankful for those three people. It can get tear-y and hysterical, especially if the group isn’t very close. Classics include Sorry!, Avalon, Werewolf, Dance Dance Revolution, Guestures, Pictionary. Have multiple running at the same time in the beginning and close the night with one big exciting mess of a game.
6. Host Etiquette. Have fun and don’t worry about what happens. Keep glasses filled with cider and always have a “runner” willing to go and get more dice if needed. Don’t be afraid to tell your guests how to dress. Make it fun and dress up or make it funny and dress as a theme. Regardless, adds to the creativity and enjoyment of the night.
   • Tip: Music is a must. Not a DJ? No problem. Try your favorite genre mixes on 8Tracks or search a Spotify playlist. (Linked a few good examples.) Great idea is to make a Spotify playlist collaborative and have your friends add on to it until the big day comes!
7. The Morning After. Thank you cards. Everyone is proud of what they brought and love to feel valued for their time put. Make them soppy or funny, everyone will feel right at home and ready for the Holiday Party!

Best and Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends/readers from Affinity. XO