We love our families, we really do, but one of the best parts of growing up is getting to make yourself a new friend-family, whether it’s your college buddies or the group you do happy hour with after work. Having events with these friends is so much more fun and less stressful than those with all of your third cousins. Think Galentines Day and, our more timely fave, Friendsgiving. Whether you’re looking forward to Turkey Day at your in-laws’ or not, you can always count on your friends for a killer festive time. Especially with these 11 activities that will make sure your Friendsgiving is the bomb.
1. Create Appropriate Headwear: You know we’re all about flower crowns at Brit HQ, but we’re loving this seasonal spin — a leaf crown. Giant dinner + whimsical dress up = win. Set up a little make station and see what sort of headwear or beardwear your besties come up with. (via A Beautiful Mess)
2. Share the Wealth: One of the most stressful things about big holiday dinners is the pressure to host the whole thing, from prep to table. You need production calendars, ideally a second oven and three extra sets of hands. Not so with Friendsgiving! You roast the bird and let your buds bring the rest, potluck-style. Then, let them go around the table and present their dish. Make them really sell it and brag about their sweet cooking skillz. (via Atlanta Journal Constitution)
3. Coloring’s Not Just for Kids Anymore: Print out one epic T-day coloring set ($8) or just put butcher paper, crayons and paints on the table and let your friends go to town decorating. We bet they wouldn’t even be opposed (read: super excited) to make turkeys with their handprints.
4. Throw the Pigskin: Ah, the great American tradition, Thanksgiving day football — we’re all about getting down and dirty with some flag football, but if you and your pals aren’t the most athletic bunch, you can also create a pool for any pro games that day. This year it’s Chicago/Detroit, Philly/Dallas and Seattle/SF. (via Pinterest)
5. Remember Your Childhood: Age is just a number, and the Peanuts gang will live in our hearts forever. It’s just not a holiday without Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang on the screen. (via FanPop)
6. Thanksgiving’s Day Parade Drinking Game: When it comes to the Macy’s parade, some things are a given: There will be a marching band from the midwest, there will be muppets and there will likely be some country star wearing a cowboy hat. Lay out the rules, and then get ready to do some pre-dinner drinking. If you want to save that valuable stomach real estate for food, make it a workout game rather than a drinking game. Think jumping jacks, burpees and plank (while you’re doing that, we’ll be sipping our wine in the corner, thank you very much). (via Cookies + Sangria)
7. Remember What You’re Thankful for: No matter what your teeny bopper cousins think, being thankful is never cheesy. Take time to go around the table and give a little ode to your awesome year. (via Kristi Murphy)
8. Hit a Piñata ($85): By now it’s been established: Piñatas make any party better. It’s a good way to get in some belly laughs to shake off some of that turkey. Just remember: Blindfolding is essential.
9. Play Board Games: If you’re too full to swing a stick around, board games or card games are always a safe bet. Maybe playing Cards Against Humanity might seem slightly wrong on this most thankful of days, but we do promise that it will be fun. You can even get in the spirit of the upcoming season by adding in the Holiday Pack ($10).
10. Leave Room for a Pie Bar: Let’s be honest. We’re really all here for the pie. Invite each guest to bring a family favorite, provide toppings (holla whipped cream) and dig in. Bonus points if you put a little competition into that pig-out sesh. Best pie maker doesn’t have to help clean up! (via Brit + Co)
11. Have a Booze Tasting: If you consider yourself a connoisseur of a certain elixir, there’s no better time to show off than the holidays. Pick the perf wine to go with your turkey, showcase some local craft brews or tell the crew a thing or two about whiskey. Even better — have everyone bring their favorite and host a post-dinner tasting. (via The Knot)
Do you celebrate Friendsgiving? What’s on your must-do list? Share in the comments!