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 to celebrate with, whether it’s your college buddies or the group you do happy hour with after work. 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 squad for a killer festive time, especially with these 20 Friendsgiving ideas.
1. Create appropriate headwear. You know we’re all about flower crowns at Brit HQ, but we’re loving the more seasonal spin with this leaf crown. Giant dinner + whimsical dress-up = win. Set up a little DIY 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 an epic Caravan Draw Together Thanksgiving Set ($12), grab this Nature Crafts Adult Coloring Book ($5), 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 to making turkeys with their handprints.
4. Throw the pigskin. Ah, the great American tradition of 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. (via Pinterest)
5. Remember your childhood. Age is just a number, and the Peanuts gang will live in our hearts forever. Watch the movie, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving ($10), read the book ($7), or color pages ($6) to simmer in nostalgia. (via FanPop)
6. Play a 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 floats, 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. Take time to go around the table with your friends and give a little ode to your awesome year. (via Kristi Murphy)
8. Hit a piñata. 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. (via Etsy)
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 ($6).
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 (hello, whipped cream), and dig in. (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 the beer you’ve been brewing, or tell the crew a thing or two about whiskey. (via The Knot)
12. Make cookies together. While the turkey is roasting and the movies are quietly playing in the background, decorating some tasty treats for later is a great way to pass the time. (via Half Baked Harvest)
13. Show some group gratitude. Unlike birthday wishes, you can totally tell people what you’re thankful for. In fact, sharing in your gratitude on a group list is a great way to discover what else you may be grateful for. (via Inspired by This)
14. Aim for good luck. Don’t forget to split the wishbone and see who will be the lucky one this year! Get to work on some DIY clay versions or spray paint some real ones for a colorful place setting. (via Oh Happy Day)
15. Make takeaway pie boxes. Have your guests help assemble the containers so that at the end of the night everyone gets to bring a slice or two (or three) home. (via Brit + Co)
16. Set up a DIY Thanksgiving Sangria bar. Not everyone is into the single malts, but a spicy and fruity beverage bar for your guests is a great way to indulge. Plus, you can use the leftovers from whatever stuffing or fragrant side dishes you’ve got on the go. (via Brit + Co)
17. Play Thanksgiving Bingo. This fun printable is a great place to start, but if your squad has their own particularities you may want to create your own. Suzie gets sloshed on rosé? Check. Tom quotes Charlie Brown? Check. (via Almost Makes Perfect)
18. Set up lawn games. You can easily play an outdoor version of dominoes while sipping a cocktail in your Turkey Day best, or just watch everyone else run around the yard. (via Iron and Twine)
19. But First, Brunch! You don’t need to wait until the afternoon to invite everyone over. Starting the festivities with a pumpkin pancake breakfast is how you get the appetites going and stomaches expanding. (via Celebrating Sweets)
20. DIY a photo booth backdrop. Instead of one big awkward photo, you can take all the cute photos you want in a designated photo area. DIY an ombre leaf wall like this one and bring in some fun props like a turkey leg, wishbones, and more! (via Oh Happy Day)
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving activity? Make sure you’re following us on Pinterest for even more Thanksgiving decor ideas!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Additional reporting by Ariel Garneau)