12 Beautifully Designed Evites For Your Friendsgiving Bash

1. RSVP "no" early

As soon as you receive an invitation, you probably have an idea of whether or not you can or want to attend. Decline ASAP so the host has an opportunity to invite someone else, get a refund on your seat, and plan accordingly. Plus, you don’t want to carry the burden of accepting and dreading the event for weeks. It’s way more emotionally draining, and confusing for the host.

If you do want to attend, but are unsure if you can, check your calendar and let the host know your circumstances. Perhaps your sister is expecting her first baby around the same time as your college roommate’s wedding. Reach out to your friend directly and let them know that you may be able to come, or would like to come, but it’s dependent on another important factor.

Chances are, the host will respect and appreciate your honesty. And remember: for big events like weddings, guests = money, so giving the hosts as much time as possible to make adjustments before their event is imperative.

2. You don't have to explain yourself

This is a bit contradictory to what we just said, but if it’s not an up-in-the-air type of situation, you can just say “no.” Plain and simple. Hosts don’t need a laundry list of reasons you can’t go, and you don’t need to share yours.

3. Declining is *actually* quite respectful

Responding to someone, whether it’s an enthusiastic “yes” or a “no,” is way better than not responding at all – or worse, canceling at the last minute. It shows that you care enough about the person to give them an answer, and that your friendship allows for open communication. With anyone in your life, you should be allowed to ask for what you want, and what you need. If you can’t do this for yourself, do it for Future You.

4. Don't make up excuses

It’s just a no-no. If you fabricate an excuse, it can lead to way worse (and certainly more awkward) situations. For example, if you say you can’t go deep sea fishing this Saturday (when it’s really about not wanting to fish), the person might ask you to go with them another time, evidently putting you on the hook (pun VERY intended) for future excursions.

Alternatively, if you opt for blowing them off and they find out, they’ll probably feel worse and assume your response was personal to them. Whether or not that’s true is besides the point.

Being a bit more honest always goes a long way. Oh, and BTW, refusing an invitation isn’t that deep! Truly. It’s literally fine.

5. How to say "no"

Saying no is all about what you say and how you say it. Aim for a warm, neutral and matter-of-fact tone paired with a short, candid response. Don’t beg for forgiveness (and TBH if you have to do this, they’re probably not a great friend in the first place), give them a vague reason as to why you can’t go, or get defensive if they have questions. Repeat after us: saying no is normal!

BTW – by declining an invite you have to allow others to do the same. So if someone declines an invitation to your birthday party (which we know will be totally amazing), it’s OK.

These taquitos are sooo tasty, and are sure to be a total hit with your guests. A little spicy, a little cheesy, and super easy to prepare, all you need to make them is chicken, buffalo sauce, cheese, and tortillas. Serve them whole, or cut them in half to make them more manageable. (via Brit + Co)

Upgrade your weeknight meals with some new flavors. First, create an easy marinade with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and Sriracha. Allow some diced chicken to marinate in it for 15 minutes, then thread your veggies onto skewers for a quick and healthy appetizer idea. (via Brit + Co)

Buffalo chicken is a no-fail option for entertaining because of its addictive, tangy spice. This finger food recipe crafts the *perfect* strips, along with a satisfying ranch dip to serve. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Wonton cups stuffed with shredded chicken, salsa, taco seasoning, and cheddar, and topped with sour cream and green onion are the ultimate finger food of all finger foods. (via Feel Good Foodie)

This recipe seamlessly combines sweet honey, flavorful garlic, and spicy chili powder for a chicken appetizer that will put everyone in a good mood! If you're a fan of more mild food, mess around with the ingredient ratio to figure out which spice level you like the most. (via Half Baked Harvest)

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative to your weekly Chick-fil-A order, consider making it yourself! These nuggets make a great addition to any school or work lunch, and all you need to make the dipping sauce is mayo, honey, yellow mustard, barbecue sauce, and lemon juice. Easy peasy! (via A Spicy Perspective)

When you're serving passable dishes, salads can be a bit too fussy for their own good. Get that creamy crunch you desire in an easy-to-eat package by rolling chicken Caesar salad in a tortilla and slicing into some finger food pinwheels! (via Food Fun Family)

Chicken marinated in coconut milk and spices becomes *extra* tender and moist on the grill. Pair these skewers with a sweet and sticky peanut sauce for extra flavor. (via Savory Tooth)

Incorporate some zest into your pre-party apps. These lemon + pepper chicken wings can be eaten with ease – but be careful, they'll be gone from the table fast. (via The Fast Recipe)

You won't go back to regular finger foods once you've braised your chicken in beer and bourbon and slapped it on some small buns. This spirited combo has nothing short of an impeccable impact on the overall flavor of these sliders! (via Averie Cooks)

Bring your favorite pizza toppings to cocktail hour with these sweet and sour Hawaiian chicken skewers. Brush 'em with your favorite BBQ sauce and add a chunk of SPAM for authentic flavor! (via Rasa Malaysia)

A ripe Caesar salad with rotisserie chicken and bacon ditches the bowl for a baguette in this delish crostini recipe. (via Salt & Lavender)

There's no shame in using frozen food to your advantage. For this easy finger food recipe, all you need is frozen chicken, mini toaster waffles, maple syrup, sea salt, and herbs. Cook the chicken according the the directions on the package and then dress 'em up by assembling on top of the heated mini waffles and sticking a toothpick through it. (via Almost Makes Perfect)

Easy Vegetarian Appetizers To Make For Your Next Party

This finger food recipe is almost too easy to believe! The tasty combo of goat cheese, sweet potatoes, and agave is a simple way to get a healthy dose of vitamin A and calcium, all while still getting a bit of sweetness. Not a fan of agave? Just swap for honey (or hot honey) instead. We'll be making this no-cook finger food for parties all year long. (via Brit + Co)

The tiny version of this classic taco dip is an excellent finger food, appetizer, or snack. Change up the layers depending on food sensitivities or favorite toppings (we'd go with extra layers of guac!), or if you're throwing a get together, wait until your guests arrive and have them assemble the dips themselves. (via Brit + Co)

Thanks to the mix of rich dark chocolate and savory cheese, these bites make for a wonderful sweet and salty treat ahead of dinner (with red wine, of course). This recipe is kid-friendly, since you can make the bites as small as you want. All you need is two ingredients and 30 minutes, which is basically the perfect combo. (via Brit + Co)

We love a baked potato as much as the next person, but sometimes having a giant potato is too much for a side dish, especially if the rest of your meal is already a bit heavy. If that's the case, make these mini potatoes instead! You can still load up on all your favorite toppings, including gooey cheese and bacon bits. (via Brit + Co)

With figs, cranberry sauce, brie, and goat cheese, this elevated crostini will quickly become one of your go-to finger food appetizers. And considering we'll eat anything with brie on it, it's one of ours too! The recipe pairs the figs with goat cheese and cranberry with brie, but feel free to mix and match the flavors 'til your heart's content. (via Brit + Co)

If you're looking for no-cook finger foods for parties that are on the sweeter side, look no further than these boozy, chocolatey bites! With only five ingredients, you can make these in a snap, which is good, because they'll be gone just as quick! Just make sure you serve them right away, or place them in an airtight container and keep 'em in the fridge until it's party time. (via Brit + Co)

There's nothing quite like a berry and cheese combo, and this recipe (which matches up rich goat cheese with tart, sweet strawberries) makes for the perfect spring snack. Plus with a mint leaf on top, they're also just gorgeous to look at. (via Brit + Co)

Whether you're cutting out potatoes or you just really love avocados, prepare to have your mind blown by these gluten-free "fries." Top them with garlic salt and dip each one in the spicy aioli to take your appetizer to the next level. (via Brit + Co.)

Your guests will undoubtedly love these pillowy-soft garlic knots as a finger food starter. Make sure you supply the sauce with this finger food, too! (via Brit + Co)

Balls of goat cheese dipped in Panko breadcrumbs are baked in the oven and then drizzled generously with Buffalo sauce. These finger foods are heavenly AF. (viaHalf Baked Harvest)

If a two-ingredient recipe is there, we're there too. This finger food is crafted from just fresh figs and goat cheese. Serve them alongside a honey-balsamic dressing for an elegant added touch. (via Give Recipe)

Top a deck of baguette slices with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic for a refreshing yet comforting finger food recipe. This is one of those no-cook finger foods for parties that we could make every single time! (via Salt & Lavender)

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup toasted pecans
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 8 oz goat cheese log
• 16 rosemary sprigs

Directions:

1. Start by finely chopping the dried cranberries with pecans. Add dried parsley, salt and pepper.
2. Roll 8 oz of goat cheese into 16 balls, then roll them in the crumbs mixture.
3. Skewer with a rosemary sprig for an extra festive touch! (via Chef Genevieve LaMonaca)

Whipping up finger food recipes using an air fryer is the ultimate life hack. Once you cook the black bean filling for this recipe, you'll wrap it in small tortillas and let those babies air fry to perfection. (via Earthly Provisions)

You'd be insane to not love a pickle snack every once in a while – and deep frying the finger food-sized spears makes them all the more tastier. (via The Edgy Veg)

Cheese fries are already tasty on their own, but this Taco Bell-inspired recipe upgrades them with nacho seasoning and peppers. They're great for game day, your next picnic, or will even satisfy the fam come holiday season. (via Half Baked Harvest)

These mini cheese bites have everything we love about cheese balls without committing to a giant appetizer that we might not be able to finish. Use a melon baller or a similar scoop to make the balls, and finish by rolling each one in pistachios for extra crunch and saltiness. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Eat these tarts as a quick bite in the afternoon, or have them for dinner if you end up eating a big lunch! Cherry tomatoes, pesto, and burrata make the perfect finger food trio for a hot summer day. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Guests from all backgrounds will rally around these colorful spring rolls. What makes them salivate-worthy is the sweet-savory miso sauce on the side! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Panko and Parmesan-coated zucchini slices crisp up *so* nicely in the air fryer. Dip them into a sour cream + Parm sauce for finger food snack time perfection. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Rest assured, your herbivorous friends and fam will flip for this bite-sized combo of beet, goat cheese, arugula, and walnut. We love this fall-inspired dish for Halloween, Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or even Christmas entertaining. Assemble your appetizer and drizzle each one with a honey-balsamic vinaigrette for an added burst of flavor. (via Salty Canary)

Using a rosemary stem as a skewer to hold your pineapple and mozzarella is both practical and delicious. Not to mention, the presentation of this finger food is pretty spectacular. (via Cook. Craft. Love.)

Use store-bought plant-based sausage to streamline this healthy finger food recipe, and get ready to marvel in excitement once you've crafted the tastiest app around. (via The Edgy Veg)

This easy finger food recipe earns its charm from phyllo dough, which gets baked to flaky perfection. Spinach and feta are a power combo for sure! (via Vanilla and Bean)

If you can boil water, you can make these skewers faster than you can say "tortellini." Dress the sticks up with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes for optimal flavor. (via Foody Schmoody)

Cut up some halloumi cheese for these easy bites. It's got a high melting point (you can fry it without it turning into a melty mess), and its natural salty flavor goes great with all kinds of condiments. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Italian arancini gets a Jewish twist with these kugel arancini bites that replace rice with egg noodles and fills them with cheddar and mozzarella. (via Amanda Wilens)

Seafood Hors D'oeuvres Recipe Ideas For Your Party-Goers

If you're not keen on ordering sushi, opt for these easy poke bites, which is basically single-serve deconstructed sushi. Topped with salmon, avocado, and ginger, you still get all your favorite sushi flavors, with the added crunch of the rice cracker. Let's hear it for more no-cook finger foods for parties! (via Brit + Co)

Each bite of these finger food-sized crab cakes will leave you and your guests stunned. They surprisingly use a ton of recognizable ingredients (that you likely already have on-hand) to form the patties, all working together to highlight the crab. (via Brit + Co)

Instead of making a giant lobster dip for everyone, split it up into these tiny (and adorable) lobster rolls! Not only will you break it up into smaller portion sizes, but you'll also completely eliminate the chances of double dipping. Win-win. (via Brit + Co)

Simplicity is essential when dealing with sweet, fresh shrimp. A brush of garlic and butter is all you need to enhance its flavor to epic restaurant-worthy levels. Skewer these bad boys for a finger food idea worth serving over and over again. (via Simply Recipes)

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Once you combine the tang of deviled eggs with salty slices of smoked salmon, you won't want to make this famous food any other way. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

These blinis (or, to put it simply, tiny pancakes) get topped off with smoked salmon and caviar for a freakin' fancy finger food. (via Clean Cuisine)

Bring the flavors of New Orleans to your shindig with these Cajun-style skewers! Serve these finger foods with a spicy lemon aioli for dipping and ice-cold beer for sipping. (via Iowa Girl Eats)

If you're looking for finger food ideas perfect for brunch, look no further than this lox-y lick! Be sure you have cream cheese, dill, horseradish and heavy cream on hand to complete the no-cook recipe. (via Baker by Nature)

This recipe was crafted specifically for a par-tay, and it's superb because it only takes like 5 whole minutes to whip up the shrimp. Each bite is bursting with flavor, too! (via The Endless Meal)

These eggy bites deliver a little bit of everything. First, you've got some fishy tuna, then crunchy peppers, onions, and a sprinkle of dill. (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Succulent salmon is even tastier when it's coated in brown sugar. Give the fish a quick sear, and each finger food bite will be infused with smokey, caramelized flavor. (via Sprinkles and Sprouts)

Delicious Finger Food Ideas For Meat Lovers

Bacon wrapped around anything immediately catches our eye, and if you feel the same way then you have to try out these bacon sweet potato bites! With only a little bit of salt and pepper, the natural flavors of the sweet potato and bacon come together flawlessly for an app that everyone will love. (via Brit + Co)

Tacos are some of the ultimate finger foods *and* party foods, which makes them an excellent choice for celebrating the Super Bowl. The fact that they're made with the slow cooker means they're extra easy. (via Brit + Co.)

Grab your charcuterie must-haves, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toothpicks (or larger skewers, if you're feeling extra hungry) will help you create kebabs that are sure to make all your guests' mouths water. Our favorite combo is blackberries, brie, and salami, but feel free to play with *all* the meat and cheese combos. (via Brit + Co)

Long live the BLT! To turn it into a bite-sized nosh, go for slices of roma tomatoes, and use a cookie cutter to create circles of white bread. These crust-free, dainty bites are the perfect hors d'oeuvre. For the spread, go for something creamy and tangy, like Japanese mayo. (via Oh, How Civilized)

These finger-friendly pierogis pack a meaty punch with bacon wrapped inside. The potato and caramelized onion add to the immense savory vibe of this finger food. (via Vikalinka)

These dumplings are filled to the brim with veggies and meat, and the wonton dough only needs two ingredients! While the recipe does call for ground pork or turkey, you can easily leave that out to make these dumplings vegetarian-friendly. The best finger food ideas are stuffed into tiny pockets like these! (via A Spicy Perspective)

You can create incredibly easy finger food appetizers with only bread, cream cheese, chives, and bacon. This simple recipe proves it! (via Garnish With Lemon)

These no-cook tapas bites are a quick way to satisfy rumbling bellies with minimal effort. Simply slice cheese into cubes, rip ham slices into narrow strips, and fold them on top of the cheese. Try drizzling with some honey after assembling for an added sweet touch! (via My Kitchen Love)

If you really want to make a statement, go all out and whip up mini cheeseburgers. Frozen rolls, a pound of ground beef, bacon, cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, sesame seeds, and lettuce round out the ingredient list for this easy party appetizer. (via Pizzazzerie)

You’ll want to savor each and every bite of these sweet and pungent snacks. Serve these finger foods with a round of bubbly to balance its salty bite. (via Recipe Runner)

Brussels sprouts are great for getting some extra antioxidants and fiber, and the bacon is great for flavor! But on top of how good this finger food recipe tastes, it only takes an hour to make – score! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Saucy meatballs are a party must-have. It’s doubtful you’ll have leftovers, but if you do, you can serve them over rice for and easy lunch the next day. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Great for lunchboxes and afternoon snacks alike, this handheld recipe looks like a plain breadstick, but is actually filled with pepperoni and cheese. It's like a pizza stick! (via A Spicy Perspective)

You and your guests will get a healthy balance of carbs, veg, and meat in these easy-to-make bites. Just buy some pre-made puff pastry dough from the store and roll each piece up with asparagus and ham! (via Woman Scribbles)

When glazed in a buttery brown sugar sauce, any vegetable suddenly becomes fun to eat. Add a crispy wrapping of salty prosciutto, and these once-humble green beans are now totally picnic-worthy. (via Blackberry Babe)

A marinade of pickle juice keeps the beef in these skewers ultra-tender and seasoned throughout. Spear each bite with a toothpick along with a tiny gherkin pickle and some fresh dill for a hearty party bite. (via Sprinkles & Sprouts)

Wine lover? You can't go wrong with some salty antipasto skewers to pair with your next glass. This is one of the best finger foods for parties to enjoy with wine. (via Tabitha Talks Food)

Here’s another way to use some fragrant rosemary sprigs! Skewer pieces of juicy prime rib, roasted mushrooms, and red pepper, so each finger food bite is infused with that woodsy rosemary aroma. (via Give It Some Thyme)

A platter of these savory Greek meatballs is a hearty appetizer or afternoon snack. To make these lamb meatballs, mix ground beef, ground lamb, finely grated onion, egg, parsley, crumbled feta, Panko bread crumbs, and garlic. Serve them alongside an oh-so creamy tzatziki sauce! (via A Fork's Tale)

As a Power of Women honoree, Mariska was recognized in regards to her work as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. She took the stage and used her platform to discuss rape and assault conviction reversals, shining a light on the recent overturned ruling in Harvey Weinstein's landmark NYC case. Here's what she said:

Today I want to talk about reversing convictions, and more specifically I want to talk to you about how impossible it is to reverse mine. It’s impossible to reverse my conviction that survivors matter. It is impossible to reverse my conviction that what happens to us matters, and that our society must respond to survivors with a more a compassionate, holistically, deeper, and more nuanced understanding of what healing means.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that after a trauma, survivors can reclaim lives of hope, of possibility, of audacious risk, beautiful intimacy, and glorious, glorious abundant joy. And I stand before you as evidence of that statement.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that we must listen to survivors as experts on what justice means. It is extraordinary how little their voices are consulted, let alone incorporated, in the process of deciding how to repair harm. Justice is not a one-size-fits-all journey.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that patriarchal impunity has to end. Patriarchal impunity is when a male-dominated system exempts perpetrators from punishment. Studies show that only 20% of all rape cases in the U.S. are reported to the police, and that between 5 and 0% of all rapes result in a guilty plea or a conviction. So why do 80% of victims not report? Because they're met with a system that grants impunity to perpetrators; a system that blames victims; a system that accepts only those victims who are experienced as "real" rape; a system that completely misunderstands the neurobiology of trauma, which causes behavior in women that doesn't fit the picture of how a "real victim" would act.

Is that change needed that victims should just pull themselves together? Just buck up and report anyway? No. No, it's the system that receives them that needs to change

It is impossible to reverse my conviction — and the conviction of my extraordinary team, The Joyful Heart — that the backlog of untested rape kits can be brought to zero; that the testing of all new kits must be mandated; that we need a statewide kit tracking system; and that survivors have the right to access the status of their kits.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that grammar — yes, grammar — that we use when we speak about rape must change. In the sentence, "A woman is raped," there's a crime and there's a victim, but there's no perpetrator. Where's the perpetrator? Where is he? Statistically, as we know, most likely he's walking free. He's so free that he doesn't even appear in the language about the crime that he committed. Is that not extraordinary? It's extraordinary that in the very grammar, the perpetrator goes free. Reintroducing perpetrators in the language of rape will make some very unwieldy grammar, but that's the nature of change. It's unwieldy, it's messy, it's uncomfortable, but it's necessary.

Hargitay continued on in her prolific speech to describe that rape shouldn't be considered a "crime of passion" because it's "not simply the next step in the trajectory of his passion" when a man takes a consensual hookup too far and assaults a woman against her will. She stated that it's "an exercise of power," doubling down that the language we use is important.

The speech went on to address that rape is both about power and control, as a "construct" that was "built, and assembled, and reinforced over time." She noted that there are people with these positions of power — and she specifically called out those in the entertainment industry — that could make a difference and aligned themselves to victims and survivors.

After this and some other remarks, Hargitay specifically called out the Weinstein conviction reversal. She said:

I do want to say something about the Harvey Weinstein conviction, specifically about the reason that it was overturned: too many women's voices. Too many women's voices were allowed to speak. Hallelujah! Amen! I can't imagine anything more beautiful than that. The Daily podcast episode talked about how it was so risky for the prosecution to have that many women testify. Risky to let women speak? You're damn right it is!

Too many women speaking brings change. Too many women speaking shakes the establishment. Too many women means we get listened to more, and people might actually hear what we have to say. Look what happened when women started saying just two words, right? Me too — just as an example — a tidal wave of change. Me too.

And then of course, there was the response: the Me Too Movement. The backlash. The examination of whether the changes that have come are lasting, or are even positive. Of course there's a backlash! What did they expect? For women to speak repeatedly, loudly, together, with a purpose — for there to be no backlash? The backlash is evidence of how powerful those voices were, how powerful those voices ARE.

Watch Mariska Hargitay's Full Speech Here

Turns out that your TV heroes really can be your IRL heroes after all. Long live Olivia Benson! Long live Mariska Hargitay!