Our Top Friendsgiving Tips and Recipes
While Friendsgiving was only officially added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary in 2020, its origins can be traced back 16 years all the way to 2007 — in none other than… a tweet. However, it’s safe to say that it was probably in the vernacular even before it surfaced online. Many credit the television show “Friends” for the concept thanks to the infamous Thanksgiving episodes, but it’s not the source for the actual word, which crept up in articles around the late 2000s. And it finally hit its mainstream status in a 2011 Bailey’s® Irish Cream commercial.
Needless to say, the exact origin is still somewhat of a mystery. Today, Friendsgiving is having a comeback as more people host celebrations with friends and “chosen family” alongside or in place of their traditional hometown gatherings.
Looking to start up your own?
First, check all the normal hosting boxes: nail down a date and a head count. Then, figure out a theme, parameters or expectations. Are you having the traditional main turkey and sides or are you going to take this time to shake it up? Once you figure out whether it’s a tapas-style, full entrée and sides or a complete potluck special, have guests sign up to bring a dish. You may utilize a shared document or an app that everyone has access to, to be sure there aren’t duplicate dishes and friends know how much they’ll need to make. Be sure to stock up on staples like toilet paper, paper towels, utensils, and paper plates, since they tend to run out faster than you realize. Finally, be sure to plan a little fun and games — it’s Friendsgiving after all!
Invited to a Friendsgiving?
Check with the host or hostess to see what they need. Signed up for a dish but don’t have the time to fully commit to making from scratch? Use a premade option and replate it. Fresh garnishes add a secret homemade touch. Or offer to bring to-go containers so guests can take home leftovers and swap and trade dishes. Pitching in on dish duty also goes a long way. You could simply suggest being leader of the cleanup crew.
And don’t be afraid to make this tradition all your own. You could even take some of the stress out by choosing an alternative protein like rotisserie chicken, chicken wings or even stuffed veggies for vegan or vegetarian folks. It’s your holiday, make it what you want.