Friendsgiving doesn’t have to be a production. No turkey, no table runners, no hours spent stressing over side dishes that never quite come out right. A great Friendsgiving is about people laughing, eating, and relaxing together. So, if you’re more “sweatpants and sushi rolls” than “centerpieces and stuffing,” this guide is for you.
Here’s how to host a Friendsgiving that’s actually fun — zero stress required.
1. Set the Vibe (Not the Table)
Set a rule for yourself: no pressure, no perfection. Pick a date that works for most of your crew, send out an invite, and let everyone know it’s meant to be easygoing. Think “movie night energy,” not “holiday dinner pressure.”
You don’t need fancy decor or a curated playlist (though a little background music never hurts). Create a space where everyone feels comfortable to show up exactly as they are.
If you want to skip the messy group chats, you can use Poply to send a quick invite and keep everyone in the loop, all in one place.
2. Food: BYOT (Bring Your Own Takeout)
Forget cooking. Everyone’s already got their favorite go-to meal, so why not let them bring it? Whether it’s pad thai, poke, or pizza, the mix-and-match vibe makes it fun, and you’ll all get to try something new (if you want to share).
Here’s how to make it work:
- Let everyone know the “BYO takeout” rule.
- Have a few extra plates and utensils ready.
- Eat straight from the container if you want.
Bonus: No dishes to wash, no kitchen disasters, and no one’s stuck cooking while everyone else is hanging out.
3. Activities: Keep It Chill
Skip the structured “games night” or big group challenges unless your friends love that kind of thing. Keep activities optional.
A few easy wins:
- Video games: Mario Kart, Jackbox, or Super Smash Bros are easy, crowd-friendly picks.
- Movies: Let the group vote. Whether it’s a nostalgic throwback or a new release, it’s all about cozy vibes.
- White elephant gift exchange: Keep it cheap and funny. Set a $10 max, and re-gift something if you want. The sillier, the better.
This kind of casual, “do whatever” approach keeps the night lighthearted. There’s no pressure to perform or plan.
4. Keep the Stress Low and the Fun High
Friendsgiving should feel like an exhale. So keep it simple:
- Paper plates are fine. So are plastic cups.
- Skip decorations unless you actually enjoy them.
- Ask guests to bring something that makes them happy, such as their favorite drink, a cozy blanket, or even a board game.
If coordinating details feels like herding cats, Poply can help. Create an invite, add notes (“bring your own takeout!”), and keep everyone in sync without that endless text thread chaos.
5. Remember: It’s About the Hang, Not the Host
At the end of the day, no one’s going to remember what kind of napkins you used. They’ll remember the laughs, the bad karaoke, the inside jokes, and the fact that you made space for everyone to just be together.
So kick off your shoes, grab your takeout, and relax. You just hosted the easiest, happiest Friendsgiving ever.
Frequently Asked Questions about Friendsgiving:
Q: What’s the easiest way to plan a Friendsgiving with busy friends? A: Use an online invitation maker like Poply. You can customize your invite, send it by text, and track RSVPs all in one place. Use in-app messaging to coordinate last-minute details.
Q: What if no one wants to cook? A: That’s the beauty of BYO takeout. Everyone brings their favorite comfort food, and no one ends up scrubbing dishes at midnight.
Q: How do I make it feel festive without spending money? A: Lighting, music, and laughter go a long way. Skip decor and focus on the energy in the room.
