By Marjory Pilley

Friendsgiving is a fun and flexible way to get together with friends before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. But with food prices rising, not to mention other vacation-related expenses, accommodation can seem out of reach. Discover simple, budget-friendly tips, from affordable menu ideas to DIY decor, to help you host an unforgettable Friendsgiving without breaking the bank.

Friendship

Friendsgiving is a twist on the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, when friends, rather than family, gather to share a holiday meal, usually in the weeks before or after Thanksgiving Day. It now represents a sense of community and connection, emphasizing shared experiences rather than the formality of a traditional family vacation.

According to Merriam WebsterFriendsgiving first appeared around 2007 in Internet articles to describe an informal gathering of friends during the Thanksgiving season. It gained momentum in the late 2000s with lifestyle articles and a Bailey’s Irish Cream ad campaign in 2011. In 2020, Merriam-Webster added the word to its dictionary, defining it as “a celebration or a meal shared with friends on or near Thanksgiving Day.”

Smart planning

Planning is key to having a memorable Friendsgiving without overspending. Set financial limits, organize in advance, and encourage guests to contribute. With a little preparation, you can create a festive and enjoyable gathering that everyone will remember.

Budgeting 101

The key to hosting a profitable Friendsgiving is setting a reasonable budget and tracking your spending. These simple actions help control spending and avoid overspending. Use a simple spreadsheet or integrate the event into a budgeting app like EveryDollar. These tools help you organize your expenses, plan your shopping list, and avoid last-minute splurges.

The power of the potluck

A potluck-style Friendsgiving is the ultimate budget hack. By asking guests to contribute dishes, you can significantly reduce your hosting costs. Assign categories, such as starters, sides, desserts or drinks, to ensure a complete meal. This approach not only saves money, but also adds variety to the table. Plus, it fosters a sense of community when everyone brings their favorite dishes to the feast.

Digital Invitations

Send digital invitations through platforms like Evite or Meta Events Manager to save on paper and shipping costs. Often, you can manage RSVPs and coordinate meals all in one place for free. Choose a design that will define the theme of the celebration, whether it’s a warm fall ambiance or a quirky potluck feast.

Affordable menu ideas

Food is at the heart of any Friendsgiving celebration. Fortunately, there are no strict rules when it comes to the menu. Whether you prefer a simple main course or a table full of sides, creating a feast that fits your style and budget is easy.

A main dish

It’s common for the host to be in charge of the main course, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a whole turkey. Aim for one main dish rather than a variety of choices. Also consider budget-friendly options, such as herb-crusted chicken or a hearty vegetarian dish. These choices are satisfying, but easier on your wallet.

Sides that will please everyone

Have a variety of side dishes to complement the meal. Using seasonal produce will cut costs and add a fall touch. From your Grandma’s viral casseroles on TikTok for maple dijon carrotsside dishes are light on the wallet and are often the highlight of the meal. You might even want to serve only sides and make it an anything-but-turkey meal!

BYOB drinks

Alcohol can be one of the most expensive elements of Friendsgiving hosting. Bella Bucchiotti, gourmet xoxoBellasays: “Consider creating a DIY drinks station with a few signature cocktails or mocktails to keep things lively and give everyone a chance to get creative. » You can also make it a BYOB affair, encouraging guests to bring their favorite drinks.

Desserts to prepare in advance

Desserts don’t have to be extravagant to be delicious, and making them ahead of time allows you to purchase ingredients on sale. Add fall sprinkles to simple, inexpensive treats like peanut butter flowers or brownies. You can also incorporate dessert into a potluck registration.

Inexpensive decor

When decorating, keeping a consistent theme will have the biggest impact on your Friendsgiving celebration. Coordinate your decor with the tone of the invitations and food selections to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

DIY table decorations

When it comes to decor, think rustic and homemade. Gather natural items like pumpkins, pine cones and fall leaves from your garden to create a festive table setting. Add a few candles for a cozy ambiance, or reuse mason jars and string lights to enhance the ambiance. These inexpensive DIY decorations give your gathering a personal, handmade touch.

Thrift store finds

Are you short of plates or serving dishes? Your local thrift or dollar store has budget-friendly options. Mismatched plates and cutlery can add a charming and eclectic touch to your table. Plus, you can find inexpensive seasonal items like tablecloths and napkins to complete the look without spending a fortune.