What do you get when you mash together “friends” and “Thanksgiving”? Friendsgiving, of course! The unofficial holiday is just around the corner, so we’re putting together Friendsgiving decorations and food ideas for you to throw an epic feast.
Shop Friendsgiving Decorations and Food By Store At The CVSC
If you’re unfamiliar with this event, Friendsgiving began around 2007 (but probably earlier) as a way to share gratitude and a big meal with friends. Typically, it takes place slightly before or after Thanksgiving and is also more informal.
The event has gathered some rules since its inception that help make it easier for hosts and participants. For the host, these rules include making the turkey and gravy, coordinating the rest potluck style, setting a nice table, and providing ice and water. For guests, you’re expected to bring a wide variety of sides and desserts (including family favorites), contribute a bottle of your favorite drink, and make a good playlist.
So, whether you’re hosting or attending this year, we’ve outlined Friendsgiving decorations and food by store with the CVSC as your one-stop shop.
World Market
As a host, you’re responsible for a nicely-set table. The basics of such a table include a tablecloth, real napkins, wine and water glasses, a water pitcher, and plenty of serving bowls and platters. But extras like flowers, seasonal decor, candles, and place cards go a long way. There’s no better place than World Market for all of these and more. The store’s imported finds span everything from kitchen must-haves to unique eats.
For inspiration, we love fun picks like this embroidered table runner, gorgeous linen napkins, autumn leaves serving platter, and leaf LED candles. Mix and match your favorites or pick and go with a theme like jewel tones or classic neutral. Extras like these round placemats or wood pumpkin serving boards go a long way toward setting the holiday scene.
Trader Joe’s
If you’re the host, you already know you’re on turkey and gravy duty. But, if you’re attending Friendsgiving this year, the dish(es) you bring can steal the show. We love Trader Joe’s for its interesting seasonal finds and reasonable prices.
Friendsgiving is the perfect time to experiment with unique dishes that are twists on classic Thanksgiving favorites. For example, try a squash and grains salad made with farro, roasted sweet potato and zucchini, apple, and pulled together with Maple Vinaigrette Dressing. Or make the stuffing the ultimate shareable treat in muffin tin form—just add pancetta or bacon in a muffin tin, fill with your stuffing of choice (feat. seasonal favorites like Chicken Apple Sausage), and bake.
For dessert, keep it easy with pre-made treats like Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants, Maple Leaf Cookies (with Salted Maple Ice Cream), Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Cakes, or a chilled-out twist on the classic with Pumpkin Cheesecake.
Board & Brush
As a host, you can make your Friendsgiving decorations extra special with a DIY craft from Board & Brush. If you have extra time, the craft business has plenty of workshops to make things like cheese boards, holiday signs, porch signs, and drink platters. Extend the friend celebrations by doing a workshop together and bringing your creations to Friendsgiving!
Crumbl & See’s
One truth for Friendsgiving is that you can never have too many sides or desserts. So if making your own or grabbing one of TJ’s treats isn’t up your alley, there’s always See’s Candies or Crumbl Cookies. Both are cult favorites and new to the CVSC—and both have shareable goodies that never disappoint.
See’s fall treats include Milk Caramel Apple Scotchamallows, Dark Orange Truffles, and Maple Cashew Brittle. Crumbl’s cookies change every Sunday, but favorites like Milk Chocolate Chip and Classic Pink Sugar are always on the menu.
Your Friends Will Gobble Up These Friendsgiving Decorations and Food
This year is the perfect time to add Friendsgiving to your holiday roster. With good food and good friends, this unofficial holiday has quickly become one of our favorites. Stop by the CVSC for all your Friendsgiving decorations and food needs, and have a turkey of a time!
