Easy Friendsgiving Ideas for Food + Fun

This Friendsgiving Ideas post is sponsored by IZZE.

I’ve loved the idea of Friendsgiving (a family-style dinner with friends) since I first heard of it years ago.

I mentioned a week or two ago that the holidays would be upon us and here we are. Somehow the day after Halloween, it’s gifting, snow, and sleigh bells on every commercial.

A little overwhelmed with the onslaught of holidays (i.e. Christmas), my husband and sister both commented that they were fine with the holiday cheer, but what happened to Thanksgiving?! And I totally agreed.

While the December holiday season takes prep and planning, Thanksgiving is a fun chance to get together with family and friends. 

Friendsgiving Recipes + Ideas

Not surprisingly, however, I’m not ready to roast a turkey and make all the fixins more than once. And, honestly, I don’t have the space to invite all our friends over for a huge sit down meal! My easy Friendsgiving ideas? A small, easy dinner for 4-6 or a fun spread for as many friends as you want and no stress…

Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Before stressing about main dishes and dessert, plan to offer a spread of meat, cheese, and fruit – both fresh and dried. I’ve mentioned time and again how easy it is to just put out the basics and how happy guests really are with these tasty items.

I got a sliced baguette at the market and made a batch of these soft molasses cookies (my first batch of the season). It was an offering that took no time, little prep, and let our friends pick and choose what they want when they want it.

I set this up for four people as a light meal, but you could easily make a bigger spread for more guests.

If you’re looking for main dish recipes, I’d recommend a homemade turkey and vegetable soup (even in the crockpot) or your favorite pasta dish like this chickpea + roasted vegetable pasta that’s so easy. It’s fall and we all just want comfort dinner ideas!

If you live near a Trader Joe’s, you should try this Charcuterie Board made entirely from Trader Joe’s goodies!

Get the list for these Friendsgiving food ideas below!

Friendsgiving Drinks | Thanksgiving Drinks

Once you have the food all figured out, it’s time for the Friendsgiving drinks. I’m partial to anything pomegranate this time of year, so IZZE’s Pomegranate Sparkling Juice is perfect. I love the sweet and tart libation. The fizz just makes it that much more festive!!

I added some fresh pomegranate arils (seeds) to a glass of ice and topped with the juice! I also served the IZZE Sparkling Grapefruit Juice as a tangier option. Both flavors could be combined with a spirit for an easy cocktail!

And I loved the colors on my table. Aren’t they just so fun?!

Somehow the drink colors made it look as though I’d decorated the space even though I didn’t besides some mini squash and dried flowers on the place settings!

And if we’re really talking easy, these sparkling juices are a great Thanksgiving drink too, so get enough for both get-togethers!

5 from 4 votes

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EASY FRIENDSGIVING IDEAS FOR FOOD

I've loved the idea of "Friendsgiving" since I heard about it years ago. A reason to spend time with friends just like you would your family? That sounds pretty perfect. Just because the holiday harkens to its traditional counterpart with a full spread that takes hours to prepare, Friendsgiving doesn't have to be complicated. A few familiar flavors in an easy setup and everyone will enjoy time together without the food coma!

Course Thanksgiving

Cuisine American

Keyword appetizers, charcuterie, friendsgiving, thanksgiving

Prep Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Author Luci Petlack

Ingredients

• 6 oz. goat cheese mix w. a dash of milk and fresh herbs
• 12 oz. mozzarella mozzarella marinated in oil + spices here
• 6 oz. salami prosciutto
• 8 oz. sliced turkey
• 1 lb. grapes
• 2 persimmons sliced
• 2 apples or pears sliced
• dried papaya figs, or prunes
• honey
• pumpkin or apple butter
• crackers pumpkin cranberry crisps here
• 2 cups trail mix
• 1 baguette sliced and toasted
• IZZE Sparkling Juices 1 per person
• 12 cookies soft molasses cookies recipe here

Instructions

1. Keep items refrigerated until 15-30 minutes before servings.
2. Arrange all items on a large platter or cutting board!
3. Serve with small spoons and knives for easy enjoyment.

Recipe Notes

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This post is sponsored by IZZE. All opinions are mine. Thank you for supporting all Luci’s Morsels collaborations.