Friendsgiving Hosting on a Budget

Friendsgiving explained

Friendsgiving is a twist on the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, when friends come together to share a holiday meal and community, typically in the weeks before or after Thanksgiving Day.

According to Merriam-Webster, Friendsgiving first appeared around 2007 in online posts and the momentum grew. By 2020, Merriam-Webster added the word to its dictionary, defining it as “a celebration or meal shared among friends on or near Thanksgiving Day.”

Smart planning

Whether it's Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving, planning is key to hosting a memorable dinner without overspending. Set financial boundaries, organize ahead of time and encourage guests to contribute. With a bit of preparation, you can create a festive, enjoyable gathering that everyone will remember.

Budgeting 101

Set a sensible budget and track your spending. These simple actions keep expenses in check and prevent overspending. Use a simple spreadsheet or incorporate the event into a budgeting app like EveryDollar. These tools help you organize expenses, plan your shopping list and avoid last-minute splurges.

Potluck power

Make it a potluck. Asking guests to contribute dishes can significantly reduce your hosting costs. Assign categories, such as appetizers, sides, desserts or drinks, to ensure a well-rounded meal. This approach not only saves money but adds variety to the table. Plus, it fosters a sense of community when everyone contributes their favorite dishes to the feast.

Digital invites

Send digital invitations through platforms like Evite or Meta Events Manager to save on paper and postage. Often you can manage RSVPs and coordinate dishes all in one place for free. Choose a design that will set the theme for the celebration, whether it's a cozy fall vibe or a quirky potluck feast.

Affordable food ideas

Food is at the heart of any Friendsgiving celebration. Luckily, there are no hard-and-fast rules for the menu. Consider your friend group's tastes, allergies, and dietary restrictions, and go from there.

Main dish

It is not uncommon for the host to take charge of the main course, but it doesn't need to be a turkey. Aim for just one main course that is easy to prepare and serve. A rotisserie chicken is an option, or consider these less traditional homemade recipes that don't require any effort at cooking time:

Parmesan Herb Chicken

Chicken is pressed with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. Prepare and store in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to bake it. It's all hands off cooking time.

Herb-Crusted Chicken

Chicken Enchilada Pie Casserole

Layer the ingredients of these Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas in a casserole dish and slice it like a pie. This can be made ahead, frozen and baked at serving time. Use rotisserie chicken to make this and save.

Chicken Enchilada Pie

Pork Tenderloin Carnitas (Slow Cooker)

Make Pork Tenderloin Carnitas in a slow cooker with just 3 ingredients! Easy recipe for juicy shredded pork.

Pork Loin Carnitas (Slow Cooker)

Crock-Pot Baked Ziti

You won't believe how easy it is to make crock-pot baked ziti with three cheeses. You don't need to boil the noodles first. Since it's vegetarian, it's easy on the wallet.

Crock-Pot Baked Ziti

Cozy sides

Plan a variety of side dishes to round out the meal. You may even want to serve only sides and make it an everything-but-the-turkey meal! Using seasonal produce will keep the costs down and add fall flair. From your grandma’s viral casseroles on TikTok to maple dijon carrots, side dishes are easy on the wallet and often the highlight of the meal.

Popular side dish ideas:

Columbia 1905 Salad Recipe

Make the original Columbia 1905 Salad and dressing recipe at home! This hearty salad with a zesty garlic vinaigrette is easy to prepare and always a crowd pleaser.

Columbia 1905 Salad Recipe

Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Crock-Pot Mashed Potatoes with cream cheese and sour cream are a GAME CHANGER! This no-boil potato recipe is freezer-friendly too.

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Casserole or Cups

Make Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin in a casserole dish or muffin pan! Either way, this cheesy, low-carb side dish is sure to be a BIG HIT.

Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

Beverages

Alcohol can be one of the most expensive parts of Friendsgiving hosting. Consider making it a BYOB affair, encouraging guests to bring their favorite drinks.

Decorated desserts

Desserts do not need to be extravagant to be delicious. Add fall sprinkles to simple, low-cost treats like peanut butter blossoms or eggless chocolate cupcakes for a festive touch. You can also make dessert part of the potluck sign-up.

Decor on a dime

When decorating, keeping to 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 seamless, inviting atmosphere.

DIY table decorations

When it comes to decor, think rustic and homemade. Gather natural items like pumpkins, pinecones and fall leaves from your yard to create a festive tablescape. Add a few candles for a cozy vibe, or repurpose mason jars and string lights to elevate the ambiance. Look around your house to see what you can repurpose!

Thrift store finds

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

Cozy outdoor lounge

If you're hosting outdoors or have extra space, set up a cozy lounge area with blankets, pillows and string lights. Use old blankets or inexpensive throws to drape over chairs, and bring out pillows from inside to make the space comfortable. Add a few lanterns or candles for soft lighting, and if you have a fire pit, light it up to create a warm, inviting spot where guests can gather after dinner. 

Budget-friendly fun

Friendsgiving is a chance to focus on what your friend group loves and values to create a shared experience.

Game night

Add a playful touch to your gathering by including a game night. Bring out classic board or card games that everyone can enjoy, from charades to Pictionary. You can quickly create Friendsgiving-themed trivia games using free artificial intelligence tools with questions about Thanksgiving traditions, food or funny memories.

Gratitude circle

For a heartfelt Friendsgiving tradition, have each guest share something they are thankful for. Provide small cards for guests to write their gratitude statements, which can be read aloud or exchanged during the meal. This simple yet meaningful activity is a low-cost way to remind everyone of the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

Photo booth

Creating a photo booth is a free way to capture the joy of the night and gives everyone a keepsake to remember the gathering. Assemble a simple backdrop using fall-themed items like plaid blankets, string lights, pumpkins or autumn leaves.