I know I know, we are just reaching Halloween but a lot of you that read on the regular are bloggers just like me.
That means you need to get your sponsored Friendsgiving posts queued within the next few weeks before the turkey fervor reaches an all time high.
This post originated from the off the cuff idea I shouted out during a trip north with a few of my favorite bloggers Matt (of Simko-Says) and Dan (The Food in My Beard.) “Let’s have a Friendsgiving” I giddily exclaimed after polishing off my first double IPA.
So imagine my surprise when I realized that Friendsgiving planning rested on my shoulders.
Lots of research ensued and you can gather all of my takeaways below sans angst, tears and any other histrionics that may or may not have ensued.
Keep Your Numbers Small
We all agreed we would only invite the people we hold the most near and dear.
Capping the guest list ensures you won’t have to freak out about where you’re going to find space to seat everyone or how you’re going to afford to stock the bar (because face it, our friends can drink.)
Try to Be Timely
Work early-on to coordinate a date and time that works for everyone (and early enough so you can get great photos with natural light!)
Use a tool like Doodle to poll your friends on which day and time is best for them and go from there.
Prep Your Palette
I’m not just talking about the menu (but while we’re on the topic, feel free to think outside the average turkey day fare for once) but the scene.
Even my shared planning doc had a plum, pumpkin and mustardy-yellow color combination going on.
You don’t have to go all Domino with your decorations, but choosing a central color will help you pull together the overall feeling you’re looking to achieve and make it easier to make decisions.
Balance Things Out
If you prefer minimalism, then truly focus on the details you do include.
The tablescape can include just a few elements, but work to personalize the items like place cards to create a memorable moment for your guests when they sit down.
Don’t Forget Your Gluten-Free Girlfriends
Be sure your menu includes both vegetarian and gluten-free options for those that need it (also considering any other unmentioned dietary needs.)
Bon Appetit has 33 mouth watering gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes like Sweet & Sour Cherry and Buckwheat Crumble, Chocolate Tahini Truffles, and Poached Apples with Vanilla Yogurt sure to appeal to varied tastes.
Finish with a Favor
Save the Best for Last
