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As a first responder having the holidays off, you are considered lucky or you’re a veteran with seniority. It’s hard for us to make any travel arrangements for the holidays when my husband or I have to work the day before, the day of or day after. In our home when our holiday plan gets a bit difficult because of work we settle for Friendsgiving dinner. I miss my family but sometimes I look forward in taking a break from the big FAMILY dinner. So we decided to host an Intimate Friendsgiving Dinner for the holidays, and I will share tips on how I pulled it off.
I started hosting Friendsgiving dinner, two years ago. I wanted a break from the big family dinner and planned a small holiday gathering with my husband. He was getting deployed overseas and he wanted to do the small intimate, no family dinner. The main purpose of Friendsgiving is bringing people together and in need of good company and laughs.
Hosting a Friendsgiving dinner is not as stressful as planning the big feast. It starts with your guest list, amazing friends that you considered close followed by finger licking delicious food and a positive atmosphere having a good time, oh w can’t forget the cocktail. Whether you have limited space or not you can make it look fancy on a budget of course. Buts also know if you have limited space you have to plan your friendsgiving accordingly. You don’t want to force people to eat standing up.
How do You host a memorable and successful Friendsgiving
Guest List
Keep it small, it doesn’t have to be big, with 4-8 you will be fine. It won’t be as stressful as you might think.
Save The Date
Setting the date is totally up to you and what’s convenient for your guest and having it before or after the holiday is ok. Don’t stress the big Turkey Day. You be surprised how many people can not fly to their family on Thanksgiving Day or be off. So plan accordingly.
Menu
Keep it simple and easy and don’t stress it and run around like a chicken with no head. If your guest agreed to help out and bring a dish, a Pot Luck. Say “YES”. See what your guest are willing to contribute and take it from there. I’m a person that I love to HOST and I take NO for an answer. TRUST me if your plan changes at last minute because of work, ACCEPT all the help that’s being offered.
Decorations
The best thing about Friendsgiving is that you don’t have to drive yourself crazy trying to impress as you would for the in-laws. You can add budget-friendly decor for the festivity and not spend a fortune. The best place to shop is the DOLLAR TREE. You will find all your decorations for your gathering budget-friendly to make the scenery beautiful and intimate for the holiday season. You can keep it simple buying seasonal decoration flowers for table center piece. Some great holiday items you can pick up at The dollar tree, Candles, Plates,Table ware and place mats.
Hosting Essentials
Beverages: Along with the appetizers I always have cocktails available for my guest. Setting a relaxing tone for the evening with a cocktail whether is a glass of wine or drink is a way to start. If your guest enjoys a drink, make sure you have a good drink that everyone will enjoy.
Music: You definitely want to set the festivity mood with music. You don’t need to hire a Dj, with an Echo and downloading Pandora or Iheart Radio will do the job for the evening.
Coat Rack: Designate a space or area to place jackets, coats, and purse. You don’t want to have your guest coats and accessories all over the house.
Games: This is a great way to break the ice and your guest can mingle after dinner while making room for dessert. At my gathering, my friend always brings the board game and it’s always a hit.
Leftovers: Always have to-go plastic containers for your guest to take home. You can purchase these at the Dollar Tree.
Friends giving is all about having fun, spending time with friends and making your own tradition. These are general tips to host a successful evening, hope your Friendsgiving Dinner will be fun and memorable.
What are you planning for Friendsgiving? What are your Friendsgiving tradition?
Related Post: How to survive your first uncomfortable Holiday Dinner with the in-laws
Here is a few suggestion to make your Friendsgiving night simple and stress free.
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