Friendsgiving has been around for a few years now. One of the best aspects of living in a rural area is the strong sense of community. When you live in a small town, everyone knows everyone, which can be a special aspect. However, it may take time to make some true friends nearby.
But it also means when holidays roll around, you might not have family nearby to celebrate with. That’s why I’ve put together 5 Friendsgiving ideas for you.
If you’re looking for some Friendsgiving ideas this year, look no further. Here are a few fun Friendsgiving ideas to get you started in your rural area.
What is it?
What is Friendsgiving? Friendsgiving is a Thanksgiving celebration with friends, rather than family. It occurs when people move away from their hometowns, especially from rural areas, to cities for work or other reasons.
1. Plan Ahead
Plan and delegate tasks. One of the best things about Friendsgiving is that it’s a potluck-style meal, allowing everyone to contribute something. To ensure everything comes together smoothly, plan and delegate tasks effectively.
Make a list of everything that needs to be done.
From cooking and cleaning to setting the table and decorating – assign tasks to different people in your group. That way, no one feels overwhelmed, and everyone knows what they need to do to help make the day a success.
We had potluck dinners for the last four years with three other couples. It’s easier than having one person cook or bake everything. This year, we’ve extended an invitation to include more friends for the potluck dinners.
Plus, all the cleaning that goes into it before guests come over for the potluck.
2. Pot Luck Dinners For Friendsgiving Ideas
This is a great way to try new recipes, as it involves everyone in meal planning. It’s a great way to save money on your Friendsgiving feast.
Assign each person to bring a dish, and voilà – you’ve got yourself a delicious meal. There is no need to think of Friendsgiving food ideas alone.
Get creative with your menu. Just because you don’t spend Thanksgiving with family doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all your favorite traditional dishes.
But if you’re looking to mix things up, you have plenty of other options. You could create a themed menu (like an Italian-style Thanksgiving feast or a Mexican-inspired turkey dinner) or ditch the turkey altogether in favor of another main dish. The sky’s the limit, so get creative!
Don’t forget about dessert. What’s a Thanksgiving feast without pumpkin pie? If you’re not into baking, no worries – you can always purchase something at the bakery if you plan ahead.
However, we have sometimes had our best potlucks at the last minute when everyone could get together. It’s not always easy with everyone’s jobs and families who come to visit, etc.
3. Play Some Games
Another Friendsgiving idea is to play games. Board games, charades, or some good old-fashioned truth or dare are all great ways to get everyone laughing and having fun together.
Just be sure you have snacks on hand to keep everyone’s energy up.
What are some fun games?
- Mexican Train
- Cards Against Humanity
- Scrabble
- Trivia
- Monopoly
- Pool (if one has a table)
- Ping Pong
4. Go For A Nature Walk or Ride
If you’re lucky enough to live in a beautiful area, take advantage of it. Get everyone together for a nice, long walk and enjoy the scenery.
However, in the cold climate where we are, we could watch a beautiful sunset on a lake. Or go on a snowshoe walk, ski, or for a snowmobile ride.
5. Make Friendsgiving Fun
Make it fun! The whole point of Friendsgiving is to have fun with your friends, so make sure that’s at the forefront of everything you do. Whether you play games, watch football, or sit around and chat, take some time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
That’s what this holiday is all about, so don’t be lonely this year.
6. Invite More People as Your Circle Expands
The longer you live in a rural area, the more new people you meet, the more you can invite to your Friendsgiving meal. Think of those who do not have family living nearby or who are new in town.
Keep in mind you will need the space if you have a large gathering. Your Friendsgiving food list may be longer, so assign everyone something from the list.
Conclusion: Friendsgiving Ideas in Rural Areas
Celebrating Friendsgiving is a great way to enjoy all the best parts of Thanksgiving. It is all about food, company, and gratitude, without all the stress of travel and family drama. And if you don’t know how to get started, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered here.
Just follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to hosting a Friendsgiving celebration that everyone will remember for years to come. The same can be planned for Christmas and New Year’s Eve if you are far from your family living in a rural area.
Have you had a Friendsgiving in your area yet? It’s still not too late to have a Friendsgiving get-together on any day of the year.
I’d love to hear more about your get-together, living in a rural area, or other Friendsgiving ideas you may have.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friendsgiving in the Country: Frequently Asked Questions
How is Friendsgiving different from Thanksgiving?
Friendsgiving is a casual Thanksgiving-style meal with friends, usually before or after the holiday. It is flexible, often potluck, and tailored to your group. No strict rules, no formal seating needed.
When is the best time to host Friendsgiving?
Most people host the weekend before Thanksgiving, the weekend after, or a midweek evening in early November. In rural areas, choose a time that accommodates harvest, hunting season, church schedules, and school events.
How big should the guest list be for a rural home?
Aim for the number of seats you can manage, plus a few camp chairs. Ten to fourteen guests work well in most homes. If space is limited, consider serving buffet-style and rotating seating in shifts.
What is the simplest way to plan a potluck menu?
Give guests clear lanes. For example:
•The host handles the turkey or main dish, gravy, and drinks.
•Guests claim sides, salads, bread, and desserts.
•Ask for one label per dish with allergens. Share a group note on what is claimed to avoid five green bean casseroles.
How do we handle dietary needs without extra stress?
Ask for specific needs upfront, then plan one or two inclusive dishes—good anchors include roasted vegetables, simple salads, rice or potatoes, and a protein without breading. Keep butter and toppings on the side.
Do we have to serve a turkey?
No. Other easy main courses include roasted chicken, ham, brisket, pulled pork, or a hearty vegetable bake. For small groups, a turkey breast or two is sufficient and cooks more quickly.
