19 Festive Activities To Try At Friendsgiving

Meaghan Pachay
Oct 30, 2024
19 friendsgiving activities

We love our families, we really do, but one of the best parts of growing up is getting to make yourself a new friend-family to celebrate with, whether it's your college buddies or the group you do happy hour with after work. Think Galentines Day and, our more timely fave, Friendsgiving. Whether you're looking forward to Turkey Day at your in-laws' or not, you can always count on your squad for a killer festive time, especially with these 19 Friendsgiving ideas.

Share The Wealth

Fauxels/Pexels

One of the most stressful things about big holiday dinners is the pressure to host the whole thing, from prep to table. You need production calendars, ideally a second oven, and three extra sets of hands. Not so with Friendsgiving! You roast the bird and let your buds bring the rest, potluck-style. Then, let them go around the table and present their dish. Make them really sell it and brag about their sweet cooking skills.

Game of Football or Soccer

Mizuno K/Pexels

If you want to take inspiration from an episode of Friends, a game of football or soccer is always a good idea. Just don't let things get *too* competitive!

Go For a Walk

Thirdman/Pexels

Nothing makes you feel better after a heavy meal than going for a walk. Whether it be a beach, a park, or just around the neighborhood, grab your friends and walk and talk.

Caravan Draw Together Thanksgiving Set

Brit + Co

 Print out an epic tablecloth that you can color in, or just put butcher paper, crayons, and paints on the table and let your friends go to town decorating. We bet they wouldn’t even be opposed to making turkeys with their handprints.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

IMDB

 Age is just a number, and the Peanuts gang will live in our hearts forever. Watch the movie on the big screen with all your friend and reminisce about Thanksgivings from your younger days.

Macy's Parade Drinking Game

Cottonbro Studio/Pexels

When it comes to the Macy’s parade, some things are a given: There will be a marching band from the Midwest, there will be floats, and there will likely be some country star wearing a cowboy hat. Lay out the rules, and then get ready to do some pre-dinner drinking. If you want to save that valuable stomach real estate for food, make it a workout game rather than a drinking game. Think jumping jacks, burpees, and plank (while you’re doing that, we’ll be in the corner, thank you very much).

Card Games

Yan Krukau/Pexels

If you’re too full to swing a stick around, board games or card games are always a safe bet. Maybe playing Cards Against Humanity might seem slightly wrong on this most thankful of days, but we do promise that it will be fun. You can even get in the spirit of the upcoming season by adding in the Holiday Pack.

Potluck Dessert

Ron Lach

Invite each guest to bring a family favorite, provide toppings (hello, whipped cream), and dig in.

Booze Tasting

Pexels

If you consider yourself a connoisseur of a certain elixir, there’s no better time to show off than the holidays. Pick the perf wine to go with your turkey, showcase the beer you’ve been brewing, or tell the crew a thing or two about whiskey.

Gratitude List

Unlike birthday wishes, you can totally tell people what you’re thankful for. In fact, sharing in your gratitude on a group list is a great way to discover what else you may be grateful for.

To-Go Pie

ROMAN ODINTSOV

Have your guests help assemble the containers so that at the end of the night everyone gets to bring a slice or two (or three) home.

Thanksgiving Bingo

This fun printable is a great place to start, but if your squad has their own particularities, you may want to create your own. Suzie gets sloshed on rosé? Check. Tom quotes Charlie Brown? Check.

Giant Dominos

Alena Darmel

Set up lawn games.You can easily play an outdoor version of dominoes while sipping a cocktail in your Turkey Day best, or just watch everyone else run around the yard.

Appetizers

Wendy Wei/Pexels

You don’t need to wait until the afternoon to celebrate Turkey Day. Starting the festivities with some out of the ordinary thanksgiving treats before you all head to your dinners is a great way to say you’re thankful for each other.

Photo Area

Cottonbro Studio/Pexels

Instead of one big awkward photo, you can take all the cute photos you want in a designated photo area. DIY an ombre leaf wall and bring in some fun props like a turkey leg, wishbones, and more!

Have dessert outside

Aline Viana/Pexels

While having your entire Thanksgiving feast probably isn't feasible, take some of the fun outside when it comes to dessert! This allows you to get some fresh air, put on your cutest chunky sweater, and enjoy the fall weather.

Decorate Cookies

Roman Odinstov/Pexels

This activity is fun and tasty! What could be better than that? Play some music, light some fall-scented candles, and watch everyone have a blast.

Gossip Girl Thanksgiving Episode Marathon

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Arguably the best Thanksgiving episodes come from Gossip Girl! Queue them all up and sit back and watch all the drama unfold.

Make Hot Chocolate

Cottonbro Studio/Pexels

Nothing is cozier than hot chocolate! Put on a holiday movie, distribute hot chocolate, and have a great time.

If you need ideas for your menu, check out our easy and affordable Friendsgiving recipes!

This post has been updated.

Upgrade Your Thanksgiving With A Crescent-Roll Cornucopia

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

The easiest and most delicious Thanksgiving crescent roll cornucopia recipe.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

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14 Festive Holiday Party Theme Ideas To Stand Out This Invite Season

Party season is fast approaching, and if you're planning to host a Christmas or New Year's Eve bash, why not make it memorable with a creative theme? Whether you go for Futuristic Glam, Celestial or a Time Traveler's throwback, a themed celebration is the perfect way to make your party the best of the season. Check out these 14 creative ideas to celebrate the holidays and ring in a rockin' new year.

Here are the best holiday party themes to try this season!

Юлиана Маринина

Futuristic Glam Holiday Party

Metallic disco vibes here. Think silver or neon outfits for dress code; glow-in-the-dark drinks; and even a VR experience. Plus, DIY a future predictions time capsule!

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Swiftie Merry Era Party

Each room is inspired by Swift’s different albums and eras: Evermore/Red with cozy plaid blankets, vintage books, candles, and hot chocolate with sprinkles on top; Lover with a pastel Christmas tree, heart-shaped ornaments, and glittering pink decor serving Lover’s Lemonade; Midnights with starry backdrops, disco balls, and rich purples and blues serving Midnight Margaritas. Playlist is ofc a curated Swiftie-approved playlist. Plus, you can DIY friendship bracelets as gifts! Photo: Brit + Co x Moonpig Holiday Collection

Forever 21

Naughty or Nice Pajama Party

Whatever your guests decide, Naughty or Nice, comfort is key here. Have a fireplace going if you have one (or fake it), sleeping bags to snuggle into, and serve a Christmas breakfast with pancakes, bacon and holiday cocktails!

Shinesty

Tacky Christmas Party

Guests wear their most over-the-top Christmas sweaters or ridiculous 'fits and you serve up classic comfort foods like sliders and spiked eggnog. Create a photo booth with tacky props too!

Paige Cody

Holiday '20s Revival Party

The vibe here is the Jazz age with a modern twist as we head into 2025! Guests wear flapper dresses, pinstripes, and sequins. Your decor is filled with art deco details and Champagne towers with jazz playing in the background.

Brooke Lark

Charcuterie + Cocktails Christmas Happy Hour

Flex your charcuterie skills, even making personalized individual charcuterie boards for smaller gatherings, and check out our Christmas cocktails to sip and sparkle your way through the holidays. This is the perfect happy hour before holiday party hopping!

RDNE Stock project

Time Travelers' Ball

Celebrate every decade from the 1920s to the 2020s. Guests choose their favorite decade and each room is styled after a specific era with different music from that time!

Amazon

Winter Wonderland Party

Everyone wears white, silver, or icy blue and you decorate with snowflakes, twinkling lights, and faux fur and shearling accessories. Feature a hot chocolate bar with cinnamon sticks and whipped cream, snowflake-shaped cookies, and sparkling cocktails, and play icebreaker games like a snowman building contest (using marshmallows and toothpicks).

Amazon

Celestial Countdown Party

What does 2025 have in store for you? Try this zodiac-inspired theme with starry backdrops, constellation lights, and moon props. Everyone wears shimmering outfits, and you serve up cocktails like galaxy martinis and moon pies. Hire a tarot reader if you're feeling really fancy!

Target

Come As Your Favorite Christmas Character Party

Project holiday movies on your wall, create a popcorn bar station, and everyone dresses as their favorite Christmas movie character. Holiday movie trivia optional!

Nicole Michalou

Cookie + Cake Decorating Party

Here's a more casual theme that's also great for families. Let guests show off their sweet decorating skills with pre-baked cookies, plus milk and cocktails. You can do a blind taste test too and gift the winner with aCrumbs cookbook at the end of the night!

RDNE Stock project

Secret Santa Soirée

Serve up a buffet with festive finger foods and mulled wine, and host a gift exchange with games like "Guess the Gifter." You can also do gift themes like from the zodiac, color based, earth-friendly, self care, and $15 and under.

Shutterstock

Christmas Karaoke Night

Break out the karaoke machine for a night of Christmas tune belting. You can also play holiday-themed games like "Finish That Carol"!

Pavel Danilyuk

DIY Christmas Craft Party

Get your pals together for a night of DIY gift making. Serve simple easy-to-eat snacks like mini quiches and mocktails, and create craft stations for decorating ornaments, wreaths, or self care items like scrubs and soaps, even jewelry! You can turn this into potluck where each guest brings a craft too!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday outfit ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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How to Survive Thanksgiving With Your Unwoke Relatives

Did you leave your family Thanksgiving dinner last year feeling like you were the one who got carved up and digested? You weren't alone. In an increasingly polarized sociological climate, family events where opinions differ can feel fraught with high stakes and conflicting moral obligations. And if you're already dreading Thanksgiving because all of the brawlin' that's sure to go down, you might be considering opting out of the festivities entirely.

In our Teach Me Something New podcast, Alexandra Carter, Columbia law professor and mediation expert, talks to Brit and Anj about the powers of persuasion to get the results you want in a conversation. The key to the Thanksgiving political discussion? Listening, asking open questions, and finding some common ground.

Here's what you can do to make it through Thanksgiving when your relatives just keep being problematic and things get awkward...

"I might say something like, 'I hear that you're concerned about national security and that's what led me to have this viewpoint.' So sometimes using a little bit of focusing on what you have in common can help you to have a civil conversation and not have anybody throwing mashed potatoes across the table," says Carter.

Here are more expert-backed tips for navigating the holiday awkwardness, even if it's just via Zoom. Make stuffing your face great again this Thanksgiving by implementing our seven-step plan.

Askar Abayev

1. Choose your battles ahead of time.

You're not going to change everyone's opinion about all of the things over the course of a meal and a football game. You might want to show up ready for a duel of words with your Facebook-meme-king cousin, but that's just going to put your opinionated family member on the offensive from the moment you walk in. Decide ahead of time if there's one issue that you really cannot keep your mouth shut about if it comes up, and have two or three talking points ready that clarify your position on that topic. If your hot button does get pushed, your talking points will help you keep from making things personal.

2. Confer with the host.

If you feel comfortable with the person that's organizing or hosting Thanksgiving, speak to him or her in advance about how you can be on Team Keep the Peace. Most people aren't keen on a political brouhaha breaking out around their dinner table, so they'll probably be relieved to hear that you're on board and willing to help make the day go smoothly for everyone. Brainstorm some ideas about seating arrangements or wholesome activities to fill the idle family time that can lead to trading barbs.

Element5 Digital

3. Make it a game.

Caitlin Bergstein, a Boston-based matchmaker and relationship expert for Three Day Rule, suggests a fun twist on the swear jar concept. “If your family is up for the challenge, you can even make it a game. Each time someone mentions something political, they have to put a dollar in a jar (or take a drink, depending on how your family celebrates the holiday). At the end of the night, that cash can be put aside for the next family get together!"

4. Have a moment of silence.

Sometimes the idea of a quiet table can be intimidating (all those chewing noises!), but encouraging a moment of reflection among your holiday guests can actually be transformative. Whether you observe several seconds of silence in honor of relatives you've lost, as a way to silently acknowledge your individual blessings, or as an act of prayer or meditation, you've hopefully brought the room back to focus on each other's company and the gift that it is to be together.

Monstera Production

5. Be an active listener.

If your one doggedlypersistent aunt can't let go of her obsession with the latest political scandal, reconsider what she's actually trying to tell you. Chances are, it's not just about what she saw on the news. “Assume that your polarizing relative actually probably just wants to connect, feel respected, and reduce their own anxiety about holiday gatherings, and interpret even difficult behavior as such," advises Mary Fisher, a Salt Lake City psychotherapist who specializes in family relationships. “Express the desire to connect while redirecting the conversation," Fisher recommends. Emphasize the fact that you're interested in protecting the time your family spends together. That can help soften the blow when you ask to instead hear them share a family memory or talk about a hobby you both share.

6. Disengage.

Remember that if angry words or offensive language start flying at you across the sweet potato pie, you don't have to respond. Have a script in mind to use, something like, “While I hear where you're coming from, I don't share your opinion, and I'm done talking about it today." Convey the message that you're quite clear on the matter being discussed, and you're not going to take the bait. You may have to repeat yourself several times, or you may choose to remain silent until things cool down around you. Either one is okay.

7. Duck out early.

If you feel like you have to retreat from the situation entirely, do it. One of the best things about being an adult is leaving when you want to leave. You don't have to subject yourself, your spouse, or your family to any kind of dialogue that is insulting, bigoted, or aggressive. Fisher shares these words of advice: “While we might think that the holidays are the time to resolve differences, they are actually the time to affirm and nurture connection, which can be an uphill battle with politically polarizing relatives." If you don't feel like a connection is being nurtured and the environment is not good for you to be in, say goodbye and make a break for it.

Looking for more holiday help this year? Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!

This article has been updated from a previous post.

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Justin & Hailey Bieber (And Baby Jack!) Get Cozy In Rare Fall Selfie

Justin & Hailey Bieber have always been the cool kids on the block — and now they're the cool parents on the block! The couple welcomed their first baby, Jack Blues Bieber, over the summer of 2024, and have been enjoying life as a family of three ever since.

When they first brought him home from the hospital, Justin shared the cutest photo of Hailey holding their son's foot on Instagramwith the caption, "WELCOME HOME JACK BLUES BIEBER 🐻." (Hopefully that emoji means they've nicknamed him Bear!). And ahead of the holidays, Hailey gave us the best gift of all: a brand new selfie featuring Justin, Hailey, and Jack. And it's got me singing "Baby" by Justin Bieber, for real.

Here's everything you need to know about Justin & Hailey Bieber's baby Jack Blues Bieber!

The Latest News On Justin & Hailey Bieber's Baby

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A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber)

On August 23, Justin posted this first photo of Hailey and their brand new baby's cute little toes on Instagram. The whole world has been in love with this little ever since!

Hailey Bieber couldn't resist showing off another cute image of Baby Jack's feet on Instagram stories on October 31. It seems like he was seated in a baby carrier while wearing the cutest fuchsia onesie that had an 'I Voted' sticker on his foot. Hailey wrote, "Happy Halloween! Get out there and vote 👻," over the photo, letting us know she did her part on the spookiest day of the year!

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A post shared by Hailey Rhode Baldwin Bieber (@haileybieber)

In a post celebrating the month of November (which Hailey Bieber calls "the best month of the year"), the Rhode founder posted a photo of the Bieber family on a walk. Justin is wearing a fuzzy hoodie and jacket, while Hailey bundles up with a zip-up, a fur coat, and a baseball cap, along with Jack in a little baby carrier of course! Is there anything better than getting cozy with your fam in the fall? I genuinely don't think so.

Does Hailey Bieber have a child?

Yes, Hailey Bieber gave birth to Jack Blues Bieber on August 23, 2024. Congratulations, Mama!

What is Hailey Bieber's baby name?

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A post shared by Hailey Rhode Baldwin Bieber (@haileybieber)

Hailey & Justin Bieber's baby's name is Jack Blues Bieber. Although when Hailey posted on Instagram on May 25, 2024 dressed in red — with a strawberry pimple patch & cherry blossom nails to boot — fans thought she was teasing a different name. "Little cherry blossoms on my nails little cherry blossom in my belly," she captioned the post. Maybe they'll bookmark Blossom for the future? ;)

Why did Justin name his son Jack Blues?

Justin Bieber is definitely not the first celeb to give his child a unique name, and Jack Blues is as cute as it is memorable. It's also a special name because according to Page Six, Jack is Justin's dad's middle name too!

What has Hailey & Justin Bieber's family said about Jack?

After Jack was born (and the world knew about it), Justin's mom tweeted her excitement over being a grandma, saying, "CONGRATULATIONS @justinbieber & Hailey. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BABY JACK" and Hailey's dad, Stephen Baldwin shared his own congratulatory tweetthat says,"Congratulations to you and may God continue to bless our family."

Jack Blues Bieber is gonna be one cute kid. Check back here for the latest Justin & Hailey Bieber baby news! Read up on Milo Ventimiglia Is A "Sweet And Attentive" Father-To-Be, And Duh!!! for more!

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Hailee Steinfeld Is Engaged! See The Gorgeous Proposal Photo (& Taylor Swift's Reaction).

'Tis the season for love — Hailee Steinfeldand Josh Allen are engaged! The 27-year-old actress (who you'll recognize from Pitch Perfect 2 and Hawkeye) and 28-year-old Buffalo Bills quarterback were first romantically linked in May of 2023, and "have been head over heels from the start," according to a People source. "Their families are thrilled."

This celebrity couple has the final word on romance if you ask me: trips to Paris, baby showers, and serious PDA (in Cabo no less). But nothing gets more romantic than Josh's proposal on November 22, 2024. An arch covered in roses and a grassy hill with flowers and vases filled with sand. When asked how it felt to play football as a fiancé, Josh said it "felt good. Felt free."

Keep scrolling to see Hailee Steinfeld & Josh Allen's oh-so-romantic engagement post — and some key moments that led to it.

  • Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen have been dating since May 2023, and took their relationship Instagram official in October 2024.
  • The couple got engaged on November 22, 2024 under a beautiful rose-filled arch.
  • Everyone from Travis Kelce to Chad Michael Murray is celebrating with them!

Did Josh Allen get engaged to Hailee Steinfeld?

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A post shared by Josh Allen (@joshallenqb)

Yes, Josh Allen & Hailee Steinfeld are engaged! The couple made a joint post to Instagram to celebrate, and Josh captioned the photo, "♾️ 11•22•24 ♾️." The Summer I Turned Pretty's Conrad and Belly have nothin' on Hailee Steinfeld & Josh Allen's eternal love! ;)

"The biggest congratulations ❤️," Hailee's Pitch Perfect costar Rebel Wilson commented. Chad Micheal Murray was also excited for the couple, commenting, "Congrats brother!"

Is Hailee Steinfeld in a relationship in 2024?

Yes, Hailee Steinfeld has been with Josh Allen since the summer of 2023. When they were first linked, a source told People that "it's new, but they are having fun."

And that fun clearly turned into something much more! Josh went Instagram official in October of 2024 (with photos from a Paris trip Hailee posted in April), and the comments flooded with fans and friends showering the couple in love. "Babe wake up, Joshy just hard launched Hailee," one user said, while another added, "thank you for making Hailee happy!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼."

In the October 18 edition of her Beau Society newsletter, Hailee joked that after she and Josh gifted each other the Miyabi Kaizen chef's knife last Christmas, "he told me there's an old wive's tale that if you gift your significant other a knife you have to pay for it, otherwise it signifies the severing of a relationship. So we exchanged quarters so we didn't have that bad omen." This just proves how well they know each other!

Are Taylor Swift and Hailee Steinfeld still friends?

Yes, Taylor Swift and Hailee Steinfeld are still friends. 9 years after Hailee starred in Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" music video, Taylor liked Hailee and Josh's Instagram post (which she doesn't do often), and her BF Travis Kelce commented, "Congratulations!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻."

When is Hailee Steinfeld getting married?

The couple hasn't told us their wedding date yet, but stay tuned for news on the big day — and wedding photos!

Congrats to the happy couple! Loving all the celeb love? Read up on Shaun White & Nina Dobrev's engagement, too!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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